Understanding Your Kia’s Warning Lights

June 12th, 2024 by

Our vehicles have a unique way of communicating with us. Their engines and other internal components make distinct sounds when something is amiss – cries for help that can become recognizable over time. However, the warning lights that adorn your dashboard remain your vehicle’s most direct method of communication. 

When one of these lights flashes on, taking action becomes unavoidable. Courtesy of Raceway Kia of Freehold, here’s what each warning light on your dashboard signifies, as well as steps you should take when they flash. 

Check Engine 

We begin with the infamous Check Engine light – the universal sign that a headache is imminent. Generally represented by an illuminated, silhouetted engine icon, the check engine light is anxiety-inducing because it could pertain to so many different, potential issues. As such, you could be looking at anything from a simple fix like a loose gas cap to something as costly as compression loss. 

If the Check Engine light comes on while you’re driving – but continues operating normally, with no strange noises – the best course of action is to carry on with whatever you’re doing, as there’s little chance of imminent danger. Once you get home, contact our Service Center, where we’ll diagnose the issue, get to the bottom of what’s ailing your Kia, and get it resolved for you in a swift manner.  

Battery 

The battery warning is convenient because it unmistakably looks like what it’s indicating – your car battery. That’s where the convenience ends, however, as it’s indicating that your battery is either dead or dying. Many will see this icon for the first time alongside the dispiriting whirling or clicking sound of your engine not starting. But even if your car starts normally, don’t ignore the battery light for long – its emergence could signal either a long-term issue with the battery itself or a problem with your Kia’s electrical components or wiring. Thankfully, our team at Raceway Kia of Freehold is prepared to handle all your battery needs. 

Oil Change / Oil Pressure Warnings 

This pair of lights gages the health of your Kia’s oil. The oil pressure warning is the least cumbersome of the two, generally indicating the sensor of your faulty oil pressure sender needs replacing. It’s not an expensive fix. The oil change light is similarly straightforward: it’s time for an oil change! Modern engines have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. If your oil change light is indeed in sync with your maintenance schedule, come to Raceway and let us handle your oil change quickly and painlessly. 

Tire Pressure Warning 

Keeping your tires inflated to their proper PSI levels is an important facet of maintaining ideal fuel economy. If your tires are under-inflated, the inefficient miles add up quickly – especially during long road trips. Plus, driving on under-inflated tires can lead to serious damage to said tires. Take your Kia to an air pump and refill your tires to their recommended PSI levels (usually found on a sticker near the driver door). If the warning light persists, Kia’s Tire Source is here to help you find the perfect set of new tires for your Kia. 

Coolant Temperature 

This light indicates your vehicle is overheating and should be acknowledged immediately. If this light – which generally resembles a red thermometer – flashes, pull over at once and allow your engine to cool down. If you feel like your vehicle is safe enough to drive after the engine has cooled, restart it. Take inventory of where you are and how far you must travel to reach our Service Center. If you’re in a nearby township such as Howell or Manalapan you can probably make it, but consider whether your vehicle can realistically make it from as far away as Old Bridge 

If you deem the distance drivable, slowly navigate your vehicle to our garage, keeping an eye on the temperature gauge as you do so. If the needle swings to the red again, or if steam starts emanating from the hood, pull over once more and contact a friend or your preferred roadside assistance provider to get a tow. 

Traction Control / Stability Control 

This light (represented by a vehicle silhouette leaving behind a pair of squiggly marks) indicates a problem with the wheel speed sensor. As a result, your anti-lock brake system will be temporarily disabled. When your traction control light flashes, it’s sometimes accompanied by a humming noise emanating from your wheel well. Unlike your other warning lights, the traction control light doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem; instead, it will illuminate when your vehicle is properly fighting to maintain traction on excessively wet or icy roads.  

All of the Lights, None of the Fight 

One of the comforts of driving a Kia is knowing they’re prepared for anything. There are dozens of warning and indicator lights to be found across your dashboard. Some that we haven’t gotten into are self-explanatory – the door open and low fuel lights, for example – while others (airbag warning, lamp out alert) are less common but still require immediate attention. 

At Raceway Kia of Freehold, we’re similarly prepared for anything. Schedule your service appointment today and allow our certified technicians to tend to whatever ails your Kia. Regardless of what you drive – be it the adaptable 2024 Kia Soul or the award-winning, all-electric EV9 – we’ll make sure you stay on the road throughout the rocking Freehold summer and beyond. 

Posted in Service Tips