Reviving thread because this has recently become an issue among my cars and household drivers - know what the warning lights mean and the cost of ignoring them:
Red Battery symbol- low voltage because your alternator is not charging the battery. Can probably drive home if not too far, ~$50-$100 to fix an old battery, corroded terminal, replace alternator, or wiring.
Red Oil symbol - low oil pressure, you're screwed and better pull over as soon as you safely can and shut off the engine. You've got extremely low oil level or low pressure from engine damage. Expect to pay $500-3000 to repair. A flickering oil light means your engine is worn and at low rpm doesn't develop much pressure, put in higher weight old in that old beater.
Yellow check engine light - bad sensor reading going to computer. Scan for codes to see what's up. Could be $0 or $500. OK to drive.
Flashing yellow check engine light - very bad engine problem, like spark plug not firing and raw fuel entering catalytic convertor. Fix ASAP, do not drive. $100-1000.
Tire pressure warning light - your pressure is below 20-25 psi in one OR MORE tires. Maybe got low with outside temperatures dropping, just top it off, or maybe a nail in the tire $25. Maybe your pressure is down to almost zero and you'll need a new tire if you keep driving on it $150.
Airbag light - problem with the system and it won't fire if you're in an accident. I have no idea what this costs, can't be too much I'll guess $200.
Also seconding Parlay44, pay attention to how it handles and sounds, so you get early warning when something changes or is failing.
Red Battery symbol- low voltage because your alternator is not charging the battery. Can probably drive home if not too far, ~$50-$100 to fix an old battery, corroded terminal, replace alternator, or wiring.
Red Oil symbol - low oil pressure, you're screwed and better pull over as soon as you safely can and shut off the engine. You've got extremely low oil level or low pressure from engine damage. Expect to pay $500-3000 to repair. A flickering oil light means your engine is worn and at low rpm doesn't develop much pressure, put in higher weight old in that old beater.
Yellow check engine light - bad sensor reading going to computer. Scan for codes to see what's up. Could be $0 or $500. OK to drive.
Flashing yellow check engine light - very bad engine problem, like spark plug not firing and raw fuel entering catalytic convertor. Fix ASAP, do not drive. $100-1000.
Tire pressure warning light - your pressure is below 20-25 psi in one OR MORE tires. Maybe got low with outside temperatures dropping, just top it off, or maybe a nail in the tire $25. Maybe your pressure is down to almost zero and you'll need a new tire if you keep driving on it $150.
Airbag light - problem with the system and it won't fire if you're in an accident. I have no idea what this costs, can't be too much I'll guess $200.
Also seconding Parlay44, pay attention to how it handles and sounds, so you get early warning when something changes or is failing.