Now that we’re entering the colder months here in the International Falls, MN area, we at Bemidji Chrysler Center thought we’d help our drivers prepare for less than ideal driving conditions and long holiday travel by providing a quick breakdown on some of your vehicle’s dashboard lights.

Dashboard warning lights are extremely helpful and can help you address important issues before matters get worse. While most drivers know what some of the lights mean, like the gas light, many drivers may not know what other vital lights mean.

A critical light, especially when driving on wet roads, is the antilock brake warning light. This light appears as a circle with the letters “ABS” inside. When this light is on, it means that a sensor isn’t working correctly, affecting your antilock braking system and possibly preventing your brakes from working correctly. If you see this light, service your vehicle as soon as possible.

We always hope that our car will work as intended, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. One light to look out for is your power steering light. You can identify this warning by a steering wheel symbol followed by an exclamation mark. When this light is on, it means your power steering isn’t working. While you can still steer, it’s much harder, especially at lower speeds.

Newer cars, like the 2019 Jeep® Cherokee offer plenty in the way of safety assist features. However, these features often come with their own warning lights. One light to keep an eye on is your lane departure light. It shows as a road symbol and will come on if you start to veer from your lane.

It’s best to consult your owner’s manual if you see a warning light that you’re not familiar with. If any light comes on that indicates your vehicle isn’t functioning correctly, be sure to visit our Bemidji service center right away for expert care and service.