5 Post-Accident Warning Lights You Should Never Ignore This Winter
Winter driving comes with its own set of challenges, from icy roads to sudden snowstorms. If you’ve been involved in a minor collision or slide this winter, you might notice warning lights illuminated on your dashboard. These lights aren’t just random alerts—they are your car’s way of telling you something needs attention. Ignoring them can lead to unsafe driving conditions or even costly repairs.
Here are five post-accident warning lights you should never ignore this winter, what they mean, and why they matter.
1. ABS Warning Light (Anti-Lock Braking System)
The ABS warning light looks like a circle with “ABS” in the center, often surrounded by parentheses. This light indicates an issue with your car’s anti-lock braking system, a critical safety feature designed to prevent your wheels from locking up during sudden stops on slippery roads.
Why It Appears Post-Collision:
A winter collision can damage sensors or wiring connected to the ABS system. Additionally, icy conditions or impacts with snowbanks may cause dirt or debris to interfere with the sensors.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It:
Without ABS, your car’s braking ability is compromised, especially on icy or wet surfaces. This increases your risk of skidding or losing control during sudden stops. Have a certified technician inspect your ABS system promptly to restore its functionality.
2. Traction Control Warning Light
The traction control warning light often looks like a car with wavy lines behind it. This system works with your ABS to reduce wheel spin and improve stability on slippery surfaces.
Why It Appears Post-Collision:
Impacts can misalign or damage the traction control sensors, especially if the collision involves your car’s wheels or suspension. Ice buildup around the sensors can also trigger this warning.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It:
A malfunctioning traction control system makes it harder to maintain control on icy or snowy roads, increasing the risk of skidding or spinning out. Addressing this issue promptly ensures your car handles safely in winter conditions.
3. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
The TPMS warning light usually looks like an exclamation point inside a horseshoe-like shape. It alerts you to low tire pressure, which is common in winter as cold temperatures cause air to contract.
Why It Appears Post-Collision:
Hitting a curb, pothole, or snowbank can damage your tires or wheels, leading to sudden pressure loss. Post-collision impacts can also affect TPMS sensors, causing false readings.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It:
Driving on underinflated tires reduces traction and increases the risk of a blowout—both dangerous in winter. Check your tire pressure immediately and ensure your tires are properly inflated. If the issue persists, have the TPMS system inspected for damage.
4. Check Engine Light
The check engine light is one of the most common and versatile warnings, often depicted as an engine icon or the words “CHECK ENGINE.” It signals that something is wrong with your vehicle’s engine, exhaust, or other critical systems.
Why It Appears Post-Collision:
Even minor impacts can loosen connections, damage sensors, or disrupt exhaust system components, triggering the check engine light. Cold weather exacerbates these issues, as freezing temperatures put additional strain on your car’s systems.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It:
Ignoring a check engine light can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road. From reduced fuel efficiency to engine damage, the risks far outweigh the inconvenience of having it checked. A professional inspection can identify the root cause and keep your car running smoothly.
5. Airbag Warning Light
The airbag warning light typically looks like a seated figure with a circle (representing an airbag) in front of it. This light indicates a problem with your car’s airbag system.
Why It Appears Post-Collision:
Even if the airbags didn’t deploy during the collision, sensors or connections may have been damaged. Cold weather can make these components brittle, increasing the risk of failure.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It:
A malfunctioning airbag system means your car’s safety features may not work in the event of another accident. It’s critical to have your airbag system inspected and repaired by a certified technician to ensure it’s functioning as designed.
What to Do If You See a Warning Light
Post-accident warning lights are your car’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. Here’s what to do if one or more lights appear on your dashboard:
1. Don’t Ignore Them: Even if your car seems to be driving fine, warning lights can indicate underlying issues that could worsen over time.
2. Refer to Your Manual: Check your vehicle’s owner manual to confirm the meaning of the warning light and take any immediate precautions recommended.
3. Schedule an Inspection: Bring your vehicle to a certified collision center like Car Center for a professional evaluation and repair.
At Car Center, our ASE Certified Technicians specialize in post-collision inspections and repairs. We use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately identify the cause of warning lights and ensure your car is restored to its safest condition.
Visit Car Center for Post-Collision Inspections
Don’t take chances with your safety this winter. If warning lights appear after a collision, trust Car Center to diagnose and fix the issue. With multiple convenient locations across Northwest Michigan, we’re here to help keep you on the road safely.
Locations:
- Car Center – Alpine | +1 616-361-6646
- Car Center – Big Rapids | +1 231-796-6006
- Car Center – Burton Heights | +1 616-245-8007
- Car Center – Cedar Springs | +1 616-696-1830
- Car Center – Greenville | +1 616-754-0307
- Car Center – Holland | +1 616-931-8800
- Car Center – Kentwood | +1 616-855-3550
