Dashboard and Diagnostics
How to Check a Vehicle for Open Safety Recalls With Its VIN
Find your car's VIN, run it through NHTSA's recall lookup, and know what to do whether a recall shows up or the result is zero.
The diagnostic wire
Dashboard and Diagnostics
Warning states, OBD information, tires, and safe next steps.
Briefs on this system
5 briefs
01
02
Dashboard and Diagnostics
Why Is My Tire Pressure Light On?
A steady tire pressure light means a tire is low, so check all four with a gauge. If it flashes first and then stays on, the system has a fault.
03
Dashboard and Diagnostics
Can an Oil Change Turn On the Check Engine Light?
Is your check engine light asking for an oil change? Oil reminders use their own message, but low or wrong oil can set off the light on some engines.
04
Dashboard and Diagnostics
Check Engine Light On but Car Running Fine? What to Do
Car drives normally but the check engine light is on? Check the gas cap, get the codes read soon, and pull over safely if the light starts flashing.
05
Standards and sourcingDashboard and Diagnostics
What a Check Engine Light Means and When to Stop Driving
What a check engine light means, when a flashing light means stop driving, and what to save before anyone clears the codes.