Winter in Barrie can be tough on vehicles. Temperatures drop, roads get icy, and your car works harder than usual just to start, warm up, and move smoothly. It’s during this season that many drivers begin to notice dashboard lights they haven’t seen all year. Some appear briefly and disappear without issue, while others stay on and leave you wondering whether it’s safe to drive.
Dashboard warning lights are built to protect you. They alert you when a system is struggling or when a minor issue is on track to become a major problem. Winter weather tends to push these systems to their limits, and that’s when warning lights start to show up more often. Understanding what these lights mean helps you stay safe, avoid breakdowns, and prevent costly repairs.
At Auto Tech Solutions Inc in Barrie, Ontario, our certified technicians work with all makes and models, including hybrids and electric vehicles. With over twenty years of experience and advanced diagnostic tools, we see how winter affects vehicles every single day. Let’s break down the dashboard lights most likely to appear during the colder months, why they show up, and what you should do if you see them.
Battery Warning Light
The battery light is one of the most common winter warning lights, especially on frigid mornings. Cold weather slows down the chemical reactions inside your battery, making it harder for it to hold a charge and deliver enough power to start your engine. If your battery is already a few years old, weak, or experiencing corrosion at the terminals, winter can push it right to the edge.
When this light appears, it means your vehicle is running off battery power rather than the alternator. If ignored, your car could stall while driving or refuse to start the next time you turn the key.
Winter-specific causes include frozen battery fluids, thickened engine oil increasing strain during startup, and weakened alternators working harder in the cold.
What to do: Have the battery and charging system inspected immediately. A quick test can determine whether you need a recharge, a terminal cleaning, or a replacement. At Auto Tech Solutions Inc, we perform accurate diagnostics to pinpoint the exact issue before it turns into a roadside breakdown.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
If there’s one warning light that spikes in winter, it’s the TPMS indicator. As air temperature drops, so does tire pressure. A sudden cold snap can lower tire pressure by several PSI overnight, triggering the TPMS light and warning you that your tires may be underinflated.
Driving with low tire pressure impacts handling, reduces fuel economy, and increases the risk of a blowout, especially on icy roads where traction is already limited.
In winter, tires lose pressure more quickly and require more frequent top-offs. If your TPMS light keeps coming back, you may have a slow leak or a failing sensor.
What to do: Refill your tires to the recommended pressure, then monitor them over the next couple of days. If the light returns, visit our shop so we can check for punctures, valve stem issues, or sensor problems. Proper tire pressure is essential for safe winter driving in Barrie.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light can appear any time of year, but winter tends to bring out issues that were previously hiding in the background. Extremely cold weather makes engines harder to start, increases stress on ignition components, and thickens fluids, all of which can trigger this warning.
Common winter causes include faulty oxygen sensors, loose gas caps, frozen or clogged fuel lines, and malfunctioning ignition coils. For hybrid and electric vehicles, temperature fluctuations can affect battery management systems or sensors.
A flashing check engine light is more urgent. This indicates a possible misfire that can damage your catalytic converter if ignored.
What to do: The safest option is always to have the vehicle scanned by professionals. At Auto Tech Solutions Inc, our advanced diagnostic equipment identifies the exact fault quickly and accurately. The sooner you bring the vehicle in, the easier it is to prevent additional damage.
ABS Light
Winter roads in Barrie often bring slush, ice, and compacted snow, all of which make anti-lock braking systems work overtime. When the ABS light turns on, it means the system has detected an issue and may not function as intended.
Winter-related causes include frozen sensors, corrosion from road salt, cracked wiring, or debris buildup around wheel speed sensors.
While you can still brake manually without ABS, your stopping distance will increase significantly. On slippery winter roads, that can make the difference between stopping safely and sliding through an intersection.
What to do: If your ABS light appears, have the braking system inspected as soon as possible. Our technicians can check sensors, wiring, and brake components to ensure your vehicle is ready for winter hazards.
Traction Control Light
This light often comes on when your tires lose grip, such as when driving through snow or ice. If it only flashes briefly while the system is working, there’s no cause for concern. It’s simply doing its job by helping stabilize the vehicle.
However, if the traction control light stays on, something may be wrong with the system. Winter conditions often expose issues like damaged wheel speed sensors or malfunctioning stability control modules.
A constant traction control warning makes your vehicle more likely to slide or spin on icy roads.
What to do: If the light stays illuminated, get it inspected. Sometimes the fix is as simple as cleaning a sensor or addressing a related ABS issue. At Auto Tech Solutions Inc, we ensure that all stability and traction systems perform reliably during winter driving.
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
Cold weather makes engines take longer to warm up, but once they do, they still need steady temperature regulation. If the coolant temperature warning light appears, your engine may be overheating or failing to warm up properly.
Winter causes include frozen coolant, low coolant levels, or malfunctioning thermostats. If the coolant mixture isn’t balanced for freezing temperatures, it can crystallize and block the system.
Overheating can occur if your vehicle struggles to circulate coolant due to ice or mechanical issues. Underheating is also a problem, as it impacts fuel efficiency and cabin heat.
What to do: If you see this light, turn off the engine and have the cooling system inspected. We check for leaks, proper antifreeze levels, thermostat function, and overall system health.
Low Oil Pressure Light
Cold temperatures thicken engine oil, making it harder for it to circulate. If the oil is already old or the level is low, winter can cause oil pressure to drop enough to trigger this warning light.
Low oil pressure can cause significant internal engine damage if ignored.
Winter-specific triggers include sludge buildup, worn oil pumps, and delayed lubrication during cold starts.
What to do: Stop driving and check the oil level. If it’s low, refill it, but still schedule a professional inspection. If the level is normal and the light stays on, tow the vehicle to our shop. This is one warning light that should never be taken lightly.
Washer Fluid Warning Light
While not as serious as other warning lights, this one becomes especially common and particularly important in winter. Road salt, slush, and snow make windshields dirty quickly, reducing visibility.
Washer fluid can freeze in extreme temperatures if it’s not rated for winter use, leaving you with no way to clean your windshield while driving.
What to do: Keep your washer fluid reservoir filled with winter-grade fluid. If the light stays on even after refilling, the sensor may be stuck or damaged, something we can inspect and repair if needed.
When to Seek Professional Help
Warning lights give you a chance to fix a problem before it grows into something more serious. In winter, these systems work harder than ever, and your dashboard becomes an important source of information.
If any warning light stays on, comes back repeatedly, or appears along with unusual symptoms like noises, vibrations, or changes in handling, it’s time to have the vehicle inspected by experts.
At Auto Tech Solutions Inc in Barrie, our certified technicians use advanced diagnostic equipment to investigate issues quickly and accurately. We service everything from gas and diesel engines to hybrid and electric systems. With decades of experience, a commitment to quality, and a focus on customer satisfaction, we make sure your vehicle stays reliable all winter long.
If you have a warning light on your dashboard or want to prepare your vehicle for the months ahead, schedule a visit today. Our team is ready to restore your vehicle’s performance, safety, and peace of mind.
Whether it’s diagnostics, winter maintenance, or repairs, Auto Tech Solutions Inc is your trusted partner for expert care in every season.