Quick Summary:
- Turn ignition on, confirm warning lights illuminate briefly then switch off.
- Swap the vehicle for red oil, brake, or overheating warnings.
- Photograph persistent amber lights and record them on your agreement.
- Test indicators, headlights, and wipers, then recheck dash for alerts.
Picking up a car hire in New York often means you want to get moving quickly, especially if you are leaving an airport lot or a busy Manhattan garage. Taking two minutes to scan the dashboard warning lights before you drive out can prevent a stressful return to the counter, unexpected downtime on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, or arguments later about pre existing faults.
The goal is simple. Identify any warning light that signals an unsafe or potentially damaging condition, and decide whether you need a different vehicle, or whether a minor advisory should be written on the rental agreement before you leave.
If you are collecting near Newark, you can save time by doing this check while the agent is still nearby. Many travellers arrange car hire through Hola Car Rentals options around EWR, including car hire at Newark Airport (EWR) or a downtown style pick up linked to car rental at Newark EWR. Wherever you collect, the dashboard tells you a lot in seconds.
How to do a fast dashboard warning light check
Use this quick, repeatable routine every time you collect a rental in New York.
1) Before starting the engine, turn the ignition to ON. Most cars illuminate several warning icons briefly as a self test. You are looking for two things, that the lights come on, and then that they go out. If a light never appears at all, it could mean a bulb has failed or has been disabled, which is also worth questioning.
2) Start the engine and keep the car parked. Let it idle for 20 to 30 seconds. Watch for lights that stay on, start flashing, or reappear after the engine settles.
3) Toggle a few basic controls. Turn on headlights, hazard lights, and wipers. Some alerts only appear when electrical loads change or when a bulb is detected as out.
4) Check the message centre. Many modern vehicles show text like “Service due” or “Tyre pressure low” even when the icon is small. Scroll through any menus available on the steering wheel.
5) Decide: swap, note, or ask. Red warnings and safety system failures usually mean swap immediately. Minor amber advisories might be acceptable if documented clearly, with photos, and confirmed by staff.
Warning lights that should trigger a swap immediately
In a car hire context, swapping vehicles before you leave is usually fastest and easiest. You are not trying to diagnose the car, you are avoiding a known risk.
Oil pressure warning (red oil can). If the red oil light stays on after the engine starts, do not drive. Low oil pressure can destroy an engine quickly. Even if the car seems to run normally, it is not worth the risk. Ask for a replacement vehicle.
Engine temperature or overheating warning (red thermometer). A red temperature light indicates overheating or a cooling system fault. New York traffic can be slow, and an overheating issue is more likely to show up at idle or in stop start driving. Swap the car.
Brake system warning (red circle, exclamation, or “BRAKE”). This can indicate low brake fluid, a hydraulic issue, or the parking brake being on. First, confirm the parking brake is fully released. If the warning remains, do not drive out. Brakes are non negotiable.
Charging system or battery warning. A battery icon after starting can mean the alternator is not charging. The car may run for a short time and then stall. If you are heading across bridges or into heavy traffic, this is a bad surprise. Swap.
Airbag or SRS warning. This suggests the supplemental restraint system may not deploy correctly. In a rental, you should treat this as a safety defect. Ask for another vehicle.
Power steering warning. Some cars use electric power steering. If the warning indicates reduced assist, the steering can become heavy, especially at parking speeds. In tight New York garages, that can be dangerous. Swap.
Amber lights that may be acceptable, but should be documented
Amber does not always mean “do not drive”, but it does mean “pay attention”. If you accept the car, protect yourself by documenting the condition.
Check engine light (MIL). This is the most common amber light. It can be as minor as a loose fuel cap, or more serious. If the light is steady and the car idles smoothly, staff may say it is safe. If you accept it, take a photo of the dashboard with the engine running and record it on the agreement. If the light is flashing, treat it as urgent and request a swap because flashing often indicates misfire that can damage the catalytic converter.
Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). In winter, New York temperature swings can trigger low tyre pressure. Ask staff to check and inflate tyres before you leave. If the tyres look visibly low, do not drive out. If the tyres are fine and the message reads “sensor fault”, document it. Either way, note it because you do not want a later claim that you ignored a tyre issue.
ABS warning. An ABS icon indicates the anti lock braking system may be disabled. The car can still have normal braking, but emergency braking performance changes. In wet conditions or on bridges where surfaces can be slick, ABS matters. Many renters prefer to swap rather than accept an ABS warning.
Traction control or stability control warning. A steady warning can mean the system is disabled or has a fault. In rain, slush, or on uneven road surfaces, stability control is a valuable safety net. If it cannot be cleared easily, request a different car.
Exterior bulb warning. This may indicate a brake light, headlight, or indicator failure. In New York, other drivers rely on your signals. Walk around the car and verify all lights work. If any bulb is out, ask for it to be replaced or swap cars. If everything works, it may be a sensor issue, document it.
Lights that often confuse renters, and what to do
Low fuel light. This is not a fault, but it can affect your first leg out of the city. Check the fuel gauge against your agreement and the fuel policy. If it is lower than expected, resolve it before leaving.
Washer fluid warning. Not usually a reason to swap, but visibility matters. If the weather is wet, top up before you depart or ask the desk. If you cannot, note it so you are not blamed for an empty reservoir.
Service due or maintenance reminder. Many cars display “service due” based on mileage rather than a real defect. It is usually fine, but still worth noting with a quick photo.
Door or boot ajar warning. Sometimes it is just a door not fully latched. Close each door firmly and check again. If it persists, it could indicate a sensor fault that may drain the battery or trigger alarms. Consider swapping.
What to write on the rental agreement, and how to document it
If you see any warning light that stays on, take a clear photo showing the light and, if possible, the odometer. Then do one of the following:
For swap level warnings, tell staff the light is on and you are not comfortable leaving with it. Keep it factual, “Oil pressure light stays on after start,” or “Airbag warning displayed.”
For document level warnings, ask staff to add a note to the agreement. The note should name the exact light or message, and confirm it was present at pickup. Avoid vague notes like “dash light on.” Specific is better, “TPMS warning displayed at pickup, tyres checked by staff,” or “Check engine light steady at idle at pickup.”
For minor convenience alerts, such as washer fluid, note it if it affects safety or if it is likely to be disputed. Otherwise, a photo may be sufficient.
In addition to photos, a short video clip can capture the light staying on after start, which is more convincing than a single image.
New York specific considerations before you drive out
City driving adds pressure to get going, but it also increases the cost of a breakdown. A warning light that might feel “probably fine” can become a real problem when you are stuck in traffic near the Holland Tunnel or trying to merge onto the FDR Drive.
Watch for overheating risk in congestion. Temperature warnings and cooling issues matter more in slow traffic. If the radiator fan sounds abnormal or the temperature gauge rises while idling, return to the desk immediately.
Check lights and signals carefully. With taxis, cyclists, and pedestrians, you need working indicators and brake lights. A bulb warning should always lead to a walk around check.
Plan your first stop. If you accept a low tyre pressure warning after staff tops up, plan to recheck at a petrol station once tyres are cold. If you are heading out of the city toward upstate or the Shore, it is worth confirming pressures early.
If you are comparing providers around EWR, Hola Car Rentals pages can help you review options like car hire in Newark EWR and vehicle types such as SUV rental in New Jersey (EWR). Larger vehicles can show different alerts, for example tyre pressure and stability systems may be more sensitive to mismatched tyres.
A simple two minute pre-drive checklist you can repeat
Use this sequence every time you pick up a car hire in New York:
Ignition ON: Confirm warning lights self test and then go out.
Engine START: Look for red lights staying on, especially oil, brakes, temperature, battery, airbag.
Controls: Headlights, hazards, indicators, wipers, horn, then check for any new alerts.
Walk around: Verify lights work, tyres look evenly inflated, no obvious leaks.
Document: Photograph any persistent amber warnings, write precise notes on the agreement.
This approach keeps you calm and consistent, and it gives you a clear basis for deciding whether to accept the vehicle.
FAQ
Q: If a warning light turns on after I have already left the lot, what should I do?
A: Pull over safely, check the handbook if available, and contact the rental provider for guidance. Red warnings generally mean stop driving and request assistance or a replacement.
Q: Is it normal for warning lights to appear briefly when I turn the key?
A: Yes. Most cars illuminate multiple icons during the self test. The key point is that they should switch off after the engine starts, apart from expected reminders like seatbelt.
Q: Can I drive with the check engine light on in a rental car?
A: A steady light may be drivable, but you should document it at pickup and ask staff to record it. If it is flashing, request a swap because it can indicate a serious engine issue.
Q: What should be written on the agreement if I accept the car with an amber light?
A: Ask for the exact message or symbol to be recorded, plus confirmation it was present at pickup. Add supporting photos showing the light and odometer.
Q: Does a tyre pressure warning always mean the tyre is unsafe?
A: Not always. It can be caused by cold weather or a sensor fault, but you should visually inspect the tyres and ask for pressures to be checked before leaving.
