Q: What do the various lights mean on the instrument cluster?

Your car’s instrument cluster contains quite a few different lights, all of which provide you with information about different systems (most of which you activate yourself during the course of normal driving). Here’s a quick rundown of what you should see in your gauge cluster:

• Turn Signals: You have two turn signal indicators. They should light up when you flip the lever up or down to indicate a turn, as well as when the hazards are on.

• High Beams: When you change from your Low Beams to your High Beam headlights, the High Beam indicator comes on.

• Key in Ignition Warning: This chime will sound if you turn the engine off and open the driver door without taking the key out of the ignition.

• Headlight Warning: This chime will sound if you turn off the engine and open the driver’s door without turning off your headlights.

• Parking Brake Warning: This chime will sound if the parking brake is on and you put the car in drive.

• Message Center Activation Warning: This chime will sound if a warning message is displayed in your car’s message center.

• Turn Signal Warning: If you forget to turn off your turn signal, a chime will sound after a few minutes.

• Perimeter Alarm Warning: If the alarm is active and you use the key to unlock the door, a warning chime will sound.