Understanding Your Car’s Warning Lights: What They Mean and What to Do
Your car’s dashboard is full of warning lights that can be confusing. In this article, we’ll decode these lights, explaining what each one means and what actions you should take if they light up. From check engine lights to tire pressure warnings, we’ve got you covered with the information you need to keep your vehicle in top shape and avoid serious problems.
The Basics Of Decoding Warning Lights
Warning lights come in three different categories. Red light is an indication of a problem that requires immediate attention, while yellow is for partially critical and green is just for information. These lights are there to tell you what is going on within your vehicle’s systems, it’s important to understand what they mean. If you choose to ignore these lights, it could hamper the safety of your passengers and yourself. This is why these lights are a crucial safety precaution, installed to warn the driver. Additionally, these lights protect your vehicle as well.
For your convenience and safety, these lights are located on your dashboard. The dashboard is typically right in front of you, making them simple to identify and recognize.
Common Warning Lights and Their Meanings
Now, the most crucial thing to know is the meaning of each of the warning lights.
Understanding what each light indicates is key to identifying which part of your car needs to be carefully monitored.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light is an engine symbol. The light indicates within the vehicle’s engine or its emissions system. Causes for this light can vary from faulty spark plugs to malfunctioning catalytic converters.
The immediate action you need to take if you see the check engine light is to check your gas cap. If the light remains, your car requires a mechanic.
Oil Pressure Light
The oil pressure light is a simple oil-dripping icon. A small drop appears to be falling out of a container. This light is an indication of no or little oil left in your car. Often, it can also indicate that the vehicle’s oil has not been changed in a long time, or that there is an issue in the filter. If you have recently filled up your oil, and the light still appears, immediately check for oil leakage.
Battery Warning Light
Also known as the dashboard battery indicator, the battery warning light is a simple battery symbol. A small square with a positive and negative sign, often red. This warning light indicates an issue within your vehicle’s battery. Issues such as worn out, and damaged are some of the issues that may exist within your battery. Malfunctions also result in the light to blink. If you carry along and ignore the light, the battery could overheat and cause serious damage to your vehicle’s system.
Brake System Warning Light
The brake system light is perhaps one of the most important ones. The warning comes via an exclamation mark over the word BRAKE. This can be due to low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or an ABS issue. This warning light requires immediate action. If your brakes are not functioning properly, it could lead to a high risk of an accident.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPSM) Light
The purpose of the tire pressure monitoring light is to let you know if the pressure is too low in your tires. Or even if they are underinflated. The light is a simple exclamation mark in a horseshoe symbol. If the light pops up, try to stop at your nearest tire shop right away.
When a warning light pops up on your dashboard your instinct response should be to safely stop your car on the side or in any other safe location nearby. Once you have parked your vehicle, assess the situation. If you can control the issue at hand yourself, you’re safe to drive off, otherwise, you require a mechanic’s assistance. If you can’t recall what the warning light indicates, your owner’s manual should be of help. It will also recommend the right action to take after identifying the particular warning.
If you’re still unsure, it is always best to seek professional help. Recognizing and responding to your car’s warning lights promptly can prevent minor issues from becoming major repairs and ensure your safety on the road. Instead of driving on till your car eventually breaks down and stops in the middle of nowhere, it is best to stop there and then when help is accessible.
Ensure that you are proactive about taking care of your car systems. Doing this not only protects you and your car but also those driving around you. If you choose to ignore your car’s brake fluid warning, you may lose control of your vehicle and harm someone.
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