You’re cruising down the road when suddenly, a warning light on your car’s dashboard illuminates. This is a universal experience that all of us have been through & can cause some anxiety if you don’t understand your car’s language. Those little symbols are just your vehicle trying to communicate with you so don’t panic & let’s delve into the most common dash lights, what they are, & what we should do if we encounter these mysterious glowing icons.
Check Engine Light (CEL or MIL)
This light, also known as a Malfunction Indicator Light, indicates that your Engine Control Unit (ECU) has detected an issue with your engine. This can be anything from a loose gas cap to a more complex engine issue. If the light is on steady, then it is usually not a severe issue. DO NOT IGNORE YOUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT though; schedule with your local mechanic for a diagnostic service or you can have the codes read by your local parts store to eliminate easily fixed issues, like your gas cap. If your light is blinking, then pull over immediately & call for roadside assistance to your local shop; this indicates a severe engine issue, and the catalytic converter will be damaged very soon.
Check Battery Light
Your check battery light signals an issue with your car’s charging system. This is commonly just a dead or failing battery, but it can also be a failing alternator or loose or broken belt. This just means that your vehicle is not charging correctly. Get to a safe spot, turn off any non-essential electrical devices, & let your vehicle cool down. Be aware that your vehicle may not start back up so make sure that you are in a safe location & have help nearby. Check your battery terminals are not loose or corroded. **Remember to be careful when handling your battery; you could be shocked or get battery fluid on you** Check for any loose or broken belts as well. If you cannot find any issue, please take it to your local shop for an electrical systems check.
Oil Pressure Light
This light shows low oil pressure, which could be caused by low oil levels or even a malfunctioning oil pump. If this light comes on, then you should pull it over immediately & turn off your engine. After the engine is cool, check the oil level on the dipstick & add oil if needed. If you continually must keep adding oil in between proper oil change frequencies, then take your vehicle to your local shop. Consistent low oil pressure can damage your engine & lead to big repair bills.
Brake System Light
This light can mean various brake system issues, from low brake fluid to the parking brake being currently engaged. Check to make sure that your parking brake is fully released & then check your brake fluid reservoir level that is found under the hood. If you must add brake fluid, this is a sign that you have some worn/failing parts or a leak. Please have your system looked over by a professional immediately. If you add brake fluid, please tell your mechanic that you had to add fluid.
ABS Light
Your Anti-lock Brake System light suggests that there is a malfunction with your vehicle’s ABS system. While this will not affect your brakes, it is an important safety feature to have in slippery road conditions. Have this checked as soon as you can by a professional.
Low Fuel Light
Pretty self-explanatory but this warning light means that your fuel level is running critically low. Find your nearest gas station & fill it up. Running out of fuel can damage your fuel pump & leave you stranded. If you just topped off your vehicle & this light persists, then take it to a professional to have it looked at. It could be a malfunctioning fuel level sensor, or you may have a bad fuel pump. Fuel level readings are used by the engine computer to control many emission functions.
Coolant Temperature Light
This light indicates that your engine is overheating, which can lead to severe damage to your engine. DO NOT KEEP DRIVING. Pull over in a safe place & let the engine cool. Check your coolant level & look for any visible leaks. If you are unable to address the issue by adding coolant, then seek professional help. We have seen many vehicles need new engines due to being driven with an overheating issue. Do not risk your vehicle by neglecting the importance of this warning light.
Now that you’re aware of what these common dash lights mean, let’s go over what you should do if they appear. First, stay calm & determine which warning light is illuminated. If you’re unsure, then refer to your owner’s manual. Secondly, observe if your vehicle is driving normally or if there is a noticeable change; decide whether it’s safe to continue driving or you need to pull over by assessing the situation & your knowledge of the light. In many cases, you can address the issue by taking simple steps like adding fluids, tightening the gas cap, or inflating tires; do what you can if you are in a safe place. If the issue cannot be resolved, schedule a professional for inspection promptly. A regular maintenance schedule can prevent these lights from appearing by resolving issues before they become serious.
By understanding your car’s secret language, you can be empowered to take prompt & appropriate actions. While they can be concerning, they’re also a valuable tool for helping you maintain your vehicle’s health & safety. Remember, your owner’s manual is your best friend in deciphering these symbols but if you do not have one in your vehicle; we have created a guide for you to download with pictures & general icons that are found on most vehicles. Download below.
Hope that this helped yall. Until next time; Stay safe my friends!
Next Blog: Winter Safety Tips & What you should have in your car’s emergency kit?
Click here to download our Dash Light Reference Guide & print it out today for your car!
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