Have you ever been driving along when all of a sudden an unknown warning light appears on the dashboard? But what does that signify?
Warning lights vary from vehicle to vehicle; therefore it is wise to consult your owner’s manual in advance. There are, however, some common indicators you should take seriously.
Check Engine Light
Your dashboard warning lights are how your vehicle communicates with you. They should illuminate briefly as the car warms up to make sure all systems are in working order; if one of them remains lit or flashing for more than a short period of time, that indicates there may be an issue that needs addressing immediately. Your computer may log a “trouble code”, however only an experienced professional can read these codes.
A blinking Malfunction Indicator Lamp or MIL indicates an engine issue which requires immediate attention from you and a professional mechanic. Otherwise, the problem could worsen and damage other parts of the powertrain or emissions system of your vehicle – all which could significantly lower performance and emissions levels. Regular maintenance and care can typically help avoid such complications altogether.
Oil Pressure Light
Modern cars are equipped to communicate with you via their dashboard warning lights, so understanding their meaning will allow you to gain a better understanding of its status and avoid potential costly or harmful issues in the future.
If the oil pressure light illuminates, this indicates that engine oil levels have fallen too low to properly lubricate moving parts. This could be caused by lack of regular oil changes, an overflow tube issue or any other malfunction in the vehicle’s system.
If you encounter this light, it is imperative that you find a safe location and shut off your engine immediately. Driving with low pressure could result in irreparable engine damage; an auto mechanic should be able to diagnose and resolve this issue for you. A faulty sensor or wiring could also activate this warning light.
Temperature Warning Light
The engine temperature warning light acts like a thermometer and illuminates when your vehicle’s coolant temperatures reach too hot levels. Coolant circulates throughout your engine to absorb any heat generated during combustion and release it through its radiator system, so the optimal engine operating temperature range must be kept. Too high and components could warp.
If your cooling system light comes on regularly, find a safe place to pull over and allow your car to cool off before having your cooling system checked by one of our professional Technicians – they’ll test everything from water pump, thermostat and coolant levels to make sure everything is functioning as intended.
Shock Absorber Warning Light
Your car’s dashboard is an intricate mix of lights that communicate messages to you about its safety and longevity. Knowing these symbols is paramount for maintaining both.
This yellow or amber light, depicting the letters “ABS,” within a circle, should only illuminate when there is an ABS system issue – which could include problems with either its sensors, brake fluid, or its control module.
Numerous luxury vehicles feature air suspension systems that enable drivers to customize their driving experience by adjusting dampers. When this warning light illuminates, it could mean either that the suspension has been left in an elevated setting or there’s something wrong with its system; either way it should serve as an indicator for further checks by an expert mechanic.
Tire Pressure Warning Light
Most modern vehicles feature a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which will illuminate a warning light if one or more tires become under-inflated, usually by showing an icon depicting cross-section of tire with exclamation point or letters “TPMS”.
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) monitors air pressure in each tire individually and displays real-time information on your vehicle’s instrument panel. If the warning light remains solid or flashes continuously, it’s crucial that your tires be examined immediately for low pressure issues.
Driving on under-inflated tires can negatively impact fuel economy and shorten tire lifespan, as well as affect how your car rides and steers. Be sure to inspect them periodically, especially after weather changes occur, especially after any significant shifts occur.