Each year, it seems like vehicles have more bells and whistles. When you slide into the driver’s seat of a brand-new model, you’ll likely have to take time to learn how all of the new features work and what each indicator light means. While there are many new warning signals to pay attention to, most of the extremely important ones haven’t changed in decades. Ignoring warning indicators can leave you stranded on the side of the road or stalled out in heavy traffic, so learn what these five signals mean, then take your car to your trusted mechanic to fix the issue!
Engine Temperature Light or Gauge
If this one ever pops on while you’re driving, safely pull over as soon as you can and turn the car off. While it is possible that your thermostat can be stuck or broken, it’s likely that something more serious such as a coolant leak or engine malfunction is going on.
Battery Light
When this one is illuminated, your battery is not receiving a sufficient charge from your alternator. It could mean that your battery is weak, the alternator is malfunctioning, or there are other issues with the charging system.
Oil Light
If your oil light comes on, it can mean that your oil levels are low, the pressure is off, or for some reason, oil is not properly circulating through your vehicle’s engine. The reason could be that you have a leak, a bad sensor, a mechanical problem, or improper oil levels.
Brake Light/Airbag Light
Both of these indicators point to a problem with the two systems that are put into place to keep you safe. Without properly functioning brakes and airbags, you may put yourself and your passengers at significant risk.
Check Engine Light
If this signal is lit, turn off the car as soon as it is safe to do so. This indicator alerts you to issues that don’t have a dedicated signal. So, it can mean that a cap is loose, there’s a problem with connectors, it’s time to replace the catalytic converter, or there’s another major issue. Do not let this one fall to the wayside — get it checked out immediately!
If you have questions about these or any other indicator lights that pop up on your dashboard, give us a call!