Car Dashboard Warning Lights: Understanding the main signs

Have we not experienced a situation where, while driving, a light from the dashboard starts blinking right in our faces? They look annoying, don’t they? But these car dashboard warning lights aren’t there to bother us, rather, they blink to make us aware of issues that could disrupt our journey. Moreover, ignoring them can lead to much bigger problems, from engine issues to safety hazards.

If you wish to maintain your car’s condition and prevent expensive repair costs, make sure to buckle up and go through this guide. It will help you recognize and promptly respond to the car dashboard warning lights.

Common Car Dashboard Warning Lights and Their Meanings

Every driver needs to learn these car light signs and what they mean to ensure road safety. Here are some common signs…

Check Engine Light

The car check light scares every driver. Generally, the trace of the engine symbol pops up in yellow color, and sometimes, CHECK ENGINE in all caps. Besides, this signal indicates multiple issues, such as a loose gas cap, a faulty sensor, a minor loose wire, or serious malfunctions like misfiring, overheating, or improper lubrication.

Furthermore, the check engine light appears in two ways;

  1. If everything seems okay while you’re driving, but the check engine symbol appears at intervals, it is best to take the vehicle to a serviceman to run the diagnostics.
  2. Secondly, if the sign appears, i.e., steady, and your vehicle commences misfiring or knocking, immediately take your vehicle to a mechanic. It’s wise not to ignore it as it can even pose a threat to your life.

Low Fuel

This alert is one of the basic car dashboard warning lights. If this symbol glows it simply means your vehicle doesn’t have much fuel left, and you must refuel your automobile.

Battery

The battery signal is easier to understand since everyone knows its shape. However, don’t take such indications lightly. If the sign emerges, it means your battery is at fault either due to vehicle wiring, alternator, or corroded battery connection. Even if the vehicle starts and smoothly functions, don’t drive, or this would undoubtedly lead to significant problems.

Coolant Temperature

In the car dashboard warning lights list, there is a signal of coolant temperature represented by a temperature gauge. The sign portrays your car is overheating due to a malfunction of the water pump. In addition, it may result from not enough coolant in the radiator, a leaking coolant hose, or radiator damage. If you catch this sign while driving please turn off the engine instantly, as it can permanently damage your vehicle.

Transmission Temperature

The transmission light exhibits trouble in the gearbox, which means the transmission has reached a critical point. Usually, it is caused by low transmission fluid levels or extreme wear on the inner components. It is advisable to take your vehicle to the mechanic ASAP before the gearbox reaches its limit.

Engine Oil Pressure Warning

One of the car dashboard warning lights is an engine oil pressure warning. This symbol indicates an oil leak in the engine or worn parts, such as a mishandled piston ring, broken oil ring, or debris-clogged oil filter.

Low Tire Pressure

A tire pressure monitoring light signifies less air pressure in tires. It appears due to daily wear and tear or when your conveyance gets punctured. If this signal is constant on your dashboard, then go to the pitstop to refill the tires to restore the pressure rating.

Brakes Warning

The exclamation mark on your dashboard signifies that your brakes require attention. Moreover, the problem with brakes can be anything like worn brake pads, low hydraulic fluid level, or merely adjusting the brake lever.

ABS Sign

ABS is related to brakes; however, the anti-lock braking system warning light depicts a different problem within the braking system. This system assists in halting wheels to lock up during a sudden hard brake. If this warning appears on your dashboard, take your car to an automobile professional before your brakes become immobile.

Traction/Stability Control

Most vehicles equipped with traction or stability control have the option to deactivate these features. If you observe an icon depicting the rear view of a vintage sedan with wavy lines behind it, it indicates that your stability control system is either partially or completely turned off.

This could mean one of two things: you deliberately deactivated the function for spirited driving, or the feature is malfunctioning. It’s advisable to rely on the computer to manage traction.

Conclusion

Paying attention to car dashboard warning lights isn’t just about your car, it’s about your safety and peace of mind. When these car symbols pop up, your car is asking for help. Don’t ignore it; take action to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road.