Decoding Your Dashboard: Understanding What Those Lights Mean
We understand that seeing a warning light illuminate on your dashboard can be unsettling. It’s important to know what these lights mean and how urgently you need to respond to them. This guide will help you understand some of the most common dashboard lights you might encounter, ensuring you’re well-informed and ready to take action when necessary.
1. Check Engine Light
One of the most well-known and often dreaded lights is the Check Engine light. This light can indicate anything from a loose gas cap to a more serious engine malfunction. If this light comes on and stays on, it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle in for a diagnostic check to prevent potential damage to your engine.
More importantly, a flashing check engine light indicates that you should stop using the vehicle immediately and get it towed to Pellman’s Automotive for immediate repair.
2. Oil Pressure Warning
This light looks like an old-style oil can and indicates that your engine has low oil pressure. This could be due to low oil levels, a failing oil pump, a leak in the system, or an issue with the oil filter. Do not continue driving as this can cause serious engine damage. Check your oil level immediately, and if the light remains on, call for service.
3. Engine Temperature Warning
This light will typically display as a thermometer submerged in liquid and means that your engine is overheating. This could be due to low coolant levels, a problem with the radiator, or a failed water pump. Pull over safely and let your engine cool down before checking the coolant level. Driving with an overheated engine can lead to significant damage. Pellman’s Automotive features an exhaustive roadside assistance program, this would be the time to call for a tow and diagnostic.
4. Battery Alert
Illustrated by a battery icon, this light indicates there’s an issue with your car’s charging system. It doesn’t necessarily mean a bad battery; the problem could also be with your alternator or even the battery cables. It’s best to address this light promptly to avoid finding yourself with a car that won’t start.
5. Brake System
This light looks like an exclamation mark inside a circle, often accompanied by the word "BRAKE". It can be triggered by something as simple as the parking brake being engaged, or it could indicate that your brake fluid is low, or there’s a problem with your braking system. Ensure your parking brake is fully released; if the light stays on, it’s important to get this checked out to ensure your brakes are working effectively.
6. Tire Pressure Warning Light
This light resembles a flat tire with an exclamation point and warns you that one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. Driving on underinflated tires can cause them to wear out more quickly and even lead to tire failure. Check your tire pressures and inflate them to the recommended level.
Here in Colorado, our wildly varying temperatures can cause these lights to come on more often, as the changing temps will cause your tire pressure to increase and decrease often.
7. ABS Light
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) light will stay on if the system is in trouble. While your brakes will still work, the anti-lock feature may not engage if you need to stop suddenly. A professional should check this to ensure your braking system functions correctly in all conditions.
8. Airbag Indicator
This light shows whether your airbags are active or not. If this light stays on, there is a fault with one or more of your airbags, or the system as a whole. Airbags are crucial for your safety in a collision, so it’s important to have this system checked immediately if the light remains illuminated.
At Pellman's Automotive, we’re here to help you with all your car service needs in Boulder County. If any of these lights come on, don’t hesitate to bring your vehicle to us. We’re equipped to diagnose and repair any issues, ensuring that your car is safe and road-ready. Remember, understanding your dashboard lights is the first step in maintaining your vehicle's health and safety.
