The dashboard in a car serves as a nerve centre wherein it performs due functions and provides alerts. The bright colours of the symbols that are found on the dashboard and sometimes illuminate the dashboard and the car’s windows are known as the warning lights. Neglecting these lights is tantamount to ignoring a distress call and can result in expensive repairs or even risk the safety of the driver and the occupants within the vehicle. This blog post will cover the basic dashboard warning lights and their meanings when they pop up.
Interpreting Warning Signs;
Most typical dashboard warning lights are sorted out in terms of colours with respect to the severity of the situation:
● Red: Signifies a critical situation that needs the driver’s utmost concentration.
Stop the vehicle and seek refuge in a safe bay as quicker as possible and call a doctor.
● Yellow/Amber: Less serious, but more of an issue that should be resolved in a timely manner. Most often than not, you may drive but also book an appointment with the nearest doctor.
● Green/Blue: Used to show that such a system is working or not being used, like the headlights or indicators.
Significant Warning Lights and Their Interpretations
● Check Engine Light: This is the most known and dreaded warning light and comes into play due to several reasons, from a simple loose gas cap to extreme engine issues.
○ Possible Causes: oxygen sensor failure, mass air flow sensor failure, catalytic converter failure, spark plugs, ignition coil issues, and failures of the emissions system.
○ What to Do: When the light is on but steady, you can most probably continue driving but have it checked by a mechanic soon. If the light is blinking, there is a major issue, and you need to stop the vehicle and call for a mechanic right away.
● Oil Pressure Light: This light comes on in case there are alerts in oil pressure. Oil pressure must be maintained in a sideways position, as its failure can lead to serious damage to the engine.
○ Possible Causes: low level of oil, oil pump failure, increased bearing wear, oil spilling in engine parts.
○ What to Do: Let the vehicle be stationary and assess the amount of oil present in the car. If it is low, refill it. If the indicator doesn't go off or the oil level is okay, avoid further motoring and see a mechanic.
● Battery light: It deals with the anomalies associated with the charging system.
○ Possible causes: the alternator is faulty, battery terminals are loose or corroded, and wiring is damaged.
○ What to do: If the vehicle is in motion and the battery light activates, cease using electrical equipment that is not essential (radio, AC) and visit a mechanic. If the battery runs out of electricity, the vehicle must be jump-started to operate.
● Brake warning light: This light can indicate several concerns regarding the braking system.
○ Possible causes: brake fluids are low, brake pads are worn out, and the anti-braking system has fault issues.
○ What to do: The first thing to do when the brake light comes on is to look if there is enough brake fluid. In case brake fluid is low, fill it up. If this light is still lit or you experience any irregularities while braking (soft pedal, no more screeching noise), do not drive any further and please call a mechanic right away.
● Temperature Warning Light: This light shows that the engine is at a high temperature.
○ Possible causes: the level of coolant is low, the thermostat is defective, there are problems with the radiator, and failure of the water pump.
○ What to do: Find a safe spot and turn off the engine. Wait for some time before doing anything else. When it is safe to check the coolant level, do so. If the coolant level is low, refill it. If the light does not go off or the car overheats once again, reach the services of an expert.
● Tire Pressure Warning Light: The sole purpose of this warning light is to alert the driver when one or more tires are low on pressure.
○ Possible causes: The tires could be under-inflated, could be damaged, or may have a bad tire pressure sensor.
○ What to do: Measure your tire pressure and inflate your tires as appropriate. If the light still shows, let the tires be checked for any cuts or sensor malfunction.
● Airbag Warning Light: The airbag warning light comes on if the airbag system has an error.
○ Possible causes: Explained are the common causes for an airbag warning light given the passive nature of the airbag system. Airbag sensor failure, wiring failure, or airbag is already used.
○ What to do: Visit the mechanic and have the airbag system inspected.
This is crucial as the airbag system can be dysfunctional during an accident.
Warning Lights: How to Respond to Them;
1. Stay Calm: Don’t fret! Most warning signs do not mean the end of the world.
2. Evaluate the situation: Check the colour of the light and the appropriateness of the figure. The owner’s manual may provide more information regarding this.
3. Undertake Corrective Steps:
● Red light: Stop instantly at a safe area and call SureMech.
● Yellow/Amber light: It is generally safe to keep on driving; however, you should make an appointment with the mechanic soon.
1. Don't Make It Worse: If you feel that there is a critical problem (heat, brake issue), do not carry on driving to prevent more harm to your automobile.
The SureMech Diagnosis Service
The modern automobile is a complicated mechanism, which complicates the task of finding the cause of the warning light. Professional mechanics at SureMech not only have thorough knowledge of the practice but can also make use of complicated diagnostic equipment to assess the condition of the automobile.
● How It Works: T o understand all the error codes, the mechanics use a diagnostic scanner, which is always connected to the internal computer of the vehicle or with its several sensors, and run various diagnostics. This facilitates the problem at hand in an effective manner.
● Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
○ Eliminating Guesswork: A correct diagnosis helps in the focused repairs, thus saving time and costs.
○ Avoidance: Resolving easy issues helps in knowing the problems that may be caused later on.
○ Reassurance: Understanding the reason for the warning always helps, especially about when the car can need repairs and what the repairs should involve.
No One Should Overlook the Red Flags Don’t ignore the lights on your car’s dashboard.
After all, there is a reason why the ‘warning lights’ are there. They are a means of communication indicating that something may be amiss within the car. Paying no heed may result in lengthy, expensive repairs, compromised safety, and even breakdowns.
Call to Action: Don’t sit back and wait for a small problem to blow out in proportions.
Book a diagnostic check with SureMech today. Our mechanics will attend to diagnose the problem and carry out effective repairs that will ensure your vehicle is functioning
optimally and safely.
SURE MECH
Suremech Nig. Ltd