Don’t Ignore These Dashboard Warning Lights

From the latest and greatest sports cars to well-worn classics, nearly all vehicles on the road have dashboard warning lights. As the years go by and cars become more advanced, it seems there are even more warning lights than ever. Some of them can confuse even the savviest drivers.

Dashboard warning lights are how your vehicle communicates with you. Sometimes, an illuminated light means a certain feature of your vehicle is engaged. Other times, it means there’s a maintenance issue that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible.

Learn about the dashboard warning lights you should never ignore and a few less serious ones here:

Check Engine Light

The check engine light is probably the most recognized of all dashboard warning lights. Its presence can cause a driver to start stressing immediately. Don’t panic: An illuminated check engine light doesn’t always mean it’s an emergency.

The check engine light can signify anything from a minor problem to a major engine issue. In general, this engine-shaped light means there’s a potential system or engine problem. The best thing to do when you see it is to take your vehicle to a mechanic who can perform a diagnostic test to determine the issue.

A blinking check engine light, however, signals a severe issue and is a sign that you should pull your vehicle over as soon as it’s safe.

Engine Temperature Warning Light

Another one of the most critical dashboard warning lights, the engine temperature warning light signifies when your engine is overheating. In many vehicles, it will shine blue while the vehicle is heating up then turn off once it is at an optimal temperature.

A red engine temperature warning light that stays lit means it’s time to pull over, turn off your engine, and call a mechanic. If you’re well versed in your car’s fluids, you may want to let the engine cool and check if your coolant level is low. This is one of the simplest and most common issues that will cause you to see the dreaded engine temperature warning light.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light, shaped like an old-fashioned oil can with a drip coming out of the nozzle, means your oil pressure is low. It’s a sign that you should pull over at the nearest gas station or mechanic to check your car’s oil level. Driving a car that has little or no oil can cause serious, irreversible damage.

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Tire Pressure Warning Light

The tire pressure warning light looks like a three-quarter circle with tire tread on the bottom and an exclamation point in the middle. It warns you that your tire pressure has fallen below the necessary level. It may also become illuminated if your tire pressure is too high.

The tire pressure warning light signifies a pretty easy fix, as you just need to add or remove air from one or more of your tires at a gas station, mechanic, or at home.

Brake Warning Light

The brake warning light and tire pressure warning light are easy to confuse. They look extremely similar, with an exclamation point in the middle, but the brake warning light has a set of parentheses rather than a three-quarter circle with tire tread.

The brake warning light is generally more serious than the tire pressure warning light. It means your brakes are failing or may fail very soon. Pull your vehicle over as soon as it’s safe if you feel a significant difference in your brakes when the light illuminates. Otherwise, drive to the nearest mechanic to have them take a look.

Paying Attention to Dashboard Warning Lights

Dashboard warning lights exist to keep you, your passengers, and everyone on the road safe. They should illuminate for a moment when you turn on your vehicle. This shows that they’re working properly. If there’s nothing wrong with your car, the dashboard warning lights will turn off in a few seconds.

A light that stays illuminated is telling you there’s something wrong with your car that you should not overlook. It may be as simple as your passenger not buckling up or as serious as your engine running low on oil.

Find out more about what dashboard warning lights mean and which ones you should never ignore in the accompanying infographic.

Author’s Bio:

Goodwill Car Donations is a national organization that accepts vehicle donations. It is committed to providing disadvantaged individuals with job training, employment services and critical community-building support.