If you have been driving for at least a few years, chances are you have become familiar with warning lights in your vehicle. These can be anything from a bright red warning flash to a yellow light that is just an annoying addition to your dashboard. However, way too many people ignore these shiny warnings when they show up. Although they often don’t mean your vehicle will be breaking down any minute, they can be an indicator that your car has gone long enough without an inspection or repair work. If one of these warning lights shows up on your dashboard, you should pay attention.
1. Check Engine Light
This is a fairly common warning light and is often written off as a gas cap that hasn’t been screwed on tight enough. Although this may be the problem, if you try and fail to get rid of it by messing with the cap, then there could be something serious wrong with your vehicle. If you consistently find this light appearing on your dashboard, you could be decreasing your fuel efficiency and/or find yourself stranded on the side of the road in no time. Take your vehicle in as soon as possible to get the problem properly diagnosed and fixed.
2. Brake or ABS Light
Brakes are never something you want to wait on. If you see this bright red warning light that either displays an exclamation point or brake or ABS warning, you should get it checked right away. Brake warning lights are usually the result of brakes wearing down or you losing your master cylinder. Neither problem is something you want to mess with, so to keep you and your passengers safe, get it checked out as soon as possible.
3. Low Tire Pressure Light
Although this light isn’t as dire as the previous two, it is still something you want to pay attention to. Low tire pressure isn’t always something you can see right away, but fixing it can be easy. Adding air to your tires should do the trick. If you find this light coming on more often than would be expected, your tires may have a leak.
4. Battery Warning Light
This one is pretty self explanatory, but it should be noted that you don’t want to leave this one unattended, unless you want to be asking random people to help get your vehicle started in unpleasant weather. The battery warning light usually either means that your battery or alternator needs to be replaced. If you aren’t sure, get it checked for free at almost any repair shop near you.
5. Oil Light
Again, this one is pretty self-explanatory as well, but it is still important to pay attention to. Make sure you check that your oil is at the proper level. If it is not, you know what to do. If the oil level looks good, it’s probably time to take your vehicle in and have a professional take a look at it.
No matter what warning light appears on your dashboard, it is a good idea to pay attention to it. Red warning lights often mean the issue needs immediate attention, while yellow lights are important, but not dire right away. If you are ever unsure about the health of your vehicle, take it to your local auto repair shop so they can take a look. You never know when you might be saving yourself from being stranded on the side of the road!
Written by Marc Laferierre, owner of Dents Unlimited. Dents Unlimited offers the best auto repair Columbia MO has to offer, where their expert staff can get your car back on the road in no time.
