Dashboard Warning Lights – What Does It All Mean?
Modern cars are one of the biggest computers we own. Car’s are packed with electronics and sensors to help us better monitor what is going on under the hood – and to get ahead of the problem when something does go wrong. However, it can be difficult to always know just what that flashing light on your dashboard is trying to tell you. Dashboard warning lights cover a wide range of issues – some of which are imminently serious.
Your dashboard warning lights are one of the first signs of a problem with your car, and absolutely should not be ignored. Knowing what these warning lights mean can help you avoid a breakdown and potentially prevent an even more costly repair down the road.
Here are the seven most important car dashboard warning lights to watch out for. Remember: The lights on your dashboard my vary slightly based on the make and model of your car, if you are unsure what a warning light in your car is trying to tell you always consult your owners manual or a trusted mechanic.
Check Engine Light
Also known as your engine warning light. The check engine light is one of the most common warning lights people see in their cars, however, you should not ignore this light. Your check engine light can be warning you about a huge number of problems, including:
- O2 Sensor Needs Replacement
- Spark Plug Wires Replacement
- Mass Air Flow Sensor Malfunction
- Catalytic Converter Replacement
- Loose Gas Cap
If your check engine light comes on it’s important to come into your nearest AAMCO Colorado service center where we can run a diagnostic scan for you to quickly diagnose your problem.
Brake System Warning Light
This light indicates a problem with your brake system, or a shortage of brake fluid. Your brakes are one of the most important safety features of your car. It is simple to check your brake fluid, take a look at your owners manual for instructions or stop by your nearest AAMCO service center. If this light begins flashing on your dashboard it is critical for your safety to get it checked out right away.
Related: Why It’s Important to Keep Your Brakes Well Maintained
Power Steering / EPAS Warning Light
If this light is illuminated it indicates something wrong with your car’s power steering system. If your power steering system fails then your steering will require much more effort to turn the wheel, and become nearly immoveable at lower speeds. This becomes a danger when you are driving at faster speeds and need to make sudden lane changes.
Airbag Warning Light
Your cars airbags are an important safety feature and could save your life if you were to get into an accident. If this warning light is illuminated on your dashboard it indicates that there is a malfunction with one or more of your airbags. This means that if you were to get into an accident the airbag may not deploy, or they may deploy randomly when you aren’t expecting it.
Coolant Warning Light
Coolant is critical for keeping your car’s engine running cool. Otherwise, the metal pieces inside would essentially weld themselves together. If this light appears on your car’s dashboard it means your engine coolant levels are running low and you may need to top it off. If you let your coolant levels get to low, or run out entirely you risk your engine overheating and causing an even larger and more expensive problem. If you are having problems with your cooling system, the expert mechanics at AAMCO will get you running cool again fast!
Related: Why Is My Car Overheating?
Oil Warning Light
You will see an oil warning light if your car’s oil temperature gets too hot, the oil level is too low or the oil pressure is too low. Oil is what keeps your engine lubricated, this warning light is essentially telling you about various situations in which your oil is less effectively lubricating your engine. If your engine is not being properly lubricated it can result in expensive damage.
Battery Warning Light
You might notice this warning light for a few seconds each time you turn on your car, however, it should turn off after that. If the light stays on this means your car has a problem somewhere in its electrical system. This could indicate a problem with the battery, alternator, cables, or drive belt. If your car battery is not properly charging your car will eventually run out of power and stall.
AAMCO Colorado – We Fix It Right The First Time
When a dashboard warning light appears, the professionals at AAMCO Colorado are here to help diagnose your car fast and get you back on the road safely. We offer free Vehicle Courtesy Check – if you’ve got a dashboard warning light on, don’t wait to contact an AAMCO Colorado location near you or schedule an appointment online today and we’ll make sure your car is in great shape to drive.