Check these out: Common Car’s Dashboard Signs and what they mean
When you hear a beep while driving and take in the scenery, you look down to see a symbol on your dashboard. You begin to speculate as to what your car might be experiencing.
On the dashboard of your car, some symbols are simpler to understand than others. In the event that you need to stop and seek assistance, it’s crucial to understand exactly what these warning lights represent.
Common Car’s Dashboard Signs and what they mean
- What the Oil Pressure Warning Light means by a fault with your car’s oil pressure system is indicated by this vintage oil can symbol. Either your oil level is low or your oil pump isn’t moving enough oil around to adequately lubricate the engine’s internal surfaces. (NOTE: In some cases, this symbol will be replaced with the word “OIL” on a dashboard.)
What to Do: This is a crucial warning to pay attention to since inadequate engine lubrication might result in serious engine damage. Stop, turn off the car, and check the oil as soon as it’s safe to do so! After examining the engine area for obvious oil leaks, remove the oil dipstick to check the fluid level.
When you add oil, the light can turn off if the oil level is low. If the engine is running loudly despite having enough oil in the tank, the oil pump may be faulty. In any case, you should bring your car in right away to have a professional examine it and fix whatever is causing the low oil or low oil pressure.
2. What the Tire Pressure Warning Light Indicates This symbol, also referred to as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) symbol, denotes a problem with either your tire pressure or the TPMS.
The pressure in one or more of your tires is either too low or too high if the TPMS symbol is solid. Even though your tires are correctly filled, if the TPMS symbol flashes for 60 to 90 seconds when you turn on your car before remaining illuminated, there is a problem with your TPMS sensors.
What to Do: Driving with low or high tire pressure is dangerous and can harm your tires. We advise making a quick stop to fill or deflate your tires to the appropriate pressure.
- Warning Light for Engine Temperature
What It Signifies Your engine is overheating if you notice this symbol appear? Although there are several potential causes, your coolant, also known as antifreeze, is most likely to blame.
What to Do: To redistribute heat in the passenger compartment, consider first turning off the air conditioning and turning on the heater. After a few minutes, if it still doesn’t work, stop as soon as it is safe to do so and turn off the engine. Don’t open the hood and give the engine at least 15 minutes to cool. Opening the hood while the engine is still hot may result in burns or other damage from steam or smoke.
- A traction control indicator
What It Means: The traction control system for your car is engaged when you see this symbol. Your anti-lock brake system (ABS) is used by the traction control system to detect whether one wheel is turning more quickly than the others. It applies the brakes until the vehicle regains traction if it notices that a wheel is slipping. This is especially useful if you’re driving through snow or puddles.
What to Do: Keep driving, but be cautious of the slick road conditions.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light
What It Signifies The ABS pulses the brakes when you apply heavy pressure to them, as it would on slick roads, to keep your wheels from locking up. When the ABS warning light goes on, the vehicle’s mechanical components are malfunctioning.
What To Do: Because this is such a crucial safety element, it’s crucial to get the problem diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible.
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- Check engine light (engine warning light)
There are many potential causes for your check engine light to come on. An open, slack, or broken gas cap can occasionally cause it by allowing fuel to evaporate. However, occasionally it denotes a significant problem, such as low oil pressure or overheating. (NOTE: Instead of this indicator, some car dashboards would say “CHECK ENGINE”).
What to Do: Drive a moderate distance (ideally back home or to your neighborhood Virginia Tire & Auto) if you haven’t noticed a change in how the car drives or if you’ve detected any weird sounds or smells.
If the check engine light is blinking or is red, you should immediately pull over!
- LED Battery Alert
What It Means: This light denotes a charging system issue with the car. Potential offenders include a malfunctioning alternator, a loose or damaged battery cable, or another electrical issue. You may notice your headlights or the light on your clock dimming. Or, in extreme circumstances, your automobile might not even turn on.
What to Do: We offer America’s No. 1 battery replacement—Interstate Batteries—if you require a new battery, and our specialists can assist in the diagnosis of any electrical or battery-related problems. Don’t put off getting it looked at too long; else, you might need to jumpstart your vehicle to bring it to the shop.
- Low Fuel Warning Light
What It Signifies This dashboard light is probably familiar to you (maybe a little too familiar!). It merely indicates that there is not enough petrol in your car.
What to Do: Don’t push your luck if you still have a ways to go! It’s advisable to stop at the closest gas station and fill up because you never know how the weather or traffic patterns may pan out.
