Understanding Your Car's Emergency Lights

The dashboard lights have different symbols, and each symbol represents a different meaning. Let's dive in and see what these various symbols mean.

Check Engine

It means that a part of your vehicle is not working properly. These can be like your car's emission system failing or a blocked diesel particulate filter. Other reasons can be a loose diesel or petrol cap, an ignition system fault or failure, or an incorrectly installed mass airflow sensor.

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Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Light

The ABS allows you to maintain contact between the road and the vehicle. You can come to a stop almost immediately. If the ABS light comes on, the ABS system is not functioning properly. A few reasons why the ABS light turns on:

• Standard bulb check
• Low fluid
• Bad speed sensor
• Wiring problem
• A faulty control unit
• Solenoid malfunction

Engine Temperature

This light shows us that the engine is overheating. It means that the engine has been turned on for longer than the recommended period. The light also turns on if there is a lack of cooling water or if the cooling system is faulty. A low oil level can cause the engine to overheat as well.

Photo Credit: www.mechanicmississauga.com

Fuel indicator

The fuel indicator is simply the image of a gas pump and a filter hose. This indicator shows the level of fuel in your car. When your fuel level is low, you should top it up immediately. This indicator also has an arrow showing which side the fuel tank is on.

Engine Oil Pressure

This indicator shows that there is not enough oil in the engine. Sometimes when you top it up, it leaks or even evaporates. Another reason could be that the pump is not pumping sufficiently and the internal parts are not lubricated enough.

Battery Charging

The battery charging light shows that there is a problem with the battery. The most common reason for this light to turn on is when the alternator belt is broken. Another reason for this is the corrosion of terminals or battery posts. A loose battery cable will also result in the light turning on.

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Tyre Pressure

This warning light turns on when the tyre pressure is too low, and driving is not safe enough with it. It means that your car's tyre(s) are under-inflated. Low tyre pressure can result in added wear and tear on the tyre and lead to failure. While the light comes on due to low tyre pressure, it can also light up when there is too much. Hence, to keep the tyre pressure light off, you need to have an optimum level of tyre pressure.

It would help if you never ignored the warning signs, and now that you know many of them, you can ensure a safe drive and better safety.