A Quick Guide To Your Car’s Warning Lights
Automakers have designed their vehicles to alert drivers when there’s a problem with many of the parts and systems under the hood. Some of these problems are serious (for example, malfunctioning anti-lock brakes) while others are less so, but still require attention. If neglected, even mild glitches can grow into serious – and expensive – issues.
You may have noticed that your instrument panel displays an assortment of indicators when you turn your key in the ignition. That is caused by your car’s computer doing a quick internal systems diagnostic. If everything is working properly, the indicators will disappear within seconds.
A lot of motorists are confused by the warning lights which display on their car’s panel. This can cause them to misinterpret the severity of the underlying issues. Today, we’ll briefly explore the array of warning indicators that your car uses to notify you of a problem.
When The Warnings Are Red
Most of the lights on your instrument panel will either be red or yellow (or, orange). Red lights deserve your immediate attention. They are usually an indication that something serious is wrong; continuing to drive can present a safety issue or imminent damage to your vehicle’s parts. For example, a red indicator will normally display when your engine’s oil pressure is too low. That means overheating is likely.
Other problems that might trigger a red display include a failing alternator, low brake fluid levels, and low coolant levels in your radiator. When you see red on your panel, pull to the side of the road and turn your engine off.
When The Warnings Are Yellow
Yellow lights indicate a problem that requires your attention, but doesn’t present an immediate danger. Your car is telling you that its computer has identified an abnormality and you should have a mechanic perform a diagnostic check. A malfunctioning sensor, problem with the airbags, and worn brake pads are a few of the symptoms which can trigger yellow indicators. Many drivers are tempted to ignore them, hoping the issues will correct themselves (they won’t). Take your car to a mechanic to have him diagnose the problem.
Take Notes
One of the frustrating things about your vehicle’s warning lights is that they can often appear intermittently. You may notice them while driving, but have trouble replicating them when you visit your mechanic. Diagnosing what is wrong with your car is often as complicated as diagnosing a person’s health. If a person is unable to give an accurate account of his symptoms, a doctor cannot diagnose their cause.
Keep an accurate log that details which warning lights you see on your vehicle’s instrument panel. Write down the mileage and speed at which the indicators displayed. That way, even if you’re unable to reproduce them, your mechanic will have a head start in finding and correcting the underlying issue.
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