A flashing light on the car dashboard can set anyone’s heart racing. We all know it indicates trouble, but do we understand what the dashboard warning light is trying to convey? Unfortunately, most drivers do not read the owner’s manual. Therefore, most of us do not understand what our car is trying to communicate, when we should take it seriously, and when to take it to the mechanic.
What are warning lights?
It is the vehicle’s way of communicating. A red light indicates that the problem is quite severe. Ideally, you should not drive with a red light flashing on the dashboard. You should contact a local mechanic and get the vehicle checked to prevent further damage.
On the other hand, an orange light suggests a problem and that you should approach the mechanic as soon as possible. If you ignore the warning lights, the problem may grow, leading to dangerous situations and expensive repairs. Therefore, it is best to learn to decipher the messages of car dashboard warning lights.
1. Engine warning light:
The ‘Check Engine’ warning light looks like a silhouetted engine. However, this sign conveys nothing specific about the engine’s problem. It simply suggests that your engine needs urgent attention. The problem can be anything from a loose wire to an ill-fitted gas cap or something wrong with the engine’s heart.
If the engine warning light flashes, do not panic. Take the car to the nearest mechanic. They will run a diagnostic test to identify the issue.
2. Car battery warning light:
Have you experienced starting the vehicle with a flat battery? It may frustrate you to an edge, especially when you are getting late. To avoid this, always monitor the car dashboard warning light. If the battery light flashes up, do not ignore it even if your car works well. It may indicate a long-term issue with the battery or potential problems in the wiring, alternator, and other electrical components.
3. Coolant temperature light:
Are you familiar with the thermometer sign on the dashboard? It flashes up when the car is too hot. The vehicle’s coolant system is disturbed when a water pump is broken, the coolant levels in the radiator have depleted, the coolant hose is leaking, or the radiator is damaged. If ignored, these issues can damage the car’s engine. Also, an overheated car is unsafe to drive. Therefore, take your vehicle to an expert mechanic when this light blinks.
4. Oil pressure warning:
This warning light often carries a symbol of a drop of oil. It suggests the vehicle is running short of oil, and you must top up instantly. It may also indicate a leak in the engine, a damaged piston ring or a broken oil pump. Therefore, engine diagnostic tools are required to identify the exact problem.
5. Tyre pressure warning light:
Underinflated or overinflated tyres can damage the vehicle in more than one way. In modern vehicle systems, the driver can even check the pressure of each tyre on their infotainment system. However, when one of the tyres reflects less air pressure than the other, refill the tyre to maintain the correct pressure rating. Ideally, the warning light should go off in a few minutes. If it is still there, the tyre is damaged and needs urgent repair.
6. Brake system warning light:
Brakes are essential for the driver’s and commuters’ safety. The brake system warning light flashes when the driver drives with the parking brake on. It increases friction between vehicle systems and puts extra pressure on the tyres. Therefore, it must be released immediately. The car dashboard warning light regarding brakes may also indicate problems with the car’s brake pads, low brake fluid levels or problems with the anti-lock braking system.
Many more lights help you drive your vehicle safely. To address the problem initially, reading about the warning lights in the owner’s manual is essential. A mechanic with engine diagnostic tools will help identify and resolve issues before they significantly harm other vehicle systems.
Don’t Ignore That Engine Light – Get a Checkup Now!
If you have any vehicle problems in Brisbane, Coopers Plains, or Sunnybank, contact Acacia Automatics on 07 3277 5207. Our team of expert mechanics is equipped with OBD readers and advanced software to perform thorough engine diagnostics and find complex problems with modern engines.
Visit acaciaautomatics.com.au or email info@acaciaautomatics.com.au to inquire about vehicle repairs and servicing. You can also visit our workshop at Unit 1/37 Ada St Coopers Plains QLD 4108.