Common Dashboard Warning Light and Servicing

Electronic systems in today's cars are controlled by sensors connected to dashboard warning lights. When something is wrong with your car, dashboard warning lights let you know. They can be from improperly closed doors or a check-engine indicator.

Do you know what the light on your dashboard means? If you see a warning light turn on, you might soon need auto service. Milton Ruben CDJR is near Woodbridge, GA, and can handle any issue.

Common Car Warning Lights on Your Dashboard

The lights illuminate as your vehicle warms up, ensuring all systems are safe and ready for operation. There are times when one light stays on, indicating there's a problem. If one or more lights do not briefly illuminate, be equally alert. When they don't work, you might not know if there's a problem.

Here are some common and important warning signs that can appear on your dashboard.

Check Engine The check engine light indicates your car's sensors have detected a problem. The problem can be anything from a faulty spark plug to a malfunctioning intake manifold or low compression. However, you should leave this to the experts. It doesn't matter how you see it. If you see the check engine light on your dashboard, there's something wrong. You should take your car to the auto shop right away and get it inspected. Battery The rectangular battery warning, which has positive and negative symbols inside, alerts you to the need to replace your battery, its alternator, wiring, or other components. The battery warning is easy to understand due to its appearance. Despite the battery light being illuminated, the car may still start and drive normally. Batteries may suffer long-term problems, or other electrical components may malfunction.

Low Tire Pressure

In modern cars, tire pressure monitoring systems show an exclamation point inside a half-circle if there is low pressure in one or more tires. Don't freak out if you see this sign. Instead, stop in a safe area to inspect your tires. Get them filled with air at the nearest gas station if they look flat. After you've topped off your tires, this light will go away.

Engine Oil

For years, automobiles have been capable of monitoring their engines' oil pressure. When you see a gravy boat-shaped light on your dashboard, it means your engine oil pressure is low. The engine cannot properly lubricate itself without sufficient oil pressure. This can result in serious mechanical problems, such as the engine seizing and leaving you stranded.

Coolant Level

If you see a thermometer on your dashboard, your car is likely overheating. If this happens, stop the car and allow the engine to cool down for a few minutes. Next, check the coolant level by grabbing a rag, popping the hood, and lifting the lid. If your car's coolant reservoir, engine, or coolant tank looks to be overheating, you might need towing services.

Airbag Warning

When you start your vehicle for the first time, this light will illuminate. If the light stays on while driving, it could indicate an airbag problem. Although you will not get stuck on the side of the road, an accident could be dangerous.

Brake System

Good brakes are also important for your safety. If you notice a warning light that looks like a red circle surrounded by parenthesis and an exclamation mark in the middle, bring your vehicle to a service center to ensure your brakes are in good condition.

Traction or Stability Control

Traction and stability control can usually be turned off in most cars. This might look like an old sedan's rear view with squiggly lines on the road behind it. This means your stability control system is partially or fully disabled. The system might not work properly if it turns on at moderate speeds on dry surfaces. Wheel speed sensors are often to blame.

Schedule Service at Milton Ruben CDJR

No matter what warning sign lights up on your dash, we can take care of the problem at our service center near Woodbridge, GA. Schedule an automotive service appointment at Milton Ruben CDJR today. With our current service and parts specials, you might be surprised at how affordable our auto services can be.