Your car warning lights may not alarm you when you first see them. Generally, when they appear, your vehicle will continue to operate. But it’s important to take them seriously. If a light starts flashing, address whatever issue it's pointing to.
Why? The lights tell you that something is wrong with your vehicle. Neglecting it can compromise your safety as well as the longevity of your car. You don’t want to find yourself in an accident because the brakes weren’t working properly or stranded at night because your engine gave out.
Below are four important car warning lights that may show up at any moment in your vehicle. Learn how to address them so you can stay safe on the road and keep your car in good shape.
Four car warning lights to address immediately
Temperature light
The temperature light refers to the thermostat, which regulates the vehicle's engine heat. If the light appears, that likely means the engine is overheating, perhaps because coolant is leaking or excessive oil in the engine.
When you see this light, move the vehicle to the side of the road and turn the engine off. This is a serious condition and can damage the vehicle if left running. Have a mechanic diagnose the problem and fix it as soon as possible. In the meantime, if the light appears and you can't get to a mechanic right away, let your car cool down before continuing your trip.
Check engine light
This is a common light that appears at some point for many drivers. It means there’s some sort of problem with your engine, such as:
- A loose gas cap.
- Emissions issues.
- Bad oxygen sensor.
- Damaged catalytic converter.
Figuring out the exact cause for this light is difficult without a professional checking it out. Similar to the thermometer light, although you can still drive your car with this light on, you should address the problem as soon as possible. If the engine is failing, this could create issues in other parts of the vehicle.
Oil light
Car oil lubricates vehicle parts and keeps them operating smoothly. If the oil light starts flashing, that means the oil level is low or the pump is not circulating oil efficiently, or at the correct pressures. This may be because of an oil leak, a faulty oil pressure sensor, constricted oil passages, or other issues.
Ignoring this car warning light can seriously damage the engine. Take your vehicle to a mechanic right away since driving with this light can ruin the engine.
Brake light
It goes without saying, but it is still worth repeating: Having working brakes is vital to stay safe on the road. If the brake light turns on, it may be because of:
- An electronic issue with the brake system.
- Worn brake pads.
- Low brake fluid.
- Brake fluid leaking into the electronic parts.
Once again, this is a serious issue. Address it promptly with a mechanic.
Keep your vehicle running smoothly
Taking all car warning lights seriously and addressing issues immediately will save you headaches, money, and even your life in the long run. The best thing you can do to ensure your vehicle is always optimized for the road is to keep up with maintenance and visit a mechanic for regular checkups. A professional will be able to catch problems as they surface so they don’t escalate and become expensive or dangerous in the end.
At Mike Duman Auto Superstore, we have experienced, factory-trained technicians who can inspect your vehicle and catch any issues before they surprise you at the most inconvenient time. We have a variety of services and repairs, ranging from oil changes to full vehicle engine repairs.
Contact us today to schedule your next vehicle checkup, and if you need a new vehicle that’s top quality, check out our online inventory.
