While driving a car we all have experienced a blink of lights on dashboard. Ever wondered what the blinking light on your car dashboard means? Warning lights are nothing but your car's conscious effort to tell you what specific feature is turned on, which part of the car needs maintenance and drive your attention to assist safe driving.
Let's check out few of the common warning lights in your cars:
Check Engine or Malfunction Indicator Light
Do you remember while driving along in your car, a yellow light illuminates on your dash? Well, this cautions you to check or service your car's engine. When this warning light blinks, a set of Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is indicated in the engine computer. A professional scan tool can be used to diagnose it.
Battery/Charging alert
This alert is sounded by a red light which blinks on your dashboard indicating malfunctioning or poor charging of battery. This light illuminates when voltage level is below normal. For diagnosis one could check the battery condition, battery terminal and alternator belt.
Coolant Temperature Warning
A thermometer with wavy lines illuminating on your dashboard warns of the high temperature of the engine; possibly due to low coolant condition. To diagnose one could check coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap and coolant leaks.
Brake System
An illuminated brake system red warning light indicates a problem with breaking system or the parking break is on, or possibly an ABS problem. For its diagnosis one could check brake fluid and make sure parking break is fully released. If ABS problem is encountered, it may need a professional diagnosis.
ABS light
An Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) warning light informs you of the professional diagnosis required by the Anti-Lock Brake computer which has set a code.
Oil Pressure Warning
If an oil pressure warning illuminates while driving, one should immediately stop driving turn off the engine. This light illuminates due to loss of oil pressure, bad oil pump, defective oil pressure sending unit, oil pressure gauge. Keep a close eye on the oil level and pressure.
Tire pressure light
The basic purpose of the tyre pressure warning light is to alert you when your tire’s pressure is too low. A low tire pressure could lead to unsafe driving conditions. If this light illuminates, it implies that your tire might be underinflated, which might result in undue tire wear and finally cause the failure of the tire.
