Your Car's Dashboard is Sending a Signal

Do you know how your body gives signs when you're about to break down? Well, your car does it too. 

I've heard people complain that they don't know what happened to their cars, that they just stopped working, or it won't start. However, oftentimes, our cars give us signals when something is about to go wrong but we don’t exactly pay close attention.

The signs on a car’s dashboard are one of the places to check and see if all is well with the car. In this post, I'll be sharing with you what some of the lights on your dashboard mean and the warning signals they might be sending. 

Oil Pressure Light

The Oil Pressure Light is the one that looks like a kettle, with a drop coming down from it.   The red light on it indicates an oil change. Most times, it's because you are running low on oil or the oil pump isn't circulating enough oil. Either way, it indicates an issue with the oil pressure which must be attended to because lack of lubrication can cause the engine to wear. 

Tyre Pressure Warning Light

This is usually known as the TPMS symbol, it has a yellow light and it indicates that the tyre is either too low or too high. The normal tyre pressure should be between 30 and 35 pounds per square inch and anything asides that is risky.

Engine Temperature

If you see a light with the temperature signal, it basically means that the engine is overheated or the coolant fluid is low. This signal can pip up for different reasons but when it does, ensure that you check it. 

Traction Control Light

It usually shows a moving vehicle. When this signal pips up, it means that the vehicle's traction control system has been activated. The traction system controls the antilock brake system which checks if a wheel is moving faster than the other then applies the brake if it is. This is very helpful while driving in the rain. 

Anti-lock Brake Warning Light (ABS)

It usually shows the ABS with a circle around it. If this pops up while you're driving, there might be an issue with the system. However, you need to remember that it can pop up just for a few minutes because the system feels the need to do a self-check. If it goes away immediately then the system is in order, but, If it keeps popping up, it is important to take a trip to the mechanic’s workshop to diagnose the issue.

Engine Warning

The engine warning light may light up for different reasons, it might be to indicate a serious issue that requires you to pull over immediately. It could also be low oil pressure or overheating. Sometimes, the light will appear if your fuel tank cap is open, loose, or cracked, hence causing fuel to evaporate. If the light is flashing, you need to stop driving. 

In most vehicles, when you see a flashing engine light signal, it means that there is a serious problem that could cause serious damage if ignored.

Battery Alert

This symbol indicates that the vehicle’s charging system has an issue. One interesting thing about this signal is that the culprit might not be your battery. While it might indicate that you have a loose or damaged battery cable, it can also signify that the alternator belt is broken. 

However, if you notice that your headlights are dimming occasionally, it might be the car battery.

Low Fuel Indicator

A lot of drivers are very familiar with this symbol, it indicates that you are running low on fuel. When you see this signal, it’s best to stop at the nearest filling station and refuel rather than waiting till you have an empty tank.

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