Paying Attention to your Dashboard
Imagine This: You’re driving to work and all of a sudden your vehicle dashboard lights up with warning signals that you have never seen before. Has this ever happened to you? We have all been there. While it’s easy to remember the meaning of different road signs, drivers are not as familiar with the warning indicators that can appear on their dashboards. Every car has some slight differences, but we will go over the basic warning lights that you should be aware of.
Check Tire Pressure
Your vehicle’s tire pressure warning light will appear on your dashboard whenever one or more of your tires has a lower than desired level of air pressure. Step one is to check each individual tire’s current pressure. Do this by using a pressure gauge, either that you personally own or at a local gas station. Also examine each tire for potential holes or spots in which air could be leaking. Once you determine the current levels, double check in the manual for the desired levels your tires should be at and fill them with air. Keep an eye out for your tires in case you need to take further steps to patch or replace them.
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle’s check engine light will appear on your dashboard whenever, generally speaking, there is an error occurring under your hood. The issues range in a variety of factors such as cost, importance, safety and time. After pulling over to a safe location, take some time to look over your car, check under the hood, and examine your manual for further warning signs. Keep in mind, if the check engine light is blinking, this is a more severe warning and should be taken very seriously. Consider taking your car to your local auto repair shop as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Replace Washer Fluid
Your vehicle’s washer fluid light will appear on your dashboard whenever the level of fluid is lower than desired for proper use. From dust and pollen to a squished bug and bird droppings, washer fluid can come in handy when your windshield view has become obstructed. Research which brand of fluid is suggested for your car as well as the best place to purchase and refill to the proper level marked on the reservoir.
Check Oil Pressure
Your vehicle’s oil pressure light will appear on your dashboard whenever the level of oil is low, the pump is bad, or the sending unit is defective. If the level of oil is low, immediately pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine. Check the oil level with your vehicle’s dipstick and determine whether further action needs to be taken. If you are unsure how to properly check your oil levels or need further assistance, visit your local auto repair shop to get a second opinion and professional guidance.
These are just a few of the many warning indicator lights that may appear on your dashboard while driving. If you ever have questions or concerns about an indicator light in your car, consult your vehicle’s manual for the cause and action-steps on how to get it fixed. Next step, consul a professional. Give us a call or visit our website online to schedule an appointment to get your car checked by our certified technicians.