Our lifestyle is changing proportionally with the advancement of technology. Cars, which were once a luxury, are now a necessity for everyone. But owning a car is not enough; understanding every function and indication is what ensures your safety and that of others on the road.
To ensure that your car is in proper shape, you will have to understand its needs. Your car gives out indications of what it needs. The car warning light symbols are the language through which the car speaks. Ensure that you are considering them.
In this blog, we will be looking at all the car warning lights available on the dashboard, along with their meanings. We will further look into the description of how to ensure that these lights are working properly and will light up at the right time.
Different car warning light symbols and their meanings
Each light on the dashboard has its meaning, but that doesn’t mean all of them are warning lights. Here is a list of major car warning lights along with their meanings for you to make out what your car is indicating you to do.
- Check Engine Light (CEL): This light, which is symbolized by an engine icon, is a sign that something might be wrong with the engine. A range of problems, from little hiccups like a loose gas cap to more complex faults with engine parts or emissions systems, may cause the CEL to illuminate. Its presence acts as a prompt to schedule a diagnostic examination to identify and address the root cause.
- ABS Light: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) light, frequently displayed as an acronym or a wheel skid icon, alerts the driver to a problem with the ABS. Regular braking may still be effective, but if you suddenly stop, there’s a higher chance that the ABS won’t engage correctly, which increases the risk of sliding.
- Car Temperature Warning Light: Overheating in the engine is indicated by a thermometer or teapot sign. This car warning light can be caused by a broken thermostat, a leak, or a broken cooling system. To stop the engine from suffering additional damage, immediate intervention is necessary.
- Oil Pressure Warning: This light signal that the engine’s oil pressure is low and is represented by an oil can or oil drop icon. This needs to be fixed right away because a lack of lubrication can seriously harm an engine. Low oil levels, a broken oil pump, or oil leakage are examples of potential causes.
- Airbag Light: This light, which resembles an inflated airbag, is for the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). When lit, it indicates a potential issue with the operation of the airbag system. The airbags might not inflate in time for an accident due to a malfunction.
- Car Battery Warning Light: Potential problems with the vehicle’s electrical charging system are indicated by a straightforward battery symbol. A malfunctioning alternator, a serpentine belt that is past its prime, or an old battery could be to blame. Ignoring this light can cause the battery to discharge and the car to become unusable.
- Brake System Warning: There are problems with the car’s braking system, as indicated by an exclamation point enclosed in a circle that resembles parentheses. This can be an indication of low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or an issue with the brake hydraulic system. Safety depends on responding quickly to brake-related warning lights.
- Stability Control light: This warning light on cars signifies a difficulty with the vehicle’s stability control or traction control systems via a vehicle symbol with wavy lines or skid marks. When driving is slick, these systems aid in maintaining control. The driver’s ability to travel safely could be impacted by a malfunction.
- Transmission Temperature Warning: This light warns drivers of high transmission temperatures and is frequently represented as a thermometer inside a gear icon. This could be caused by a variety of things, like hauling big items or continuing to drive in difficult weather. Transmission fluid that is too hot might potentially cause harm and hasten wear.
- Tire Pressure Warning: This car warning light alerts drivers about uneven tire pressure and is typically shown as an exclamation mark inside a horseshoe. Maintaining adequate tire pressure is crucial for overall road safety, tire wear, and fuel efficiency.
- Seatbelt Warning Light: Simply put, this car light serves as a reminder for you and your passenger to buckle up. It frequently comes with a constant dinging sound.
- Low Fuel Indicator: This dashboard light is probably well-known to you. It simply signifies that your car is out of fuel.
How do I ensure that the car warning light is functioning properly?
As much as these car warning light symbols are very useful, it is crucial to ensure that they are functioning properly. The owner’s manual comes in very handy when you want to understand the symbols but to make sure that these lights are working properly, a regular check is required. You can either do it yourself or get it done when you take your car down for regular maintenance.
As most of these car warning light symbols are not used regularly, it becomes difficult to understand when they stop working. Thus, regular check-ups and maintenance are crucial; otherwise, there will be no way for your car to communicate the arising problem, which will lead to some major security and safety issues.
Conclusion
Vigilance, expertise, and routine inspections are all necessary to make sure that your car’s warning lights are operating properly. Learn the meanings of the car warning light symbols, give them a manual test if necessary, and, if you have any suspicions, get professional help.
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