The dashboard of a modern car provides the driver with a great deal of information about what’s going on under the hood. This is a good thing, as the lights and messages that pop up can provide a good indication that something is going wrong. But what do these warning lights mean, and what can we do to prevent them from coming on in the first place?
Understanding Your Dashboard Warning Lights
Dashboard warning lights tend to be standardised across every vehicle. They are colour-coded in much the same way as traffic lights. If you see a red light, whatever the shape, it’s time to stop the vehicle. Orange means that you need to take action, while green means that everything is fine – and you’re just being reminded of something.
The more common lights deal with the engine, battery, and brakes.
Typically, these issues can be resolved through regular preventative services. Look for ‘car servicing near me’, and find a local specialist who can deal with these issues before they arise.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Engine Warning Light
The ‘check engine’ light, which resembles a small outline of an engine, is among the most important indicators. It’s worthy of special consideration, mostly because it could mean any one of a range of different things. Engine-related lights might relate to the cooling system, the oil pressure, or the engine management system – but it’s the engine symbol itself that causes many of the more difficult problems.
There might be a malfunctioning sensor somewhere, or your exhaust could be spitting out polluting fumes. In recent years, the requirements surrounding emissions on the MOT test have been made more stringent. By failing to take action, you could end up failing – if your car doesn’t suffer a complete breakdown before that point arrives.
Battery and Electrical Warning Lights: Key Causes and Solutions
If the car battery is failing to hold a charge, then it might need to be replaced. Or, there might be a more fundamental underlying issue with the charging system. In some cases, the alternator might need to be replaced, as well as the battery itself.
The automotive industry is gradually pivoting toward hybrid and electric vehicles, which have very particular requirements when it comes to battery health. A service centre that can properly diagnose these issues through the right electrical equipment might help you to prevent them from arising in the first place.
The Role of Car Servicing in Preventing Brake and Tyre Warning Lights
In some parts of the vehicle, regular servicing has particular preventative power. Specifically, problems with your brakes and tyres can often be avoided through regular checks of the brake pads, tread depth, and tyre pressure. In the UK, the legal lower limit for tread depth is 1.6mm – but you’ll tend to lose stopping power well before you approach this limit. Make sure that you check your tyres regularly if you want to stay on the right side of the law.
