When dashboard warning lights appears, it means that the vehicle’s onboard computer detected a problem. Manufacturers usually include a computer system within their cars for the purpose of monitoring engine performance.
Some of the warnings might require immediate attention. In fact, when a warning light appears, the driver could be at a dilemma on whether to keep driving or to stop immediately.
However, some warnings may not be as urgent and you can keep driving till you get to a professional. For example the warning lights associated with a faulty sensor.
It is important to note that different car models and makes have different types of warning lights. In terms of their shapes and appearance.
Today we will look at a list of the warning lights that are common for all cars, trucks and busses.
1. Engine Temperature Warning Light.
In most vehicle dashboards, this warning appears as either green or red. The red color will warn you of extreme engine temperatures that will hinder normal operation.
Your engine needs to maintain a certain degree of temperature for normal operations. This is enabled by the engine cooling system components. For example, Air intake, fan and coolant fluid.
A problematic engine cooling system component causes the engine to overheat. Hence leading to the engine temperature dashboard warning light.
Additionally, it could also lead to the check engine light.
This kind of problem requires immediate attention in order to avoid any damage to the engine.
2. Oil Pressure Warning Light.
When this light shows up, the onboard computer has detected something is wrong with the amount of oil within your engine. Vehicle engine oil serves a number of functions that are inclusive of lubrication and cooling.
Remember that your engine is made up of moving parts that need to be lubricated.
Sometimes the engine isn’t pumping sufficient oil or the oil pressure isn’t enough to reach the required areas. During other occasions, different causes of oil leakage could lead to this oil pressure warning light.
This warning light allows you to stop and look at the oil levels within the engine. Further, inspect whether you can see a colored puddle under the car. Incase there is an oil leakage.
3. Battery Charge Warning Light.
The vehicle’s battery is usually used to power the ignition process as well as other vehicle electric components. Remember that a dead battery is one of the reasons why the car won’t start.
While in the case of a dead, there will be nothing on the dashboard display. Meaning that this warning light appears especially when the vehicle is in motion.
In fact, you might require to purchase a new battery. But this depends on the reason behind the dead car battery.
You will find that the causes of this warning light are because of problems with the car electric system. For example, the electric fuses, wiring and alternator belt.
If the vehicle starts, the alternator belt will charge the battery as well as power the accessories and lights.
This dashboard warning light indicates that the battery is running low on power. That’s because the battery won’t be receiving power from it’s charging system.
Take this warning seriously because once you park the vehicle it may fail to start again. Hence you will have to jumpstart the dead car battery.
4. Brake Warning Light.
This dashboard warning light shows that there is an issue with the vehicle’s brake system. In fact, it could be originating from either of the brake system parts.
It is important that the driver stops driving immediately when this warning light appears on the dashboard. Some of the causes of this warning include;
- Insufficient brake fluid.
- Excessive reduction of the brake pad thickness. Hence causing the car brakes to start squeaking.
- Hydraulic pressure once the brake pedal is pressed.
Either of these causes should get your attention immediately. Alternatively, there are causes of this warning light that do not need your attention. For example,
- Over sensitive brake warning light.
5. Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.
The ABS ring may be broken hence causing an ABS warning light. This happens incase there is excessive corrosion within the sensor mounts.
This will cause the sensor to draw closer to the ABS ring hence giving a warning.
The Anti-Lock brake system was installed by manufacturers in consideration of the possibility of hitting emergency brakes.
So if this warning light shows up on the dashboard it’s an indication that your emergency brakes won’t function as they should.
In fact the ABS prevents your wheels from locking up when you hit the emergency brakes.
Further, if your vehicle has a stability control and traction control, these functions will not work properly. Because both of them depend on the wheel speed sensors. Same as the antilock system.
6. Reduced engine power dashboard warning light.
It is specially associated with a faulty throttle body or sensors.