05/05/2022
As car professionals, we often see cars come into garages that have had lights on for a long time, these usually cause further damage when ignored. So, what was once a routine change, has now become a larger job. When it comes to your car dashboard, do you get confused with what the symbols mean. A British poll revealed 98% of drivers are, and it’s not surprising.
Unless your car is on fire, some of the symbols on your instrument panel can be very confusing as to what they mean, as some haven’t been updated in decades to what they indicate.
A few of the worst to pop up are below:
1: Check Engine: This is a big warning sign something is wrong with the engine and needs someone who knows what they are doing to have a look.
2: Low Fuel Warning: As the title suggests, you are very low on fuel and will need to fill up as soon as possible.
3: Water Temperature Warning: Low coolant making your car overheat, so you need to pull over or risk overheating your engine.
4: Low Oil pressure warning: Your oil pressure is low meaning you need to add oil at the earliest convenience as this can be very bad for your engine.
5: Battery Charge Warning: Low battery charge due to either your battery is dying or its not recharging properly caused by either using to many electrical gizmos or your alternator is not working properly. This will need looking at quickly as your car may not start again the next time your need it.
6: Parking Brake Indicator: You are driving with your parking brake still on, this needs to be released quickly before you damage your braking system.
7: Antilock Brake System warning: you have a sensor reading an error and needs to be looked at asap before your brakes stop working when you need them.
8: Low Windscreen washer fluid: Not critical but needs topping up soon so you can keep a clear vision when needed.
9: High beam indicator: This can be very bad for other drivers to see clearly when you drive with these lights on. They should only be used in badly lit areas where no one else is around.
10: Low tire pressure Warning: Sensors are indicating one of your tires is low and will need to be checked and inflated asap as this can cause instability in cornering and unnecessary wear on your tire.
11: Fog Lights indicator: This light is only needed when necessary: ie; when it's foggy, otherwise it can be uncomfortable viewing for other drivers.
12: Power steering Warning: Power steering problem which will mean your steering wheel becomes harder to use and there is no assistance from your car system which can cause cornering to be harder. This will need checking.
Always make sure you take your car to a certified garage, or this can cause further problems and more expense.
