Car Warning Lights Are There for a Reason
We're going to be blunt, folks — car warning lights are there for a reason. You shouldn't ignore them! Yet so many drivers turn a blind eye to these bright lights when they flash up on the dashboard. It's pretty crazy, in all honesty. Talk about taking an unecessary risk.
But which car warning lights get ignored the most nowadays? Well, let's find out! Yep, we'll be taking a closer look at the issue right here. And some of the entries are sure to leave you slack-jawed...
‘Check Engine’ Warning Light
The ‘check engine’ warning light, or engine control unit as it's sometimes known, is no joke. If you see this thing pop up on your dashboard, don't overlook it! When the light is solid and amber, that usually indicates that there's a problem with your car's emissions. It's not an emergency as such, but you definitely need to get it looked at once you've stopped.
If the light flashes or turns red, though, that's very bad news. It means there's a serious problem with the engine. You've got to pull over as soon as possible here, guys.
Battery Warning Light
Should you be concerned if the battery warning light suddenly appears on your dash? Probably! This red light usually signals a couple of different problems. There's either trouble with the charging system, due to something like a faulty alternator, or the battery itself has an issue. Whatever you do, though, don't dismiss it.
If you don't get your car checked out when this light flashes up, it'll eventually start to stall due to a loss of power. Play it safe, folks — visit a mechanic!
Brake Warning Light
If the brake warning light ever flashes up in your car, pull over as soon as you can. From there, check your parking brake first. Why? Well, the light can signal that it hasn't been fully disengaged. Should it go off here, you're in the clear. But if it doesn't? There's normally a bigger problem.
We're talking low brake fluid, faulty sensors, leaks, mechanical troubles — that kind of stuff. Either way, it'd be wise to drop by your local repair shop to get the problem fixed.
Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
The low oil pressure warning light is pretty easy to recognize. It's an old-fashioned oil can symbol! But can you afford to ignore it on the road? Absolutely not. If it appears on your dashboard, pull over as soon as possible. At that point, switch off the engine and grab a dipstick.
Using that tool, check the oil level and watch out for any potential leaks. The best case scenario here? Your car just needs a top-up. But if there is a leak? Call a mechanic — stat!
Engine Cooling System Warning Light
Ignoring the engine cooling system warning light is a very bad idea, folks. Don't do it! This symbol normally indicates that your engine has overheated, or the coolant level is too low. To avoid causing major damage, switch your car off when it's safe to do so.
Then, let the engine cool down for a bit before checking the coolant level. Hopefully, it'll just require a top-up. But if the light doesn't go off after this, the water pump or radiator could be to blame.
Airbag Warning Light
You won't have trouble identifying the airbag warning light, folks. It's pretty obvious! Should you be worried if it appears in your vehicle, though? Most definitely. The red light usually flashes or stays solid when something's amiss with the airbag system.
Now, we're not going to beat around the bush here — you need to get that checked out. Pronto. A faulty airbag is a huge hazard that won't keep you safe in the event of an accident.
Traction Control Warning Light
This is an interesting one, folks. If you see the traction control warning light flash up every now and again, don't worry. It indicates that the system, which prevents wheel spin on slippery roads, is working. But when the light stays solid? You've got a problem.
This could signal issues with the steering system, your tire pressure, or the wheel speed sensor. Oh boy. Get it checked out, guys. Ignoring it isn't an option! And the same can be said of our next entry, too...
ABS Warning Light
You can't miss the ABS warning light. It's pretty clear! But can you afford to dismiss it? No way. The anti-lock braking system is a vital feature in cars today. So if something goes wrong with it, you need to get it looked at.
You should be able to drive to the nearby repair shop when this light comes on — carefully! If the brake warning light flashes up at the same time, though, call a mechanic ASAP.
Tire Pressure Warning Light
The tire pressure warning light is an amber symbol that pops up when your wheel sensors detect an issue. In most cases, it's just a loss of pressure. When that happens, you'd be wise to check the tires and pump them back up.
If the light comes on again soon after, though, that could signal a puncture or something more serious. So for your safety, get in touch with a mechanic and follow their instructions.
DPF Warning Light
The diesel particulate filter, otherwise known the DPF, works hard to get rid of the harmful soot from your car's exhaust gases. It's a pretty important component, folks. But it can become clogged due to stop-start driving, which will bring up the DPF warning light.
If that happens to you, try to drive at around 40 mph for the next 15 minutes or so. That should clear it. If it doesn't work, though, get to a repair shop.
Power Steering Warning Light
Is the power steering warning light easy to miss on your dashboard? No chance! It's an amber steering wheel with an exclamation mark by its side. And trust us, folks — you don't want to ignore it.
This light indicates that there's an issue with the power steering system. Before long, you might start to notice that the wheel is harder to control. Don't persist here! Pull over and call for help.
Low Fuel Level Warning Light
You'd be surprised by the number of people who ignore the low fuel level warning light. It's a wild habit that's seemingly hard to break! But the light's there for a reason, guys. You shouldn't dismiss it out of hand.
If you spot it on your dashboard, you should have around 20 to 100 miles-worth of fuel left. Instead of resting on your laurels, though, head to the nearest gas station and fill up. Better safe than sorry, right?
Brake Pad Warning Light
The brake pad warning light is a little different to the brake warning light. This one is an amber circle surrounded by three dashes. And yes, it indicates that something's wrong with your car's brake pads.
Usually, it's a sign that the pads have worn out and they need to be replaced. But the light can flash on when there's an issue with the brake discs, too. So you've got to be cautious.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
Struggling to recognize this symbol? It's the transmission temperature warning light. Ignore it at your peril, folks! When your transmission is on the verge of overheating, you'll see the light pop up on your dashboard.
To swerve any potential headaches, pull over and let the system cool down. If the light doesn't switch off after that, though, get to a mechanic as soon as you can.