Dashboard Warning Lights By Levi Quinn At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Numerous vehicles have quite a number of various warning lights that flash on the vehicle dashboard. It is very important to be familiar with the different kinds of warning lights and to understand what to do should they light up. Most warning lights are particular to a manufacturer or car model, but drivers should find detailed descriptions of the relevance of each light in the vehicle manual. If warning lights appear, stop immediately and determine the problem immediately before continuing to drive. Whenever the car indicates a warning light, it is indicating something and therefore one should be able to understand what each warning light means. A car has various warning lights and gauges that assist one to monitor what is happening electrically and mechanically as one drives.

Each warning light should always turn on for some seconds when a car is started to reassure one that each bulb still works. However, if a warning light remains on longer or begins to glow while one is driving, then something must be wrong. When there is a red light on the dashboard, it could mean that one should stop driving immediately or that one may be having some time before they should bring the car to a halt. Vehicles normally have two oil pressure warning lights. Whenever this light is seen, it calls for immediate action; this light normally illuminates when the vehicle is switched on. It could mean that the oil pressure is absent or the oil in the engine is low. If this light remains on after the engine is started or flashes when on the road, it is advisable to stop right away and switch the engine off then check the level of oil. If the level is low, top up immediately, but if the level of oil is correct, seek assistance.

There are dangerous warning lights that should never be ignored and they include the oil, brake and antilock brake system light. Always ensure that the handbrake light is not on when driving. Check the level of the brake fluid and if low, top it up. If there is a problem with the brakes, have them checked as this can be very dangerous. It may mean that the parking brake was left on. The Antilock Brake System lights may indicate that the brake fluid is low or, the brake caliper is stuck or the brake system is faulty. Vehicles having the Antilock Brake System have a separate light indicating if there is a problem with the antilock system. Have the brakes analyzed by a technician regularly to avoid the occurrence of an accident due to brake failure.

The other category of warning lights is maintenance lights that include Battery Charge, Engine, Air Bag and Emissions lights. The battery charge warning light should always illuminate whenever the ignition is started. If the light fails to illuminate while driving, the battery could be flat or there could be a problem with the charging system due to a slack battery, broken alternator or alternator failure.

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