When your car’s dashboard starts lighting up like a Christmas tree, it can be a little disconcerting. You might not know what all of the lights mean, and you might be worried that you’re about to break down on the side of the road. Master Muffler Brigham City identifies the most common dashboard lights and what they mean. We will also explain how to fix them so you can stay safe on the road.
You’re probably pretty familiar with the engine light and low fuel indicator light. But what do the other dashboard lights on your vehicle mean? Unfortunately, some lights can indicate there’s a problem with a certain system, but they don’t identify specifics. That’s where vehicle diagnostics comes into play.
What is Vehicle Diagnostics?
Vehicle diagnostics is the process of hooking up a computer to your vehicle in order to read the engine codes. The mechanic can then use these codes to identify the problem and fix it. So, each light on your dashboard reads as a certain engine code to give a mechanic an idea of what the specific problem is.
The Most Common Dashboard Lights
Check Engine Light
This light comes on when there’s a problem with the vehicle’s emission control system. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, or it could be something more serious like a faulty oxygen sensor.
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
This light looks like an exclamation point inside of a horseshoe. It comes on when one or more of your tires is low on air pressure. You’ll need to add air to the affected tire (or tires) as soon as possible.
Brake System Warning Ligh
This light looks like a circle with an exclamation point in the center and two squiggly lines coming out of it. It means there’s a problem with your vehicle’s brake system. You should take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible so they can diagnose and fix the problem.
Battery Warning Light
This light looks like a battery with + and – symbols on either side. It indicates that there’s a problem with your vehicle’s charging system and the battery isn’t being charged properly. You’ll need to take your vehicle to a mechanic so they can fix the charging system.
Oil Light
This light looks like an oil can with a drip coming out of it. It indicates that your vehicle is low on oil and needs to be topped off. You can do this yourself by adding more oil to the engine, or you can take it to a mechanic and have them do it for you.
Windshield Washer Fluid
This light looks like a windshield with squiggly lines coming out of it. It means that your vehicle’s windshield washer fluid is low and needs to be refilled. You can do this yourself by adding more windshield washer fluid to the reservoir.
Overheating Light
This light looks like a thermometer with red squiggly lines coming out of it. It indicates that your vehicle’s engine is overheating. You should pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible to avoid damaging it.
These are just some of the most common dashboard lights. If you see any light come on, be sure to consult your owner’s manual so you can identify what it means and how to fix it. And if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to take your vehicle into Master Muffler Brigham City for a diagnosis. We’re always happy to help keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Which Dashboard Lights are the Most Serious?
The most serious dashboard lights are the ones that indicate a problem with your vehicle’s brakes, engine, or charging system. If you see any of these lights come on, be sure to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible so they can diagnose and fix the problem. Sometimes it’s as simple as tightening the fuel cap or topping off fluids, but other times it could mean a leak in your brake line or dangerously low tire pressure.
CONTACT BRIGHAM CITY MASTER MUFFLER TODAY
(435) 363-0340
For vehicle diagnostics, get in touch with us at Master Muffler today.
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