You’re driving down the road, and suddenly, you see a warning light. It’s normal to panic a bit when a light comes on. You don’t know if you need to stop the car immediately or if you can still go to your destination. Find out what car warning lights mean so you can take the appropriate action.
Engine Temperature Warning Light
The engine temperature warning light will come on if the temperature has risen to dangerous levels. If you keep driving, your engine will continue to overheat, leading to significant damage. Pull over and let your car cool down for half an hour. Then remove the radiator cap to check the coolant level. If it’s low, add coolant and continue to your destination. If the light comes back on, pull back over and have a mechanic look at it. You might have a significant problem with your cooling system.
Battery Charge Warning Light
If your battery charge warning light comes on, your alternator isn’t charging the battery. Because it isn’t receiving a charge, the battery will stop working after using up whatever charge it has left. This can be due to a problem with the battery or the alternator. You need to have it checked out soon, so you don’t end up stranded on the side of the road.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
You need to pull over and check your oil if you see the oil pressure warning light come on. The system doesn’t have enough oil pressure, so your engine isn’t getting enough lubrication. This could because your oil is too low, or you have an issue with the oil pressure gauge or fuel pump. It’s a good idea to have a mechanic take a look just in case you have a significant problem.
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Brake Warning Light
Your brake warning light will appear if you forget to disengage the parking brake or if the brake fluid inside the master cylinder is too low. Check the parking brake, and if that isn’t the problem, you know your vehicle needs brake fluid. You can fix this yourself. However, if the light comes back on, there’s probably a leak, and you need to take it to a mechanic.
If you notice any of these warning lights appear on your dashboard, take immediate action. Waiting to address the problem could create a serious breakdown, leading to expensive repairs. However, if it seems like warning lights are constantly coming on, it might be time to upgrade your vehicle instead of continuing to fix it. Red McCombs Superior Hyundai in San Antonio, Texas, has a full lineup of vehicles, including the new 2021 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata. You can stop by to see us in person or buy a new or pre-owned vehicle from us online.