Stay Informed and Stay Safe: A Guide to Vehicle Warning Lights and What They Mean
At Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre, we are very keen to keep you safe on the road at all times. Our expert team at Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre specialise in technical diagnosis. We’ve put together this short blog for our readers to learn more about the technician aspects of their vehicles and the reason for each light you may encounter on your dashboard.
Let’s get straight into it and look at the meaning behind the lights on your dashboard.
Your Dashboard is showing a Warning Light. What should you do?
Nowadays, our vehicles are complex pieces of engineering that are more like airline jets than cars from just a few years ago. Each one has dozens of computers that keep our vehicle’s systems running as smoothly as possible.
However, how do you know when a system needs attention? This is where the Dashboard Warning System comes into its own.
When we start our cars and turn on the Engine, the dashboard lights up. After a few seconds, the lights should all go out again. What if one of them doesn’t?
If one light stays persistent, then it’s more than likely that you have some issue with your vehicle. All of these issues are important to be fixed. However, some are extremely important to your safety and the safety of other road users.
What happens when a dash warning light comes on?
Usually, Dashboard Warning Lights indicate the severity of a problem by the colour they display. Warning lights that are blue and green are traditionally the least urgent, while red warning lights and amber are the most serious. If you act sooner rather than later, you can prevent an issue from worsening or causing significant damage to your vehicle.
If you’re unsure what the warning means, you should stop as soon as it’s safe to do so and consult your vehicle’s manual for guidance, or call Cheltenham and Gloucester Autocentre on 01452 855555.
What does it mean when the Engine Management Light is on?
When this lamp is displayed in the form of an Engine that has been lit up, it indicates a mechanical or electrical problem with the Engine or other safety related systems. This light illuminates when one of its systems is not operating within normal parameters and requires attention.
In the event that you fail to heed this warning, you could cause further damage to your vehicle or even have the vehicle breakdown.
Our technicians will diagnose the problem and let you know whether it can be fixed quickly or if something more substantial is required. Call us today on 01452 855555.
What does it mean when the Braking System Light and ABS Warning Lights come on?
In the event that both the ABS and the Brake System Lights appear at the same time, your vehicle is no longer safe to drive. You and others are at risk if you continue to drive the vehicle since there is a problem with the braking system.
Call us immediately for a quick fix to this problem and to get yourself back on the road quickly.
What does it mean when the Power Steering Failure Lamp comes on?
There is usually an increase in steering resistance and difficulty controlling a vehicle when a Power Steering fault occurs. Even though the vehicle may still be manoeuvrable at slow speeds, anything approaching normal speed would be extremely dangerous. Call our reception team today if you see the power steering failure lamp on your dashboard.
What does it mean when the Airbag Warning Light comes on?
While this light indicates a problem with the Airbag System, it does not indicate how your car will drive or handle. However, this light is saying that an Airbag malfunction is likely to happen. This can’t be ignored as the consequences could be extremely serious, especially if an accident occurs. Airbags are integral to any vehicle’s safety system and must not be treated as optional extras.
Your Airbag is important to your safety. Call us today for a quick fix.
What does it mean when the Oil Pressure Light comes on?
This light indicates low Oil levels or significant loss of Oil pressure and is likely to come on if there is insufficient oil or a serious mechanical problem. If you continue to drive, you may cause a complete Engine failure and even more severe damage. If the Oil Pressure Light is illuminated, you should call our team at the soonest opportunity.
What does it mean when the Cooling System Light comes on?
In order to prevent overheating, Coolant is used. Continuing to drive may cause the vehicle to seize up or suffer from impaired performance, which could lead to serious engine damage.
Now you should know the most important lights to pay attention to. Taking no action on their warnings could lead to many unnecessary expenses, which we want to help you avoid.
With Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre, you can rely on us to repair any system in your car, no matter how complex. You can always trust our skilled technicians to maintain your vehicle with peace of mind and great value.
Call us today. We’re here to help!
