Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Car’s Warning Lights

You’re driving along, and all of a sudden, your car’s warning lights come on.

What do you do? Many people panic and ignore the light, hoping it will go away.

This is a huge mistake. Warning lights are there for a reason: to alert you to a potential problem with your car.

In this blog post, we will discuss the top three reasons why you shouldn’t ignore your car’s warning lights, common warning lights to look out for, and what the check engine light means.

We will also cover one simple way you can take better care of your car–and it doesn’t cost an outrageous amount of money!

Especially if you have a busy schedule or a long daily commute, it can be frustrating when your car’s warning lights appear.

However, while this might translate as an annoyance at the time, if not dealt with properly, your car’s warning lights could develop into something a lot more stressful, and expensive.

Here are the top three reasons why you shouldn’t ignore your car’s warning lights:

1.     Small problems, left unchecked, develop into bigger problems.

If one of your car’s warning lights has come on (especially the “check engine” light), your car is trying to communicate something important to you!

If you want to keep your car in working condition for many years to come…

It’s important to heed this information and service your car as soon as possible to avoid the scenario of a small problem growing into a larger problem.

While it can be irritating to confront the illuminated oil light on your way to work in the morning, failure to do so can mean engine damage or failure.

So looking into warning lights in a timely fashion will ultimately save you time and the expense of shopping for a new car or replacing more parts than necessary.

2.     It’s not worth the safety risk.

If your car’s emergency brake light comes on, for example, you will want to get that checked out immediately.

By continuing to drive with malfunctioning brakes, you may be putting your life—and the lives of those around you—in danger.

Aside from the time and money, you’ll save by checking out any problems with your car as they arrive…

You will also be acting in everyone’s best interest by making sure your car is fit to share the road.

3.     Car problems reduce performance.

Even if car performance is generally not something that interests you, chances are you are at the very least interested in saving money when it comes time to fill your gas tank.

Additionally, if your car detects a problem, it may enter an engine-protection mode in which its peak performance is significantly reduced in order to protect the vehicle from additional stress.

Cars with better, more efficient engine performance tend to average higher miles per gallon than those with oil leaks or other “health” problems.

So if fuel efficiency is at all important to you, it’s vital that you address your car’s warning lights the minute they illuminate.

Chances are you’ve heard of a “check engine” light, but did you know there is a multitude of other warning lights on your car as well?

Each plays an important role in alerting you to problems that need your attention. Your car’s warning lights include the following notifications:

1.     Brake light:

The brake light can come on when brakes have an electrical issue but also for problems as simple as running low on brake fluid.

If you have any questions about why your brake light is on, it’s best to take your vehicle to a mechanic right away.

2.     Airbag light:

This indicator alerts the vehicle owner that one or more of the airbags may be having an electrical issue.

This is important because this means that, should you get in an accident, the airbags might not properly deploy, which could result in more severe injury.

3.     Temperature/thermometer light:

Should you see the thermometer light illuminated, this is your cue to pull over immediately and allow your engine to cool off before continuing down the road.

Failure to do so could result in your engine overheating and causing irreparable damage.

4.     Tire pressure light:

If one of your car’s warning lights happens to pop up, you’d likely hope it was this one.

Your car’s tire pressure light alerts you to mismanaged tire pressure, whether it is too low, too high, or imbalanced.

This problem is pretty quick, easy, and cheap to fix—so don’t delay in fixing the problem!

5.     Oil light:

If you see a little oil can illuminate on your dash, this could mean that the oil pump is not functioning or that your engine is losing or burning oil.

This is another example of a light you really don’t want to ignore, as it can lead to much bigger problems down the road if left unattended.

If your oil light is on, get your car to the shop right away!

Your car’s engine is a mechanical marvel that has a lot of moving parts and a lot of opportunities for things to go wrong.

Under the hood, everything is connected.

So if you have a problem in one system like engine cooling, it may lead to other problems in other systems like engine lubrication.

Honoring your car’s maintenance lights is a large part of car ownership, so don’t take this job lightly.

Whether it’s a tire pressure light or brake light!

And of course, there is also your car’s “check engine” light, one of the most important warning lights in your car!

Read on for more about the “check engine” light!

Everything not covered by the aforementioned five service lights is covered by your vehicle’s “check engine” light.

This alerts the car owner to problems with fuel, exhaust, emissions, and ignition.

Whether you have a loose spark plug or a damaged catalytic converter, the “check engine” light is designed to warn you as soon as problems arise.

The “check engine” light utilizes your car’s Onboard Diagnostics (OBD) system, an electronic system that identifies problems with the basic systems of your car.

This OBD system is what your mechanic will use to “communicate” with the car and see what the problem is.

If the “check engine” light comes on, this means you have a problem that should be attended to relatively soon.

But if the “check engine” light comes on blinking, you have a serious problem that warrants immediate attention.

Ignoring a check engine light, particularly a flashing check engine light, likely will lead to more serious mechanical problems that may significantly shorten your vehicle’s life span.

Even if it seems like your engine is performing fine and you’re not losing too much by way of fuel economy, a check engine light is not meant to be ignored.

If you’ve ever spent much time learning about how your car’s motor works, you likely can appreciate that each piece of the mechanics plays a crucial role in the overall function.

Keeping your car in good working condition is crucial to maintaining peak efficiency as well as continuing its lifespan.

It is a fundamental way you can take care of the significant investment of an automobile.

From tire pressure issues to motor oil problems, the good news is your car is built with systems sensitive enough to register mechanical failures the minute they arise.

Are you looking for more ways you can treat your car right?

Why not start with premium AMSOIL synthetic motor oil for regular oil changes in your car, truck, or motorcycle?

(For more information on the differences between synthetic and conventional motor oil, check out our recent article on the topic.)

To browse Lube Oil Sales’ inventory of high-performance AMSOIL motor oils, click here to get started!

Engine temperature warning light

The engine temperature light is an important indicator on a car’s dashboard that alerts the driver to potential issues with the engine’s temperature.

When this warning light illuminates, it signifies that the engine is overheating or approaching unsafe temperatures.

It is crucial to address this warning promptly to prevent severe engine damage and potential breakdowns.

Here are some key points to understand about the engine temperature light:

Overheating Causes: The engine can overheat due to various reasons, including a malfunctioning cooling system, low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, a radiator leak, a broken water pump, or a blocked radiator.

Any of these issues can disrupt the engine’s cooling process, leading to an increase in temperature.

Immediate Action: When the engine temperature light illuminates, it is essential to take immediate action to prevent further damage.

Safely pull over to a safe location away from traffic and turn off the engine.

Continuing to drive an overheating engine can result in severe damage and even engine failure.

Allow Cooling Time: After stopping the vehicle, allow the engine to cool down before attempting to open the hood or inspect the cooling system.

Opening the hood too soon can release steam or hot coolant, which can cause burns.

It is recommended to wait until the engine temperature returns to a safe level before proceeding.

Check Coolant Level: Once the engine has cooled down, visually inspect the coolant level in the coolant reservoir tank.

If the level is low, it may indicate a coolant leak or other issues with the cooling system.

Add coolant as necessary, but only when the engine is cool to avoid injury from hot coolant.

Seek Professional Assistance: If the engine temperature light continues to illuminate after refilling the coolant or if the coolant level is consistently low, it is advisable to seek professional assistance from a qualified mechanic.

They can diagnose the underlying cause of the overheating and perform necessary repairs or maintenance on the cooling system.

Preventive Measures: To prevent engine overheating in the future, it is important to practice regular vehicle maintenance.

This includes checking the coolant level regularly, inspecting for any coolant leaks, ensuring proper functioning of the radiator, and replacing the thermostat as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Remember, the engine temperature light should never be ignored.

Ignoring it can lead to severe engine damage, expensive repairs, and potential safety hazards.

Acting promptly and seeking professional help when needed can help maintain the health of your engine and ensure a safe driving experience.

Diesel car dashboard symbols and meanings

Diesel vehicles have specific dashboard symbols that convey important information to the driver.

Understanding these symbols and their meanings is crucial for the safe operation and maintenance of a diesel car.

Here are some common diesel car dashboard symbols and their explanations:

Glow Plug Indicator: This symbol resembles a coil and indicates that the glow plugs in the engine are in operation.

Glow plugs are used in diesel engines to preheat the combustion chambers for easier starting.

The glow plug indicator should illuminate when the ignition is switched on and turn off once the engine is ready to start.

Check Engine Light: The check engine light is a generic symbol that looks like an engine block.

It indicates a problem with the engine or emission control system. When this light illuminates, it is advisable to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to diagnose and resolve the underlying issue.

Water in Fuel Indicator: This symbol typically features a droplet of water and indicates the presence of water in the fuel system.

Water in the fuel can lead to engine damage and reduced performance.

If this symbol appears, it is important to drain the water from the fuel system as soon as possible.

Low Fuel Warning: The low fuel warning symbol resembles a fuel pump or a gas pump icon.

It illuminates when the fuel level is critically low and serves as a reminder to refuel the vehicle.

Battery Warning Light: The battery warning light looks like a battery symbol and indicates a problem with the vehicle’s charging system.

It could mean a faulty alternator, a weak battery, or a loose connection.

It is recommended to have the charging system checked by a professional if this symbol appears.

Oil Pressure Warning: This symbol features an oil can or an oil drop and indicates low oil pressure in the engine.

It signifies a potential problem with the lubrication system, which can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Stop the vehicle safely and check the engine oil level. If it is adequate, seek professional assistance.

Coolant Temperature Warning: The coolant temperature warning symbol resembles a thermometer submerged in water and indicates that the engine coolant is overheating.

It is crucial to address this warning immediately to prevent engine damage. Pull over to a safe location, allow the engine to cool down, and check the coolant level.

Seek professional help if needed.

These are just a few examples of common dashboard symbols found in diesel vehicles.

It is important to consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual for a comprehensive list of symbols specific to your make and model.

Understanding these symbols will help you respond appropriately to any issues that may arise, ensuring the safety and proper functioning of your diesel car.

Car dashboard symbols

Car dashboard symbols are visual indicators displayed on the vehicle’s instrument cluster to provide important information and alerts to the driver.

Understanding these symbols is crucial for safe and efficient operation of the vehicle.

While the specific symbols may vary depending on the make and model of the car, here are some common dashboard symbols and their meanings:

Check Engine Light: This symbol, usually shaped like an engine block, indicates a problem with the engine or emission control system.

When this light illuminates, it is advisable to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to diagnose and resolve the underlying issue.

Battery Warning Light: The battery symbol represents an issue with the vehicle’s charging system.

It could indicate a faulty alternator, a weak battery, or a loose connection.

If this light appears, it is recommended to have the charging system checked by a professional.

Oil Pressure Warning: This symbol, often resembling an oil can or an oil drop, indicates low oil pressure in the engine.

It signifies a potential problem with the lubrication system, which can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Check the engine oil level and seek professional assistance if needed.

Coolant Temperature Warning: The symbol usually depicts a thermometer submerged in water and indicates that the engine coolant is overheating.

It is important to address this warning immediately to prevent engine damage.

Stop the vehicle safely, allow the engine to cool down, and check the coolant level. Seek professional help if necessary.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): This symbol appears as an exclamation mark inside a horseshoe shape and indicates low tire pressure.

It signifies that one or more tires have insufficient air pressure. Check the tire pressure and inflate the tires to the recommended level as soon as possible.

ABS Warning: The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) warning light represents an issue with the vehicle’s braking system.

It indicates a malfunction in the ABS, which could affect the effectiveness of the braking system.

It is important to have the vehicle inspected by a professional to diagnose and rectify the problem.

Airbag Warning: This symbol features an image of a person with an inflated airbag and signals a problem with the airbag system.

When this light illuminates, it indicates a fault that requires attention.

Promptly have the vehicle inspected by a qualified technician to ensure proper airbag functionality.

These are just a few examples of common dashboard symbols.

It is important to consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual for a comprehensive list of symbols specific to your make and model.

Understanding these symbols will help you respond appropriately to any issues or alerts that may arise while driving, ensuring your safety and the proper functioning of your vehicle.