Vehicle Warning Lights
As cars become more complex, their warning systems become even more important. Dashboard lights can alert us to issues that need attention, from minor problems to serious safety concerns. But what should you do when a warning light appears?
In this blog post, we’ll break down the meaning behind common dashboard warning lights and explain what steps you should take to address them. Whether it’s a simple fix or a more substantial repair, Shires Garage is here to help keep you and your vehicle safe on the road. So, buckle up and read on to learn more about what to do when your dashboard is showing a warning light.
Your Dashboard is Showing a Warning Light. What Should You Do?
Nowadays, our cars resemble airline jets more than cars from just a few years ago because they are complex pieces of engineering. Our vehicles are equipped with dozens of computers that keep their systems running smoothly.
But how do you know when a system needs attention? This is where the dashboard warning system comes into its own.
As soon as we start our vehicles and turn on the engine, the dashboard lights up. You should see all the lights go out again after a few seconds. If one of them does not, what happens?
You may have an issue with your vehicle if one light remains persistent. It is important to resolve all of these issues. There are, however, some that are extremely important to your safety as well as the safety of others on the road.
When the Dashboard Warning Light Comes on, What Happens?
The colour of dashboard warning lights indicates the severity of a problem. The blue and green warning lights are considered to be the least urgent, while the red and amber warning lights are considered to be the most serious. An issue can be prevented from worsening or causing significant damage to your vehicle if you act quickly.
You should stop and consult your vehicle’s manual as soon as it’s safe to do so if you don’t understand the warning.
When the Engine Management Light (EML) is on, What Does it Mean?
The EML is usually depicted as an image of an engine or a similar symbol, often with the word “Check” or “Service” written underneath it. The colour of the light can vary, but it is typically amber or yellow. When this light appears on your dashboard, it indicates that there is a mechanical or electrical issue with one of the vehicle’s systems, and it should not be ignored.
If your EML is illuminated, it’s important to take action right away to prevent further damage to your vehicle. At Shires Garage, our skilled technicians can diagnose the issue and provide you with prompt, reliable service to get you back on the road safely. Don’t ignore the EML dashboard warning light – contact us today to schedule an appointment and keep your vehicle running smoothly!
When the Braking System Light and ABS Warning Light Come on, What do they Mean?
When both the braking system light and the ABS (anti-lock braking system) warning light come on, it usually indicates a serious problem with the vehicle’s braking system. This can include issues with the brake pads, brake fluid, brake lines, or other components.
It’s important to stop the vehicle as soon as possible in a safe location and contact Shires Garage for assistance. Continuing to drive with these warning lights illuminated can put you and other drivers at risk. At Shires Garage, our experienced technicians can quickly diagnose and repair braking system issues to help keep you safe on the road. If you’re experiencing problems with your brakes, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
What Does it Mean When the Power Steering Failure Lamp Comes on?
If the power steering failure lamp on your dashboard illuminates, it indicates that there is a problem with your vehicle’s power steering system.
Power steering makes it easier to steer your vehicle, and if the system fails, you may experience increased steering resistance and find it more difficult to control the vehicle. This can be especially dangerous when driving at higher speeds.
There are several reasons why the power steering failure lamp may come on, such as low power steering fluid, a broken power steering belt, or a malfunctioning power steering pump. It’s important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired by Shires Garage as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vehicle and to ensure your safety on the road.
At Shires Garage, our team can diagnose and repair power steering issues to get you back on the road safely. If you’re experiencing problems with your power steering, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
When the Airbag Warning Light Comes on, What Does it Mean?
The airbag warning light on your dashboard typically indicates that there is a problem with the airbag system in your vehicle.
Airbags are an important safety feature designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision, and any malfunction in the system can put you at risk. There are several reasons why the airbag warning light may come on, such as a faulty airbag sensor, a damaged airbag clock spring, or a problem with the airbag control module.
If the airbag warning light comes on, it’s important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired by Shires Garage as soon as possible. Ignoring this warning light can result in serious injury or worse in the event of an accident.
At Shires Garage, our experienced technicians can quickly diagnose and repair airbag system issues to help keep you safe on the road. Contact us today to schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing problems with your airbag warning light.
When the Oil Pressure Light Comes on, What Does it Mean?
The oil pressure light on your dashboard indicates that there is a problem with your vehicle’s oil system.
The oil system is responsible for lubricating the engine’s moving parts and keeping them cool, and if the oil pressure is too low or there is a loss of oil, it can cause serious engine damage.
When the oil pressure light comes on, it’s important to stop your vehicle as soon as possible in a safe location and check the oil level. If the oil level is low, you should add more oil immediately. If the oil level is normal, it’s likely that there is a problem with the oil pressure sensor, oil pump, or other oil system components. Continuing to drive with the oil pressure light on can cause further damage to your engine, so it’s important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired by Shires Garage as soon as possible.
At Shires Garage, our team can quickly diagnose and repair oil system issues to help keep your vehicle running smoothly. Contact us today to schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing problems with your oil pressure light.
When the Cooling System Light Comes on, What Does it Mean?
The engine coolant helps regulate the temperature of the engine by absorbing and dissipating heat. If the cooling system light comes on, it’s an indication that there may be an issue with the coolant level, the radiator, the thermostat, or other components of the cooling system. If the cooling system is not functioning properly, your engine may overheat, which can cause severe damage and potentially result in a breakdown.
If the cooling system light comes on, you should stop your vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Check the coolant level and look for any visible signs of leaks or damage. If the coolant level is low, you should add more coolant immediately. However, if you are unable to identify the problem, it’s important to have the issue diagnosed and repaired by Shires Garage as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to your vehicle.
At Shires Garage, our team can quickly diagnose and repair cooling system issues to help keep your vehicle running smoothly. Contact us today to schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing problems with your cooling system light.
We’re here to help!
So, now you hopefully know the most important lights of which to take heed. Failing to act on their warnings could lead to a lot of unnecessary expense, which we are keen to help you to avoid.
At Shires Garage, we are experts in this field and can fix even the most complex systems in your car. Our skilled technicians guarantee that they will always give you peace of mind and great value when we maintain your car.
Call us today.
