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Our blogs are updated once a month, usually on the first day of the month. On this page, we offer advice, tips, and insights for becoming a safer driver and for better travels on Chico roads. Bookmark this page and remember to check back!

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Why It’s Essential To Pay Attention To The Warning Lights On Your Vehicle’s Dashboard

 Why It’s Essential To Pay Attention To The Warning Lights On Your Vehicle’s Dashboard 

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Vehicles are more advanced than ever, with a wide range of sensors and other technologies designed to keep your engine healthy, your tires properly inflated, and your brakes working like new. That's why drivers must pay attention to the warning lights on their dashboards to catch problems as early as possible. 

See a mechanic if anything pops up on the dashboard as soon as possible. 

It’s essential to come into a mechanic as soon as something pops up on your dashboard, even if you have other plans or don’t think you have the time. Going in to see someone will ensure that there isn’t a more significant, more costly issue at hand. Even if something is wrong with your vehicle that will require intensive labor, getting ahead of the problem ensures your vehicle doesn’t become more damaged. That other systems don’t become affected by the problem. In the end, it’ll save you money! 

 

Modern vehicles are equipped with sensor technology that constantly monitors your vehicle's performance, which can provide timely alerts to problems or potential issues. By understanding how your vehicle's warning lights operate, you can safely drive the car, truck, or SUV while maintaining high safety and security. 

You should also know what the dashboard lights mean to make your next move. 

You have a vehicle manual in your glove compartment that will often tell you what each warning light means and how it will appear. If you see something you don’t recognize, you can go to the icons and find out what your car is trying to tell you. It’ll most likely be one of the following: 

  • Check engine. When your car's check engine light comes on, there's an issue with one of its systems. This could be anything from a low gas tank to an issue with the car's emissions system.
  • Battery alert. This warning light indicates a problem with the vehicle’s electrical system. It can be caused by a loose or corroded battery terminal, a dead battery, or a failing alternator.
  • Low washer fluid. Some vehicles have this feature, and some don’t. As the title indicates, this icon usually means you are low on windshield washer fluid, which is ejected when you clean your windshield. Low washer fluid can cause the wiper blades to streak and skip over parts of your windshield.
  • Low tire pressure. The tire pressure light is a fairly common occurrence and one that you’ve probably seen on your dash before in colder weather. 
  • Engine temperature warning. When your car's engine temperature warning light is on, it means that the car's engine is overheating. This can be a severe issue, so it's essential to check the temperature gauge and see if it's getting too high. 
  • Brake warning light. If the brake warning light illuminates, it indicates a problem with the braking system. It may illuminate when you press the brake pedal, turn the ignition key to the ON position and then release it, or engage the parking brake.
  • Oil pressure warning light. You can click on modern car dashboards to see how much of your “Oil Life” remains. But on older vehicles, this is a red-colored light that flashes on your dashboard when the oil pressure drops below the required level. The oil pressure warning light can be caused by a dirty oil filter, low oil pressure, or a faulty sensor. If you notice this warning light coming on, it's vital to get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible.
  • Anti-lock braking system light. Your anti-lock braking system needs to be serviced when the ABS light comes on. 

Dashboard lights on? Come see us!

If you need help with your vehicle, our expert auto mechanics here at D&E Auto Repair in Chico, CA, can assist you! Contact us at D&E Auto Repair in Chico, CA. As a business, we put community first; our team is like a family, and we want to help you save money any way we can! Schedule an appointment with us today, and together we will get your car burning clean again!

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