Discover the meaning of car dashboard lights and why they light up. Always keep your vehicle safe and in good condition.
When the lights on your car's dashboard come on, your immediate reaction is to be alert, and rightly so, especially because they can indicate anything from a simple check to a more serious problem.
Understanding what they represent is essential for vehicle maintenance and, even more so, for your safety.
In this sense, read the following post for all the necessary information about the meaning of car dashboard lights.
What Are the Lights on a Car Dashboard?
The lights on the car's dashboard are visual indicators that inform the driver about the vehicle's operation and condition.
They are related to different systems, such as the engine, brakes, safety and electronics, which generally appear in different colors.
The most common are:
- Green or blue: Indicates that something is working correctly.
- Yellow or orange: They warn about something that needs to be checked.
- Red: Indicates a serious problem that needs immediate attention.
What Does It Mean When the Light on Your Car's Dashboard Is On?
The most common lights on the dashboard are:
1. Oil Light
Indicates that the oil level is too low or there is a more serious problem in the lubrication system.
It is important to stop the car immediately and check the oil level, as a lack of lubrication can cause irreversible damage to the engine.
2. Battery Light
It lights up when the car's electrical system has a problem, such as a low battery charge or an alternator failure.
When you see this light, it is advisable to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
3. Check Engine Light
One of the most feared, it can indicate a number of different problems, from a poorly closed fuel cap to a more serious fault in the engine or emissions system.
So, scan the car system to diagnose the problem properly.
4. Brake Light
When this light comes on, it could indicate that the brake fluid is low or that there is a problem with the brake system, such as worn brake pads, for example.
Brake safety is essential, so it is important not to ignore it.
5. ABS light
Another light that deserves extra attention is the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), as it means that there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system.
Although the car may still brake normally, the ABS system, which helps prevent the wheels from locking up under sudden braking, will not be working properly.
6. Temperature Light
Finally, the temperature light warns you when the engine is overheating and this could damage it.
Ideally, you should stop the car immediately, turn off the engine and check the water or coolant level.
Meet the Car Scanner
One way to more easily identify potential problems with your vehicle is to use a car scanning app.
They show you when something is wrong and help you figure out what is causing the lights on your dashboard to come on.
Here are two great examples of car scanner:
Drivvo
Drivvo is a complete vehicle management app, where you can track not only dashboard alerts, but also fuel costs, maintenance and much more.
With it, you can keep your car up to date and avoid unwanted surprises with dashboard alerts.
TopScan
TopScan is an OBD2 scanner to read car error codes directly on your smartphone.
It provides quick and accurate diagnostics on the problems that cause the dashboard lights to come on, helping to identify the cause of the problem without the need for a mechanic.
Conclusion
In short, understanding the meaning of car dashboard lights is essential to maintain the safety and longevity of the vehicle.
Whether it’s a warning light or an emergency alert, knowing what to do when they come on can save you from bigger problems later on.
So, pay attention to your vehicle's signs and always keep it in good condition!