Everyone knows that the engine, tires, and brakes of a vehicle are important. Without these key parts, a car would not be able to operate. However, many other aspects of a car are just as important – but often get overlooked. The dashboard is one of these things.
The dashboard’s humble collection of lights and gauges is your car’s way of communicating with you. As such, it’s important to pay attention to what it’s trying to tell you. Here are five dashboard warnings you should never ignore:
The Oil Light
This is perhaps the most important light on your dashboard. If it comes on, it means your engine is running low on oil and needs to be refilled as soon as possible. Ignoring this warning could cause severe damage to your engine.
For instance, your oil will start solidifying if you fail to change it on time. This means it will not lubricate the engine parts properly. In turn, this can cause those parts to overheat and break down. As you can imagine, that would pose a serious safety risk and be very costly to repair.
So, if your vehicle informs you that it needs an oil change, get it done as soon as possible. Get to a service station or change the oil at home if you’re comfortable doing it yourself.
The Check Engine Light
If this light comes on, it means your car’s computer has detected a problem with the engine. Many people ignore this light, thinking it will go away on its own. However, that’s not always the case.
Engine problems can be severe if not dealt with quickly. If the vehicle is under warranty, contact the manufacturer immediately after the engine light comes on. They will direct you to a manufacturer-certified repair facility to examine/repair the issue. If they are not able to repair the engine problem, you may have a lemon.
If the vehicle is new, you are entitled to benefits if it meets the qualifications of lemon law. Some states extend lemon law rights to used vehicles. For instance, under California lemon law, if a used car with recurring engine problems is covered under the dealership warranty, it can be processed like a new vehicle with the help of a lemon law lawyer in California.
Engine problems can result in serious consequences. If the light comes on, get it checked out immediately.
The Odometer Reading
Your car’s odometer is crucial for more than just tracking how many miles you’ve driven. It can also be a valuable diagnostic tool.
For instance, if the reading starts going down unexpectedly, it could be a sign that the car’s speedometer cable is beginning to fail. This is a potentially serious issue, as it could cause you to lose track of your speed and get into an accident. Alternatively, if the readings suddenly drop to zero, the speed sensor may be failing.
In any case, it’s best to get your car checked out by a professional. They’ll be able to pinpoint the issue.
The Brake Warning Light
The brake light is usually in the shape of an exclamation point within a circle. When you see this light, it means there is a problem with your car’s braking system.
It could be something as simple as a loose brake pad – but it could also signify a more serious issue that could interfere with your ability to stop the car.
As you can imagine, it’s extremely important to take care of braking problems as soon as possible. Your brakes are what keep you safe on the road. You don’t want to risk driving around with a faulty system.
The Tire Pressure Light
This light looks like a cross-section of a tire with an exclamation point in the middle. When it comes on, it means that one or more of your tires is low on air.
Ignoring this warning can lead to a tire blowout, which would be extremely dangerous. It will also cause uneven wear on your tires, which would shorten their lifespan.
If this light comes on, check your tire pressure, and inflate them as needed. You can usually find an air pump at gas stations. Alternatively, you can buy your own air compressor to keep at home or a portable one to keep in the car.
Wrap Up
Ignoring any of these dashboard warnings could lead to serious problems down the road. So, if you see any of them, be sure to take care of the issue right away.
Of course, diagnosing and repairing car problems can be difficult if you’re not a mechanic. That’s why it’s always best to take your car to a professional when something goes wrong. They’ll be able to identify the issue and make the necessary repairs quickly.
Author Bio
Brian K. Cline’s Lemon Law Legal Group provides premier legal services. Our California lemon law lawyers aggressively and ethically force vehicle manufacturers to buy back defective and dangerous vehicles. Our team includes experienced trial lawyers with over 40 years of combined trial experience.