New cars are more complex than most of us could have imagined just a decade or two ago, and every year they change: screens get bigger, power trains get more efficient, and technology gets more integrated. As more cars become electrified and semi-autonomous driving advances, traditional instruments and warning lights will increasingly be pushed aside and replaced by new ones. But it’s important to know what they all mean.
Related: Vintage Car in India: A List
Any new car at the dealership today, even the most basic, is likely to have an advanced security system made up of cameras and sensors connected to the car’s main computer network. However, the complexity varies depending on the car’s level of safety and driver assistance technology.
Combine this with a central infotainment system that controls many of the car’s functions, and any small problem can become a big one. A warning light on the dashboard or instrument cluster (or infotainment display or Smartphone app) means that something is wrong. The methodology and design of warning lights have remained largely unchanged over the years, but some are more intuitive than others.
A red light indicates a serious problem or malfunction and you should be prepared to stop as soon as it is safe to do so. A yellow or amber light warns of a condition that requires caution, such as B. Activating the traction control system on wet or slippery surfaces.
A green, blue, or white light means you are using a function, such as B. Headlights or a specific safety feature. Let’s take a look at these lights, keeping in mind that they may be slightly different. If you’re not familiar with car lights, this is a good introduction, but you should always have your owner’s manual handy.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light (CEL for short) is one of the most common warning lights you’ll find on your dashboard, but it’s also one of the least specific. That’s because the check engine light warns you of an engine-related problem.
This could be a simple issue like a loose gas cap (which may have its warning light), or it could be a more serious issue like misfiring, knocking, or loss of compression, which can lead to premature engine wear and failure, putting you in a dangerous position.
In some user manuals, it is also called the Malfunction Indicator Light or MIL. It is normal for the check engine light to come on briefly when you turn the key in the ignition, but it should go out as soon as the vehicle is driven. If it doesn’t, the system detects a problem. It is recommended that you do not drive your vehicle if the check engine light is on, as you risk serious damage to your engine.
Call a tow truck and have a repair shop diagnose and fix the problem.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMP LIGHT
The engine temperature light features a red temperature gauge. This is a serious problem and can cause fatal damage to your engine. Therefore, if you see this warning light you should always stop as soon as possible and park the vehicle if safe to do so.
Problems that can cause an engine to overheat include a failed water pump, a stuck thermostat, a leaking radiator or cooling hoses, a blown head gasket, etc.
TRANSMISSION OIL TEMP LIGHT
The transmission temperature light is often indicated by a yellow or red thermometer surrounded by gears, or the words “AT OIL TEMP”. If this light is on, it indicates that the transmission is overheating. As before, if this warning light comes on, you should stop and turn off your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Common reasons for transmission overheating include low fluid levels, worn internal components, high mileage, and towing heavy loads for long periods.
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT
Related: Traffic Signal Rules You Must Know About
The engine oil pressure light usually appears as red oil can and indicates that oil is not circulating properly through the engine. This is a big problem because insufficient oil pressure can cause premature wear and engine seizures. This signal means that you should stop and park your vehicle as soon as possible.
Common causes of low oil pressure include low oil levels, worn oil pumps, and worn other internal components. It is recommended that you check your engine oil level regularly and change the oil at intervals specified by the manufacturer. The oil change light does exactly what you’d expect it to do: it tells you when it’s time to change your engine oil, based on the number of miles driven.
Because most modern vehicles require synthetic oil, automakers have been able to extend oil change intervals from the traditional 3,000-mile interval to, in some cases, 5,000 to 15,000 miles. This indicator may appear as text instead of a light. For example: “Service engine soon” or “Oil change required.” Some automakers also refer to this feature as an oil-life indicator.
Battery warning light
The battery indicator glows red and a battery is outlined with plus and minus symbols. If this light is on, it means that your vehicle’s charging system is not working properly. The problem could be with the battery, but it could also be loose or corroded battery cables, a worn alternator, a broken auxiliary belt, or some other electrical fault in the system.
It is normal for this light to come on and off when you start your car. However, if the light comes on while you are driving, you should stop as soon as it is safe to do so; otherwise, the engine will stall if the battery fully discharges, which only takes a few minutes.
Electric cars also have a battery warning light: a battery symbol with a lightning bolt means the battery is low on charge, and a battery symbol with a temperature gauge means the battery is hot and you should stop and switch the car off as soon as it is safe to do so.
Tire Pressure Warning Light
The tyre pressure warning light appears as a yellow tyre with an exclamation mark in the middle. This warning light indicates that one of your vehicle’s tyres is underinflated. Some modern vehicles can also display the pressure of all four tyres to indicate which tyre is underinflated.
If it comes on while you’re driving, stop your car immediately. Driving with a flat or underinflated tyre can be dangerous as it can drastically change the handling of your vehicle. If you have a flat tyre, call a tow truck and replace the tyre if your car is equipped with a spare tyre. If all your tyres still have air in them, drive to the nearest gas station to check the pressure and add more air if necessary.
Common reasons this light comes on include a flat tyre, a faulty tyre pressure sensor, or a gradual loss of pressure due to seasonal temperature changes.
Reduced Engine Power Light
Modern vehicles are equipped with a fail-safe system or limp home mode that limits engine power when a serious malfunction is detected. The device is intended to protect the engine, transmission, and other drive components from damage. This system will cause the engine light to come on and on some vehicles, the “Loss Engine Power” indicator may also come on.
Your vehicle is still drivable but it is recommended that you stop as damage may occur. One of the most common reasons this light comes on is a faulty throttle position sensor.
Brake warning light
The brake warning light consists of a red circle with an exclamation point or “P” in the middle, or simply the word “BRAKE”. When this light comes on it can indicate anything from a routine indication that the handbrake is engaged to a warning that there is a fault in the braking system, such as a faulty master cylinder.
If the brake warning light comes on unexpectedly, first steer your car off the road and apply and release the handbrake. If the light doesn’t go off, you should call a tow truck before the system fails or further damage occurs. It could be a simple issue like a stuck handbrake, low brake fluid or worn brake pads.
But it could also be due to a more serious problem like a problem with the master cylinder or the computer that controls your car’s braking system.
ABS warning light
The ABS light consists of a yellow or red circle with the word “ABS” in the middle and comes on when a problem is detected with the anti-lock braking system or when the system is engaged. If it flashes when you apply the brakes, the system is normally working as intended. If it remains illuminated, there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system.
If this light comes on while driving, your brakes will still function, but emergency braking performance may be reduced. If you notice a change in brake response or pressure when this light comes on, pull over and stop. Common causes of this light coming on include faulty wheel speed sensors or a problem with the ABS controller.
Read Also: