Common Car Warning Lights
What They Mean
09 September 2021 | Motors
Staff Reporter
We often take for granted how little we know about the world around us, much more so when it come to the technical and mechanical side of life.
Yes, most issues that crop up with your car require specialized skills, or nowadays, thanks to YouTube mechanics, all it could require is a toolbox, two-day process of trail and error, a few beers, several swear words and an eventual visit to an approved service centre to get it sorted.
Heeding the warning lights
All cars have a variety of dashboard warning lights, such as the engine management light or oil pressure warning light, that relate to different systems on the vehicle.
On most cars, these lights will appear for a few moments when you switch on the ignition but should soon go out again. If one or more of these warning lights stays on when the engine is running, there could be a problem with your car.
Some problems will be easy to fix and not particularly urgent; a low windscreen washer fluid warning, for example. Other more serious faults denoted by red and amber warning lights will need to be promptly checked by a professional, especially if they relate to the brakes, engine, oil or gearbox.
If you don't understand what a warning light means—or choose to ignore it—a small problem could turn into a bigger, more expensive, and potentially dangerous issue. And even the savviest car owner can have trouble deciphering the message a warning light is trying to convey, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the most important one’s to look out for and what they mean.
“Check engine” light
The check engine light is connected to your car’s computer and is one of the most common warning lights seen. It can be caused by a variety of issues, from simple to potentially dangerous.
A loose gas cap. A common reason for the check engine light is certainly a simple one. Try tightening it and see if the light goes away.
Sensors
Spark plugs
Other engine issues
“Dirty Air Filter” light
This light means that your engine air filter may be obstructed or dirty. A common fix is resetting the button as well as getting the filter replaced. To learn more about the air filters in your car, check out our articles on them here: The filters in your vehicle, and how to replace your air filter and cabin air filter.
“Break wear” light
A break wear light, more common in newer cars, means that the sensor has indicated your brake pads are thin. If you are unsure if this light is correct, try resetting the indicator. We recommend booking a mechanic when you see this light, as it’s important to have the brake pads replaced.
For more tips and tricks, visit https://www.pupkewitz-motors.com/news/
We often take for granted how little we know about the world around us, much more so when it come to the technical and mechanical side of life.
Yes, most issues that crop up with your car require specialized skills, or nowadays, thanks to YouTube mechanics, all it could require is a toolbox, two-day process of trail and error, a few beers, several swear words and an eventual visit to an approved service centre to get it sorted.
Heeding the warning lights
All cars have a variety of dashboard warning lights, such as the engine management light or oil pressure warning light, that relate to different systems on the vehicle.
On most cars, these lights will appear for a few moments when you switch on the ignition but should soon go out again. If one or more of these warning lights stays on when the engine is running, there could be a problem with your car.
Some problems will be easy to fix and not particularly urgent; a low windscreen washer fluid warning, for example. Other more serious faults denoted by red and amber warning lights will need to be promptly checked by a professional, especially if they relate to the brakes, engine, oil or gearbox.
If you don't understand what a warning light means—or choose to ignore it—a small problem could turn into a bigger, more expensive, and potentially dangerous issue. And even the savviest car owner can have trouble deciphering the message a warning light is trying to convey, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the most important one’s to look out for and what they mean.
“Check engine” light
The check engine light is connected to your car’s computer and is one of the most common warning lights seen. It can be caused by a variety of issues, from simple to potentially dangerous.
A loose gas cap. A common reason for the check engine light is certainly a simple one. Try tightening it and see if the light goes away.
Sensors
Spark plugs
Other engine issues
“Dirty Air Filter” light
This light means that your engine air filter may be obstructed or dirty. A common fix is resetting the button as well as getting the filter replaced. To learn more about the air filters in your car, check out our articles on them here: The filters in your vehicle, and how to replace your air filter and cabin air filter.
“Break wear” light
A break wear light, more common in newer cars, means that the sensor has indicated your brake pads are thin. If you are unsure if this light is correct, try resetting the indicator. We recommend booking a mechanic when you see this light, as it’s important to have the brake pads replaced.
For more tips and tricks, visit https://www.pupkewitz-motors.com/news/
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