Instrument Panel Warning Lights | Auto Repair Shops Lewisville, TX
Do you know what the instrument panel warning lights on your vehicles dash mean? If you are like the majority of drivers, you understand some, and not others. Almost half of drivers do not recognize the low tire pressure warning light, placing the driver, passengers and others at risk. It is important to recognize warnings, alerting you to potential danger and of the need for a mechanic in our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX.
The following provides information of the most common warning lights to activate on the dashboard. Recognizing them on your instrument cluster will enable you to take the take the proper action before they result in costly damage to your car, and unnecessary risk to yourself and others. Fifth Gear Automotive will be glad to assist you at any of our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX.
Low Tire Pressure Warning
Numerous modern automobiles consistently monitor the pressure of each tire, and warn you when there is a pressure drop. When the low tire pressure light comes on, you should pull over to a safe place and visually inspect the tires.
Driving with low or overly inflated tires adversely affects fuel economy and causes premature wear on tires.
It’s common to see the low tire pressure warning light in the fall and winter when outdoor temperatures are reduced, which results in a reduction of tire pressure, A good rule of thumb is to check fluid levels and tire pressure once a week (including the spare). Driving on a flat tire is dangerous and can result in damage to the tire and wheels. Call for roadside service or change the tire.
The low tire pressure light looks like an exclamation point in the middle of a horseshoe.
Low Battery Warning
When the low battery warning light comes on, it’s a good idea to have the charging system checked immediately to avoid being stranded. Check the terminals to ensure they are tight and free of corrosion. A loose or corroded battery terminal can cause a low battery. In addition, a bad alternator can cause a low battery charge as well. Fifth Gear Automotive can check your charging system in our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX.
The low battery light looks like a car battery.
Brake Fluid Warning
An automobile’s brake system is the most important safety feature of the car. Never ignore a brake warning light. This warning light can indicate a fluid leak – and a resulting lack of stopping power. Brake failure can be life-threatening for you, your passengers, other drivers and pedestrians.
If the brake light is on, check the emergency brake to ensure it isn’t engaged. If the light remains on after disengaging the emergency brake, check the brake fluid. If low, add brake fluid to the line indicated on the brake master cylinder, and pump the brakes several times. If you feel the brake pedal “going down” and getting soft”, you likely have a brake fluid leak.
Anytime brake issues are suspect, the safest option is to have the automobile towed to our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX, and have the brake system inspected.
When the brake system is losing fluid it is absolutely unsafe to drive the vehicle. When this light turns on, don’t risk it. Have the vehicle towed to our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX.
The low brake fluid light looks like an exclamation point in the middle of a circle that is enclosed in parentheses.
Oil Pressure Warning
Oil reduces the friction and resulting wear on a car’s engine. The engine is the most costly component of an automobile, therefore it is important to keep it lubricated. This is also the reason a periodic oil change is important, as over time, the oil wears out and is unable to lubricate properly, resulting in the engine experiencing increased wear and damage.
When the oil pressure light comes on, it can indicate that you have an oil leak, a bad sensor or that your engine is burning oil to name a few. It is important to use the correct oil as indicated by the owner’s manual. Don’t overfill the engine – an excess of oil can also cause engine damage.
If your vehicle’s oil light is staying on and you keep the oil routinely changed, or if you see oil beneath the car, schedule service in our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX for resolution of your oil issue.
The oil pressure light looks like an old time oil can with a handle and spout.
Temperature Warning
An illuminated temperature warning light can indicate your car has a coolant leak, bad water pump or a faulty thermostat. While there are other causes, these are the most common. Driving a car hot can result in damage to the engine which may or may not be repairable. Never open the radiator cap on a hot car, severe injury from scalding fluids can result. Have your car towed to our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX for diagnosis and repair by one of our SASE certified mechanics.
The temperature warning light looks like a thermometer floating on water.
For additional information regarding instrument panel warning lights check your owner’s manual or visit: dashboardsymbols.com. Fifth Gear Automotive will also be glad to assist you. Give our auto repair shops in Lewisville to schedule >strong>auto service.
