Knowing what these symbols mean can protect you and your vehicle!
No matter what brand of car you buy, it eventually will break down or something will stop working. With luck, your vehicle’s “brain” will alert you about an impending problem by sending you a warning.
There are sensors and warning lights in most cars that alert you to the tire pressure, the washer level fluid, and when it is time to change the oil. And don’t forget the dreaded “check engine” light.
The fleet management pros at BAM have provided this guide of the 10 most common car warning lights.
Fog Lights
Although this technically is not a warning light, it does alert you when your vehicle’s fog lights are on. The fog light symbol is quite similar to the one used for regular headlights but with a squiggly line in front of it rather than three lines that look like beams. Not all cars come equipped with fog lights, so you may never see this dashboard light.
Tire Pressure Warning
Modern vehicles come equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and the symbol of an exclamation point inside a half-circle means that one or more of your tires have low pressure.
If this is lighted, find a place to safely stop and inspect your tires. On most cars, the light will go away on its own after the tires are topped off with air.
Engine Oil Warning
Your vehicle monitors its engine oil pressure while in use. If you see an illuminated symbol that looks like a gravy boat pop up on your dashboard, it means there is likely a problem with your engine’s oil pressure.
Without sufficient oil pressure, the engine will not be able to properly lubricate itself, which could lead to major mechanical problems.
Don’t break down on your route! Butler Automotive Management (BAM) offers on-site oil changes, tire rotation, and full vehicle inspections to help you make decisions on your fleet’s repairs and maintenance. Call us for a quote or mobile service, (813) 850-0022.
Check Engine Light
Ah, the dreaded check engine light … it means that a sensor that monitors your car has noticed an issue with the engine.
It could be something simple or complex. Take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic; they can plug it into a code reader that will help define the issue. The sooner you fix the problem, the better.
Traction or Stability-Control Warning
Most vehicles with traction or stability control allow you to turn the warnings off. If you see what looks like a car followed by squiggly lines on the road behind it, stability control is off.
Two things might have happened:
- You turned the function off.
- The feature has failed.
While you can drive without traction control, it is safest to let your vehicle’s computer monitor traction for you, so turn it back on or get it fixed ASAP.
Coolant Warning
If you see a little thermometer symbol pop up in your dashboard lights, your car might be overheating. The best thing to do is stop the car and wait for the engine to cool down.
Next, check the coolant level under the hood. If your car is so hot that the engine, coolant reservoir, or coolant tank are smoking then you might want to get your car towed to the nearest mechanic.
Brake System Warning
An exclamation mark with a circle around it means something is wrong with your brakes. There could be a problem with the components of the brakes, or the hydraulic brake fluid might need a top off.
Stop the vehicle and call a tow truck because driving without a fully functioning brake system is extremely dangerous and should be fixed as soon as possible.
Keep your car running efficiently with BAM. We can design a custom fleet maintenance program to suit your needs and budget. Or for entrepreneurs, you can count on our mobile care service. Let’s keep your car on the road and you focused on business!
ABS Sensor
The ABS warning does not signal a failure of the physical brakes — instead, it is a warning related to the antilock brake system. If you stop too hard while this light is on, your car’s brakes could lock up, making it hard to come to a full stop.
Get your vehicle inspected if you see this light, as it is one of the most important safety enhancements on a vehicle today.
Airbag Warning
Airbags are federally mandated equipment, and you occasionally might notice an airbag warning light. This can mean several things, including a failure of the sensors that detect and deploy airbags in the event of a car accident.
Battery Light
If a red battery lights up on your dash, there is a problem charging your battery. If the light turns on and stays on, it might be that your vehicle’s alternator is not generating enough voltage to charge the battery.
Common causes could be a broken alternator belt, damaged battery cells, or even a failed alternator.
Prevent Breakdowns with Butler Automotive Management
Prevent breakdowns with fleet management services from BAM. From preventative maintenance to monitoring the health of your vehicles, you will save time and money on costly breakdowns. Plus, with our mobile lube services, we will come to you whenever you need an oil change or 5,000-mile service!
Stay on the road and out of the mechanic’s shop with Butler Automotive Management. Call today for a fleet management quote — (813) 850-0022!
