Did you know 41 percent of Americans are unable to identify a car's engine when presented with the image?
It's true that for many dealing with car parts and repairs is quite intimidating. However, even if you're intimidated by taking your car to the mechanic, there are a few warning signs you cannot ignore.
Read on to learn about the dashboard warning lights you should never ignore.
1. Check Engine Light
The check engine light can be one of the most worrisome for car owners and the broadest. When the check engine light comes on, it means the sensors have detected an electrical or a mechanical fault.
Sometimes the problem is a simple as replacing a faulty sensor or a serious problem with the engine. Until you know what the source of the problem is, you have to take it seriously.
Avoid driving the car until you take to the mechanic to get it checked out.
2. Battery Warning Light
Although the battery warning light is not a serious as the check engine light, it does mean your battery could give out at any minute. The battery is responsible for sending amps and volts to start the car.
When these are running low, your car won't be able to start.
The battery warning light could also signal there's an issue with the charging system or a damaged wire.
If you're sure your battery is old, you can fix the issue by replacing the battery. Otherwise, a mechanic should be able to find what the issue is.
3. Brake Warning Light
When you drive a car, you want to be 100 percent sure your brakes work like they're supposed to. However, when the brake warning light comes on, it's a sign you cannot ignore.
When the brake warning light comes on, it often means a few things. For example, you might have left the parking brake on, the car is running low on brake fluid, or there is a bigger mechanical issue with the brakes.
If checking the parking brake or adding fluid doesn't resolve the issue, you should take it in for service.
4. Engine Temperature Warning Light
When the engine temperature light comes on, it's signaling you the temperature of the engine is too high. Each car has a recommended engine temperature and when it gets too hot it signals the driver.
If this light comes on, it could mean there's a faulty sensor or the engine is overheating.
5. Oil Pressure Warning Light
As you know, your car needs oil to keep all the parts well lubricated. Over time, the oil can get contaminated or dirty causing issues with the pressure.
When the pressure is not right, the light comes on. If this happens, it's important you pull over and turn the car off as soon as you can. You should call a towing company and have your mechanic look at it as soon as possible.
Dashboard Warning Lights You Cannot Ignore
Now that you know about these dashboard warning lights, you will know what to do the next time one of these turns on.
You should remain calm, try to get to the source of the problem, and get help.
Want to learn what the telltale signs your car needs a transmission repair are? Check out this article.