Dashboard warning lights alert you when your vehicle needs auto repair, but not every driver is aware of what these lights mean. Understanding what each of these lights signifies will make you a better driver, and it will allow you to understand the types of auto repairs your car may require at any given time. Below are the top five warning lights to watch for and what they mean.

Dashboard Lights to Understand

1. Battery Warning Light

When the battery light turns on, your charging system may not be functioning correctly. This can affect your car’s battery life, and you may only have about an hour before your car stops running. If this light turns on, take your car to an auto repair professional as soon as possible.

2. Tire Pressure Warning

Problems with tire pressure can create treacherous driving conditions. Sometimes changes in season can affect tire pressure, which will cause the warning to illuminate. In other cases, you may have a hole seeping air. Either way, check your tire pressure. If refilling does not solve the issue, bring your vehicle to your trusted auto repair expert.

3. Air Bag SRS Light

This light indicates that your air bags will not deploy if you get into an accident. While this may not seem like an immediate danger, it will affect the safety of you and your passengers in an emergency, and it is not an issue that you should ignore. Sometimes an electrical short is behind the problem; in other cases a sensor may have malfunctioned.

4. Engine Temperature Indicator

The engine temperature light is a warning that your engine is overheating, which can be a very serious problem. Don’t drive your vehicle when this light turns on. Avoid trying to perform DIY repairs, as you can get severely burned. To be safe, make an auto repair appointment and contact a towing service.

5. Oil Pressure Signal

You should always monitor your car’s oil level and get it regularly changed. However, you should not ignore this light if it turns on. If your car’s oil pressure is low, you encounter full engine seizure while driving, since there will not be enough fluid to lubricate the engine’s components.

Serving Litchfield County, CT for 35 years, Bennett Motor Werks, LLC offers skilled auto repair technicians and fair pricing to every customer in their care. From oil changes to brake services, their auto mechanics can service any make or model, including imported vehicles. This family-owned business can also help with emissions testing. Call (860) 567-9290 for an auto repair appointment or stop by their website to contact them online.