There’s no shame in admitting that you haven’t gotten around to reading your car’s owner’s manual thoroughly. Even if you already did, it’s normal to feel alarmed and confused once a dashboard light comes on. While regular auto maintenance reduces the number of mysterious symbols that light up inside your car, you will likely still have to contend with this issue at some point. Before you break out in a cold sweat, learn what common dashboard lights mean and what you should do when they go on.

Understanding Your Car’s Dashboard Lights 

1. Check Engine

This symbol resembles a yellow submarine. When the engine light comes on, it means your car’s computer has prompted the diagnostic trouble code. While problems can range from simple ones to more serious issues, don’t guess. Instead, get an auto maintenance professional to check your car’s internal computer. A steady light normally indicates that you need to bring your car in for an inspection soon, and a blinking one means you are dealing with a more serious issue, such as a loose or missing gas cap, broken spark plugs, a defective catalytic converter, or a malfunctioning oxygen sensor. 

2. Brake System Warning

This light bears semblance to a stopwatch with an exclamation point inside. When you see this, it could either mean your parking brake is on, you have an anti-lock braking system problem, or your brake fluid level is low. First, check if you have fully released your brake and that you have enough brake fluid. If the light doesn’t go away, you need to leave it to the professionals at an auto repair shop to perform a diagnosis. Make sure you do this as soon as possible to avoid getting into an accident.

3. Oil Pressure Warning

This light looks like a lamp that’s dripping. While many drivers mistakenly think it automatically indicates a low oil level, it’s actually a warning that there’s something wrong with the oil pressure system. The engine’s oil pressure can either be too low or too high. You need to pull over when this comes on to avoid seriously damaging your car. It’s better to have your vehicle towed and brought in for a checkup than to risk ending up with costly repairs.

Preventive auto maintenance goes a long way in extending the life span of your car. Dee's Auto Care Specialists understands that you deserve only the best products and services when it comes to your car’s tires, brakes, exhaust systems, and other automobile components. With locations in La Crosse and Onalaska, WI, and Winona, MN, you can easily visit their shop nearest you. Call (608) 782-2530 today to ask about their rates, or visit their website to learn more about their services.