The warning lights that are situated on a car's dashboard, are useful and important indicators for telling us if anything is wrong with the engine, or in any of the other supporting systems. Read on to know more.
Majority of people use cars for their daily travel. If you are a regular driver, you would understand that there are many different systems incorporated in your vehicle, for specific purposes.
Few systems may contribute to car safety on road, whereas others may play a significant role in maintaining good condition of the car's engine and its parts. The technology that is used in such automobile supportive and protective systems, is called dashboard warning lights.
Explanation
The dashboard warning lights inform the driver if there is anything dysfunctional in any of the vehicle's systems. In the past, there were very few warning lights for the driver's assistance. Nowadays, this technology has become more and more advanced due to the evolution of car aspects like luxury features, maintenance, security concepts, etc.
These indicator lights are present for different purposes, and they function due to the signals sent from the sensors, which are fixed in respective areas of the system.
The main aim of these lights is to let the driver know about the probability of the occurrence of car problems. Common indicators are related to Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), engine, car battery, seat belts, low gas, coolant, etc.
Normally, the color of such lights is red or orange. When you turn on the ignition key while starting the car engine, most of them will turn on for a while, and then they are turned off after the engine starts running. However, if these lights are on while you are driving, then you should realize that there is a problem with your vehicle.
Engine
The indication of the engine light would be in the form of an engine's outline. If it turns on when the vehicle is in motion, there is something wrong with the system. In case it starts flashing, reduce the car speed, stop at a safe place, and immediately get the problem checked by a professional.
ABS
This light will illuminate in the form of 'ABS' itself. If it turns on while you are driving, there is a problem with this system. Note that the normal braking will still be operational, but will be without ABS assistance.
Coolant
This indication may be similar to a thermometer, or might be directly displayed as "check coolant".
It means that the coolant level might be low; there may be a leak in the cooling system, or there might be an engine overheating problem.
Brake System
The indication will be in the form of an exclamation mark. If both the ABS and brake lights illuminate simultaneously while the vehicle is in motion, the problem may be serious. Try to stop the car at a safe place by using the brakes in a gentle manner.
Battery Charge
This indication is in the form of a rectangular box, with positive and negative terminals on both sides. In case it does not glow during the ignition or does in the middle of a drive, the car battery is not sufficiently charged, or there seems to be an issue with the charging system.
If you find that any of these mentioned warning lights are turned on while you are driving, it is strongly recommended to take your car to the garage for diagnosis.
These are just a few important indicators, which are intended for your driving safety. There are many other light indications, which may inform the driver about unsuitable settings of the car system.