The newer your car is, the more dashboard lights you have to keep track of. To make this easier, get to know what all those little lights mean when they light up.

What Do All Those Dashboard Lights Mean?

Newer car have more features and functions than ever before. While this can make your car more exciting to drive, it also means there are even more dashboard lights to be on the lookout for. Some lights will turn on when a certain feature is activated, like your high beams or cruise control, but others turn on when there is an issue. To help you understand what these are trying to tell you, keep reading.

Red or Amber?

Not only are there countless dashboard lights to keep track of, there are also different color lights. The color isn't just for fun, it actually serves a purpose. When you see a light turn on in your dashboard, pay attention to the color since this will let you know how urgent the issue is. A red light means the issue is urgent and you should pull over and turn off your car because it's not safe to drive. An amber or yellow light means the issue isn't urgent but still needs to be checked out. Either way, don't ignore any of these lights as this can lead to serious trouble and expensive damages.

Check Engine Light

One of the most common lights you may encounter is your check engine light. When this light comes on it can be due to a number of reasons, from your car needing routine maintenance to a loose gas cap. Although many people will ignore this light and keep driving, that's never a good idea. Instead, take your car into the shop to get the issue diagnosed. Once the issue is fixed you'll know you're safer and your car is performing at its best.

Coolant Temperature Warning Light

Your coolant temperature warning light looks like a thermometer in water. This light is one to take very seriously because ignoring it can lead to serious engine damage quite quickly. As soon as it turns on, pull over safely and turn off your engine. This light indicates that temperatures under the hood are higher than normal, meaning your engine is overheating. A number of factors can cause this, from a low coolant level to a malfunctioning radiator. Whatever the problem is, you'll likely need professional help to get it fixed.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light looks like a can of oil that is dripping. This is another red light that will require that you pull over and turn off your engine as soon as possible in order to avoid damaging your car. You may be low on oil or it may not be circulating properly, but either way, it's not safe to drive your car. If you do keep driving, your engine may seize leading to some very serious damage. After pulling over, let your engine cool completely before checking on your oil. If it's time to get your oil changed, be sure to get a synthetic oil change in Hagerstown and reap all of the benefits synthetic oil has to offer. To find the right oil for your car, contact ALF Marketing to get product recommendations for products like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil. Give them a call at (301) 416-0575 to learn more.

Brake System Light

This light features an exclamation point inside of a circle inside on what look like parentheses. In some cars it may just be the word BRAKES. This light will turn on for one of the three reasons: your parking brake is on or stuck, you are running low on brake fluid, or there is a problem with the ABS. If this light turns on along with your ABS light, definitely pull over immediately for safety reasons. Your brakes may not perform as you expect them to, so it's best to get this fixed as soon as you can.

Battery Alert Light

This light will actually look just like a car battery and has a plus and a minus sign inside the battery. When this light turns on it is most often because your battery's voltage level is below normal or because the charging system isn't working properly. It's best to get your battery checked along with the battery terminals so that you don't get stranded on the road. Pull over safely and get towed to your mechanic for help.

Keep Your Car in Top Shape With a Synthetic Oil Change in Hagerstown

Keep your car in the best shape by getting regular synthetic oil changes in Hagerstown. To keep your car running smoothly, contact ALF Marketing at (301) 416-0575. Be sure to stop by their online shop to find all the best products for your car.