Three Common Warning Lights You Need To Know On Your Car's Dashboard

Posted on: 31 August 2016

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When you have a luxury car, it is important to have it serviced when needed to ensure that it lasts as long as it possibly can. If you have recently purchased your first car, you need to take the time to learn what all of the warning lights on your dash mean to ensure that you take your car to be serviced as soon as it needs to be serviced. Use the guide that follows to learn a few things about three common warning lights so that you know what they mean when you see them. 

A Picture of an Engine 

If you see a picture of an engine show up on the dashboard of your car, there could be a problem with the emission system within your car, or you could simply have not tightened your fuel cap enough. Try tightening the fuel cap on your car, and if the light is still lit, there may be a more serious issue that needs to be addressed. It can also indicate that your coolant is low in the car. You should be able to look at the reservoir that holds the coolant to see if it has fallen below the minimum line in the reservoir. If it has, add more coolant to it. You can find out where the reservoir is located on your car by looking in the owner's manual. 

A Picture of a Car Battery

Many people think that if they see a picture of a battery show up on their dashboard, that there is something wrong with their battery, but that is not always the case. Often it indicates that there is an issue with a belt in the engine or the alternator because those are the parts that help to charge the battery while the car is being operated. 

A Picture of an Oil Bottle

The oil bottle symbol indicates that your car may be low on oil. Check the oil dipstick to see if it is low. If it is, add oil and then monitor it to make sure that it doesn't need more oil any time in the near future. If you find that you are having to add oil to the engine every few days, you more than likely have an oil leak that needs to be addressed. 

When you see one of these lights, you need to take your car to a mechanic that specializes in the specific car you own. Foreign cars are not always easy to work on because not all mechanics are trained in how to work on them properly. Going to a mechanic who specializes in the specific make of your vehicle will ensure that he or she knows how to determine what the problem is and fix it properly. For more advice, contact an auto repair shop like Terwood Auto Repair.