Want to know what your car's main dashboard lights mean or how to react if they come on? If so, keep reading this post by Tarheel Synthetics in Sanford!

Your car's dashboard is more than just a simple display of speed and fuel gauges. It's a critical system that keeps you informed about the health of your vehicle. As such, one of the key features of your dashboard is the warning lights. These lights serve as a visual alert to inform you of any potential issues or maintenance needs. But do you know what they mean and what to do if they come on? Understanding the meaning of your dashboard lights is vital to ensure the safety of your car. Thus, this post will look at each light's purpose and the actions you should take if they pop up. Read on to learn more!

Staying on top of your car's oil changes is vital to fight premature engine wear and overheating. Call Tarheel Synthetics at (800) 781-8840 ext 1. or stop by AMSOIL's online store to order the top synthetic oil in Sanford.

What Do the Dashboard Lights in Your Car Mean?

Brake Warning Light

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the brake warning light may be red or yellow. Regardless of its color, it typically looks like an exclamation mark within a circle. As you may imagine, it comes on when there's something wrong with the brakes. Most times, this light indicates that there's a brake fluid leak. It can also point to worn-out brake pads or a malfunctioning Anti-lock Braking System. In any case, a brake malfunction can be a severe safety hazard. So, to avoid endangering yourself and others, have your brakes inspected by a mechanic in case this light comes on.

Temperature Warning Light

The temperature warning light resembles a thermometer or an engine with wavy lines. As its name implies, it illuminates when there is an issue with the engine's temperature. Most times, it all comes down to low coolant levels. So, the first thing you should do when seeing this light on is to check your coolant. If necessary, fill the engine with water to cool it while it arrives at the nearest garage. Otherwise, have it towed to prevent overheating from causing further engine damage.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light looks like a genie's lamp with a drop of oil coming out. It usually illuminates when the oil pressure drops below the normal operating range. Yet, it can also appear due to a false reading caused by a faulty sensor. In any case, check your oil level as soon as this light comes on. An optimal oil level typically means there is something wrong with the sensor. Conversely, a low oil level often indicates a leaking under the hood. In that case, you could add oil to mitigate the problem for a few hours. Still, driving with low oil pressure could seriously damage the machine, so taking your car to the shop would be critical.

Does your engine need fresh oil? Tarheel Synthetics has your covered! Call their oil specialists at (800) 781-8840 ext 1. for advice on what formulas suit your engine's needs. Don't forget to visit AMSOIL's online shop to order the best synthetic oil in Sanford.

Battery Charge Warning Light

This one looks like a battery-shaped symbol with plus and minus signs in most cars. Its function is to alert you of problems in the charging system. It typically indicates low voltage, yet, it can also point to a faulty alternator or a loose terminal. In any case, turn off the AC, stereo, and other systems drawing power as soon as noticing this light. Additionally, get your car to a trusted mechanic to diagnose the issue and make necessary repairs.

Check Engine Light

This light appears near the speedometer as an amber or yellow engine-shaped block. It can indicate a variety of issues, ranging from a loose gas cap to a more severe case, such as a malfunctioning catalytic converter. For that reason, this is one of the most misunderstood dashboard lights. If you see this light coming on, you should pull over and ensure the gas cap is secure and tight. If the light remains on after that, take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic for an inspection.

Keep your engine in top shape for longer by feeding it with advanced formulas like AMSOIL's XL 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil. To get this and other top-of-the-line motor oils, call Tarheel Synthetics at (800) 781-8840 ext 1. or place your order at AMSOIL's online store anytime.