Critical Car Dashboard Warning Lights You Can't Ignore

If you thought that the dashboard of your car was designed to only show fuel level, speed, and the RPM of your car engine then you are wrong.

The dashboard acts as a communication medium between you and your car. Ignoring the glowing Malfunction Indicator Lamps is a risky affair as that will always lead to unexpected breakdowns, an out-of-control car, costly repairs, and general downtimes!

With that stated and out of the way, let’s explore a few MILs that you should not ignore all the while understanding what they mean, in the following sections.

Let’s begin.

The Check Engine Light (An Outline Of An Engine)

One of the most versatile warning lamps on a modern car's dashboard is the check engine light. This indicator can turn on to indicate –

• A loose fuel tank cap
• A failing catalytic converter or
• Serious issues like a non-firing cylinder.

What should you do?

Stop using the vehicle immediately. Call for a tow and take the car to the nearest OEM service center in a bid to prevent the car from irreversible damage.

The Oil Pressure Warning Light (The Red-Colored Oil Can)

One of the most critical, dashboard warning lights is the oil pressure warning light. When this turns on, please note that when illuminated, your car’s engine isn’t being lubricated enough. And when the engine isn’t getting enough lubrication, metal surfaces would start rubbing against one another which would ultimately lead to a seized engine.

What should you do?

Turn the engine off immediately. Check the engine oil level. When you see that the oil level is low, top it off by pouring oil from a sealed container. If the malfunction lamp still doesn’t turn off, tow the vehicle to the nearest OEM service center.

Brake System Warning Light (The Exclamation Mark Inside A Circle)

This warning light can mean one or many issues with the braking system of your car. It can mean –

• The parking brake is engaged
• The brake fluid level in the reservoirs of the car is dangerously low
• The ABS module of your car is acting out or is not receiving signals from the individual wheel speed sensors.

What should you do?

• Check whether you have forgotten to disengage the parking brake of your car.
• Check whether the brake fluid levels of your car’s brake fluid reservoirs are within the recommended levels or not.
• Check whether the braking force of your car is adequate or not.

For the best results, take the car to the OEM service center and get it fixed.

Avoid Ignoring The Glowing Light(s)!

The dashboard warning lights of your car indicate early on if your car is going to suffer an electrical or mechanical issue. Pay attention to the dashboard indicators the moment you turn on your car. Make this a habit and when an MIL turns on, act swiftly by taking the car to the OEM service center at your earliest convenience. For the best results, invest on a car diagnostic device that also doubles up as an OBD2 GPS tracker in a bid to keep your vehicle in its prime condition.

How Does The Vyncs Car GPS Tracker Function When Critical Dashboard Warning Lights Appear?

A Vyncs Car GPS tracker can help drivers stay informed by sending alerts when critical dashboard warning lights appear.