10 common warning lights on cars and how to deal with them.

1. Parking brake warning

You haven't fully released the parking brake.Press the button on the parking brake lever and lower it all the way until the symbol turns off. Many modern cars have the parking brake located below the clutch pedal on the left; the driver needs to press it again to release the brake.

2. Engine temperature warning

The engine is overheating beyond safe levels.When the engine overheats, parts expand excessively, causing them to seize or break, resulting in issues such as piston scratches, valve wear, blown head gaskets, or cylinder deformation.

Immediately pull over to the side of the road, turn off the engine, and check the cooling system. You may see water leaking from gaps in the radiator or hot hoses. Pay attention to the coolant level in the expansion tank. Absolutely do not open the radiator cap or expansion tank cap while the engine is still hot, as water could spill out and cause burns. If there is coolant, fill the tank; otherwise, call for roadside assistance. Do not use natural water.

3. Warning: Brake system malfunction

Your braking system is malfunctioning, please be careful.The word "BRAKE" appearing on the brakepad doesn't simply mean you haven't fully released the parking brake or that the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is malfunctioning; it indicates a problem with the entire braking system. This could include worn brake pads, low brake fluid, leaks in the lines, or malfunctioning sensors.

When this light comes on, the driver should immediately try applying the brakes gently to check their functionality. If the brakes are not working properly, pull over immediately and call for roadside assistance; do not attempt to continue driving. If the brakes are working normally, take the vehicle to a service center for inspection and repair.

4. Engine fault warning

Your car is having engine problems.The car indicates that a sensor in the engine has detected deviations from the standard. While this light may not immediately affect operation, it warns the driver to have the car checked as soon as possible, otherwise more serious problems may arise over time.

5. Oil pressure is low.

Low lubricating oil pressure in the engine does not guarantee safe engine operation.

Driving in such conditions can cause serious engine damage because the metal surfaces in relative motion become scratched.

Low pressure can be caused by a lack of oil, oil that is too thin, worn bearings that cannot maintain system pressure, or a faulty oil pressure gauge.

6. The adaptive headlight system is temporarily unavailable.

AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) is an adaptive headlight system that automatically adjusts the beam angle according to the steering angle. For example, when you enter a corner, the headlights don't shine straight out of the corner but curve around it.

Some vehicles have an additional physical button to turn this function on/off, usually located near the driver's left knee. If the AFS OFF light is illuminated because the driver manually turns it off, it is not a fault.

However, if the driver doesn't turn it off and the lights remain on, it means this technology is temporarily not working, and the headlights revert to the normal type. There are many reasons for this, possibly due to a faulty steering angle sensor or a weak battery. You should take your car to a workshop for inspection and repair.

7. Battery warning

This warning indicates the battery is low; please recharge it or replace it.

A weak battery can be caused by many factors such as a slipping or broken alternator belt, alternator malfunction, corroded or broken wires, too many electrical systems using electricity without recharging while the vehicle is running, or even environmental factors that can drain the battery.

A weak battery can prevent your car from starting, so address this immediately if you see this indicator light up. The best course of action is to drive to the nearest garage for inspection, charging, or replacement if necessary.

8. Filter soot error

If this light is flashing on the dashboard, it means there's a problem with the carbon deposit filter in your car's exhaust system. In other words, your car is emitting more harmful fumes than normal.

Don't ignore this light on your dashboard. A clogged carbon deposit filter can damage your engine, and the repair costs will be much higher then.

9. Airbag malfunction report

Airbags are designed to minimize injuries to occupants inside a car. Therefore, you certainly wouldn't want your airbags to malfunction.

When you see this warning light illuminate on the dashboard, you need to understand that your car's airbags are malfunctioning. Don't wait until an accident to check if the airbags are still working. Instead, quickly take your car to a garage to have the airbags checked by a mechanic.

10. Coolant warning

Coolant plays a crucial role in automobiles, especially in the summer. As the name suggests, its function is to cool the engine. Without enough coolant in the system, the engine will overheat and stop running.

When you see this light on the dashboard, you need to add more engine coolant.