10 common error lights on cars and how to handle them

1. Handbrake warning

You have not released the handbrake fully.Press the button on the handbrake lever and lower it all the way until the symbol goes off. Many cars now have the handbrake moved down below the left clutch pedal, and the driver presses it again to release the brake.

2. Engine temperature warning

The engine is overheating beyond safe limits.When the engine overheats, parts expand excessively, causing them to seize or break, such as scratched pistons, worn valves, blown cylinder gaskets, or cylinder deformation.

Immediately pull the car over, turn off the engine and check the cooling system. You may see water leaking from the radiator or hot pipe. Pay attention to the level of the water in the auxiliary tank. Never open the radiator cap or the auxiliary tank when the engine is hot, as water may spill out and cause burns. If there is coolant, fill the tank or call for help. Do not use natural water.

3. Warning of brake system problem

Your brake system is malfunctioning, be careful.The BRAKE symbol does not simply mean that you have not fully released the handbrake or that the anti-lock braking system is malfunctioning, but it is a sign that there is a problem with the entire braking system. It could be worn brake pads, low brake fluid, leaking lines, sensors that are not reading…

When this light is on, the driver should immediately try to apply moderate pressure on the brake pedal to check its working condition. If the brake does not work properly, immediately pull over and call for help, do not try to continue driving. If the brake is still working properly, take the vehicle to a service workshop for inspection and repair.

4. Engine error warning

Your car has engine problems.The vehicle is indicating that a sensor in the engine has detected signs of deviation from the standard. This light does not necessarily affect the operation immediately, but warns the driver to have the vehicle checked as soon as possible, otherwise it may cause more serious problems over time.

5. Low oil pressure

Low engine lubricating oil pressure does not ensure safe engine operation.

Intentionally driving in such a condition can cause severe engine damage as the metal surfaces that are in relative motion are scratched.

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

6. Adaptive headlight system temporarily inactive

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 do not shine straight out of the corner but instead hug the corner.

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

But if the driver does not turn it off and the light is on, this technology is temporarily inactive, the headlights return to normal. There are many reasons, it can be due to the steering angle sensor, weak battery... You should take the car to the workshop for inspection and repair.

7. Battery warning

Battery warning: Low battery, please charge or replace the battery.

A weak battery can be caused by many things such as a slipping or broken alternator belt, a faulty alternator, corroded or broken wires, too many electrical systems that are not being recharged while the vehicle is running, or even the environment can drain the battery.

A weak battery can prevent your car from starting, so take action as soon as you see this symbol. It’s best to head to your nearest garage to have your battery checked, charged, or replaced if necessary.

8. Carbon filter error report

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

Don’t ignore this light on your dashboard. A clogged carbon filter can damage your car’s engine, which can be much more expensive to repair.

9. Airbag error report

Airbags are designed to reduce the risk of injury to the occupants of a car. You certainly don't want your airbag to malfunction.

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

10. Coolant warning

Coolant plays an important role in cars, especially in the summer. As the name suggests, the function of this water is to cool the car engine. If there is not enough coolant in the system, the car engine will overheat and stop running.

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