How to quickly handle 6 important warning lights on cars that drivers need to know
(Baonghean.vn) - There are warning lights on cars that warn of danger and the driver must stop immediately if he does not want the car to be seriously damaged; while there are warning lights that indicate a lower level of danger, and the driver can continue driving but needs to quickly go to the service center for inspection... Below are 6 important warning lights and how to handle them that drivers need to know.
1. Temperature warning light
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Engine temperature is higher than standard (engine overheating). Possible causes: No coolant or cooling system failure; Thermostat or ventilation fan may be running continuously, causing the engine to consume more fuel.
How to handle:Stop the car immediately, check the coolant and add more if the coolant is low or empty. Then leave the car in a state of not running for a while (at least 30 minutes), turn on the engine to check again if the temperature warning light is still on... If the light is still on, call a tow truck to have the car checked. Do not attempt to start the car because the engine temperature is too high and can cause the engine to seize, warp or destroy the engine.
2. Low oil pressure warning light
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When this light is on, it means that the oil pressure in the engine may be too low (low oil); the oil pump may be damaged or the inlet line may be clogged. Or the oil being used may have the wrong viscosity compared to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
How to handle:Stop the vehicle immediately and check the oil level. It is best to call for help because lack of oil can cause the engine to seize, and the engine parts will not be lubricated/cooled, causing engine damage.
3. Automatic transmission oil temperature warning light
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The transmission oil temperature is too high, possibly due to the vehicle running continuously at high speed for a long time or the transmission oil not meeting standards.
How to handle:Slow down or stop the vehicle to cool down. Have the vehicle inspected if this light comes on frequently.
4. Electric Power Steering (EPS) Warning Light
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When the electric power steering warning light is on, the cause is that the power steering sensor may be faulty or broken; the electric power steering system EPS is malfunctioning.
How to handle:The power steering sensor can be re-aligned with a specialized machine or the sensor (or the entire sensor assembly) can be replaced depending on the condition; Have the vehicle inspected, especially if the steering wheel is misaligned and difficult to control (heavy feeling when turning the steering wheel).
5. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light
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This light comes on when the sensors in the wheels detect that the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is not working properly. Other causes include one of the ABS sensors being dirty or broken; the vehicle being stuck in mud or the wheels spinning; or the driver performing a “tire burn” and stopping the vehicle quickly enough to “trick” the ABS system.
How to handle:You should take your car to the garage for inspection.
6. Catalytic converter fault warning light
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Catalytic converter failure is most commonly caused by a weak ignition system that does not burn the fuel completely.
(The catalytic converter is shaped like a tailpipe, containing precious metals inside - catalysts for the chemical reaction that burns excess gasoline and CO into water vapor and CO2, which is less toxic to the environment).
How to handle:Need to get the car checked quickly.
