(Baonghean.vn) -In modern cars, warning lights are becoming increasingly common. Therefore, not all drivers understand the meaning of all the warning lights that appear on the dashboard.
Car manufacturers intentionally design warning lights on the dashboard to inform drivers of potential hazards while driving. A red light indicates a danger level, while a yellow light suggests a lower level of danger. In this case, the driver can still drive but should quickly take the vehicle to a reputable repair center for inspection and repair.
The warning lights indicate a high risk level.
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Engine oil pressure warning light:If this light comes on, it means the car engine is running with low or even no lubrication. Experienced automotive experts advise immediately pulling over to a safe place and turning off the engine. Continuing to run will cause the internal engine components to dry out, and the friction at high speeds will damage the bearings, shafts, and cylinders. All of this will significantly increase repair costs. |
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Engine coolant temperature warning light:This indicates that your car engine is overheating due to a lack of coolant. Park your car in a safe place and let the engine idle until the temperature drops below the red line, then turn it off. Wait another 15 minutes for the engine to cool down completely and check the coolant level again.If the engine coolant level is low, add more purified water. Then, check for leaks in the coolant system. If left unaddressed, overheating can easily lead to engine seizure, warped cylinder heads, and blown head gaskets. Repair costs will then be very high. |
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Battery charging system warning light:This warning light illuminates to indicate that the alternator in your car is not working or is malfunctioning. This could be due to a faulty alternator or a broken/loose drive belt. The car will still run normally and use the remaining electrical energy. Once the battery is depleted, the car will be unable to run. |
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Brake system oil pressure warning light:Worn brake pads or leaking brake fluid lines will lead to a lack of brake fluid. Some easily noticeable signs include a softer-than-normal brake pedal feel, or even complete brake failure. However, a feeling of the brake pedal being sluggish could also be due to a faulty brake caliper, causing a reduction/loss of brake fluid pressure. |
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| Brake pad wear warning light:Unlike other brake system warning lights, the brake pad wear warning light also has a circular center but is surrounded by dotted lines indicating brake pad wear. When this light comes on, you should take your car to the dealership for inspection and brake pad replacement immediately. |
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| Airbag system warning light:This light indicates that the airbag control system has stopped working and the airbags may not deploy in the event of a collision. |
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| Gearbox warning:There is a problem in the transmission. This usually indicates a malfunction somewhere in the automatic transmission. It is advisable not to operate the vehicle if this light is illuminated. |
Other notable warning lights:
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Tire pressure warning light:When this warning light illuminates, drivers should quickly pull over to a level area on the side of the road for inspection. Incorrect tire pressure will cause uneven tire wear (usually more wear on the sides of the tire due to the weight of the vehicle), increased fuel consumption, and faster tire overheating. More seriously, it can lead to loss of control and unsafe cornering. |
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| Engine warning light:This indicates there is an internal engine fault and the vehicle needs to be taken to a repair center for inspection. |
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ABS warning light:When this light is illuminated, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is inactive, and the conventional braking system remains active.When you see these warning lights on your car, the most important thing is to remain calm and handle the situation as safely as possible while driving. Then, call for roadside assistance or take your car to a repair center for inspection. |
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Battery charging system warning:This indicates that the alternator in your vehicle is malfunctioning or not working at all, possibly due to a faulty drive belt, a loose or broken belt, or, in the worst case, a burnt-out alternator. The car will still run normally, using the remaining power in the battery. It's not a cause for concern, but when the battery is completely dead, the car will no longer run. The car will run normally once the alternator problem is resolved. |
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| Low beam headlights:This indicates that the low beam headlights or daytime running lights/position lights are on. This signal may also mean that one or more bulbs are faulty. |
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| Maintenance required:Please remember that the oil and filters need to be replaced according to the scheduled maintenance plan. |
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| Windshield washer fluid warning:This signal indicates that the driver needs to refill the windshield washer fluid. |
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| Electric power steering system:When you hear this sound, it means there's a problem with the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. It's not dangerous, but the steering might feel like something out of a 1950s car. Take your car to a service station for repair. |
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| Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning:The transmission fluid is too hot, so slow down or even stop the vehicle to allow it to cool down. Using a different type of transmission fluid can also cause the temperature to exceed the standard. Take the vehicle to a service center if the warning persists. |
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| Vehicle skid warning light:The light illuminates when driving on slippery or muddy roads, indicating that the vehicle is skidding and the traction control system is active to ensure maximum traction. |
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| Warning about glow plugs on diesel engines:The light comes on when the weather outside is cold. Do not start the engine until the light goes off. If the light stays on for too long, it means there is a problem with the glow plugs, or it's because the weather is too cold. |
Ngoc Anh
(Synthetic)