(Baonghean.vn) -Warning lights are appearing more and more on cars today. Therefore, not all drivers can understand the meaning of all the warning lights that appear on the dashboard.
Car manufacturers are intentional when designing the warning light system on the dashboard to help car drivers know the level of danger while the car is operating. If the warning light is red, it means danger, while the yellow light means the level of danger will be lower and in this case, the driver can still move but needs to quickly take the car to reputable repair centers for inspection and treatment.
Warning lights at dangerous levels
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Engine lubricating oil pressure warning light:If this light is on, it means that the car engine is running in a state of lack of lubricating oil or even no lubricating oil. The advice of experienced car experts is to immediately move the "baby" to a safe place and turn off the engine. Because if you continue to run, the internal parts of the engine will dry out and the friction at high speed will damage the bearing set, shaft and cylinder. All will increase the repair cost significantly. |
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Engine coolant temperature warning light:This is a sign that the car engine is overheating due to lack of coolant. Park the car in a safe place and run the engine at idle until the temperature drops below the red line, then turn it off. Wait another 15 minutes for the engine to cool down and check the coolant level again.In case of lack of engine coolant, add more purified water. Then, check for leaks in the coolant pipe system. If the above situation is not handled promptly, the engine will overheat and easily seize, warp the engine surface and blow the cylinder head gasket. At this time, the repair cost will be very high. |
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Battery charging system warning light:This warning light is on to indicate that the car’s alternator is not working or is not working properly. The cause of this condition may be a faulty alternator or a broken/loose drive belt. The car will still move normally and use the remaining electrical energy. When the power runs out, the car will not be able to run. |
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Brake system oil pressure warning light:Worn brake pads or leaking lines can lead to low brake fluid. Some of the most common signs are softer pedal feel or even no brake response. However, a pulsating pedal feel can also be caused by a faulty brake cup that reduces/loses brake fluid pressure. |
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Brake pad wear indicator light:Unlike other brake system warning lights, the brake pad wear warning light also has a circle in the middle but is surrounded by a dotted line showing brake pad wear. When the light comes on, you need to take the car to the dealer to check and replace the brake pads immediately. |
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Airbag system warning light:This light tells us that the airbag control system has stopped working and the airbag may not deploy in a collision. |
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Gearbox warning:There is a problem with the transmission. This usually indicates a problem with the automatic transmission. It is recommended that you do not drive the vehicle if this light is on. |
Other notable warning lights:
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Tire pressure warning light:When this light is on, drivers need to quickly pull the car to the side of the road on a flat place to check. Insufficient tire pressure will cause uneven tire wear (usually more wear on both sides of the tire due to the weight of the vehicle), consume fuel and the tire will overheat quickly. More seriously, it can cause loss of control and unsafe cornering. |
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Engine warning light:This is a sign that there is an internal fault in the engine and the vehicle should be taken to a repair centre for inspection. |
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ABS warning light:When this light is on, the ABS anti-lock braking system is not working and the conventional braking system is still working.When you see the above warning signs on your car, the most important thing is to stay calm to handle the problem as safely as possible while driving. Then, call for help or take your car to a repair shop for inspection. |
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Battery charging system warning:This is a sign that the car's alternator is not working properly or not working at all, possibly due to a breakdown or a loose or broken alternator drive belt or, in the worst case, a burnt alternator. The car will still run normally and use the remaining electrical energy in the battery. This is 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 (low beam):indicates that the low beams or daytime running lights/position lights are on. This signal may also mean that one or more bulbs have failed. |
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Maintenance requirements:Reminder that oil and filters need to be changed according to regular maintenance schedule. |
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Windshield washer fluid warning:This signal indicates that the vehicle owner needs to refill the windshield washer fluid. |
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Electric power steering system:When this light comes on, there is a problem with the EPS electric power steering system. It is not dangerous, but the steering system can feel like it was in a car from the 1950s. Take the car to a repair shop. |
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Automatic transmission oil temperature warning:Transmission fluid is too hot, slow down or even stop the car to cool down. Using a different type of transmission fluid can also cause the temperature to rise too high. Take the car to a mechanic if the warning persists. |
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Vehicle skid indicator light:The light comes on when driving on slippery, muddy roads and means the vehicle is slipping and the anti-skid system is working to ensure the vehicle has maximum possible grip on the road. |
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Glow plug warning on diesel engine vehicles:The light comes on when it is cold outside. Do not start the engine until the light goes out. If the light stays on for too long, it may mean there is a problem with the glow plug, or it is too cold. |
Ngoc Anh
(Synthetic)