Engine Lights: What They Mean and What to Do
Engine lights can be a scary sight, but they don’t always mean that your car is about to break down. In fact, many engine lights are simply warnings that something needs to be checked or serviced. However, it’s important to know what each engine light means so that you can take the appropriate action.
Types of Engine Lights
There are two main types of engine lights:
- Warning lights: These lights are usually yellow or orange and indicate that something needs to be checked or serviced. You can usually continue to drive your car, but you should have the issue checked out as soon as possible.
- Danger lights: These lights are usually red and indicate that there is a serious problem with your car. You should stop driving your car immediately and have it towed to a mechanic.
Common Engine Light Meanings
Here are some of the most common engine light meanings:
Check Engine Light
The check engine light is the most common engine light. It can indicate a wide range of problems, from a loose gas cap to a major engine issue. If you see the check engine light, it’s important to have your car diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Service Engine Soon Light
The service engine soon light is similar to the check engine light, but it usually indicates a less serious problem. You can usually continue to drive your car, but you should have the issue checked out as soon as possible.
ABS Light
The ABS light indicates a problem with your car’s anti-lock braking system. If you see the ABS light, you should have your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Traction Control Light
The traction control light indicates a problem with your car’s traction control system. If you see the traction control light, you should have your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Airbag Light
The airbag light indicates a problem with your car’s airbag system. If you see the airbag light, you should have your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Tire Pressure Light
The tire pressure light indicates that one or more of your tires is underinflated. If you see the tire pressure light, you should check your tire pressure and inflate any tires that are underinflated.
What to Do If You See an Engine Light
If you see an engine light, the first thing you should do is pull over to a safe location. Once you’re in a safe place, you should turn off your car and check the engine oil level. If the oil level is low, you should add oil as necessary.
Once you’ve checked the oil level, you should start your car and see if the engine light is still on. If the light is still on, you should have your car diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Engine lights can be a scary sight, but they don’t always mean that your car is about to break down. By understanding what each engine light means, you can take the appropriate action and get your car fixed as soon as possible.
