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OUR BLOG

6/7/2022
To maintain your vehicle perfectly, you need to be aware of its needs. To that end, pay attention to the dashboard lights and understand what they mean. Learn more in this post by Lee ; Rita Downhill in Frankford.

Owning a vehicle is a big responsibility. Not only do you have to try your best to be safe behind the wheel, but you need to pay attention to how your vehicle works, fix any issues promptly, and take it to a mechanic regularly. Your vehicle is a complex machine, and you need to be aware of its needs to ensure it continues to work as expected for many years to come. However, if you're not an expert mechanic or have any knowledge of the subject, this can be a bit challenging. How will you know what your vehicle needs? Luckily, a device in your vehicle indicates what you should be paying attention to regarding its condition: the dashboard lights. These are a few signs on the dashboard that light up in different colors when there's a system in your vehicle that could be in need of maintenance. If you don't know what those dashboard lights are or what they mean, however, worry not. This post will go over the most common signs and their meanings.

Keep those dashboard lights in check with the right maintenance products for your vehicle. Call Lee ; Rita Downhill in Frankford at (613) 398-1144 or browse AMSOIL's online store to place an order.

What Do the Dashboard Lights Mean?

Are the Lights Yellow or Red?

For starters, you have to notice the color of the lights (regardless of the sign), as they can indicate how urgent a matter is. If you see that the lights are yellow, you should look into this issue soon, but it's not as critical. If the light turns red, on the other hand, you should stop your vehicle immediately and call a professional who can help you deal with the situation.

The "Check Engine" Light

This first sign couldn't be clearer. The "Check Engine" is literally telling you that there's an issue with the engine that you need to look into. Whether it needs new oil or there's something more complicated going on, make sure to tend to the problem soon since, as you know, your engine is a key component in your vehicle.

If the "Check Engine" light turns on because your vehicle needs new motor oil, feed it with AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, the best synthetic oil in Frankford.

The Coolant Temperature Warning Light

The cooling system is in charge of regulating the temperature in the vehicle and keeping the engine from overheating and shutting down. If there's an issue with it (like it needs new coolant or a component isn't working as expected). If you see a thermometer in water light up on the dashboard, pull over and turn off the vehicle to let your vehicle cool down.

The Oil Pressure Warning Light

A dripping oil can is trying to tell you that you need to be on the lookout for the oil in your vehicle (it may need a change, or it's not circulating as it should). If you see that this dashboard light turns red, stop your vehicle as soon as possible and call a mechanic since continuing to drive this way could result in severe damage to your vehicle.

Call Lee ; Rita Downhill in Frankford at (613) 398-1144 or browse AMSOIL's online store to place an order on top-quality products to save time and money on your vehicle's maintenance.

The Brake System Light

The braking system in your vehicle is key to ensuring you stay safe as you drive. For this reason, you need to notice if the brake system light turns on (it's an exclamation point, inside a circle, inside a parenthesis). It could be telling you a range of things (like that the parking brake is stuck, it needs brake fluid, or there's an issue with the ABS). Fix this issue quickly to prevent risky situations.

The Battery Alert Light

Lastly, your vehicle wouldn't go very far without a functioning battery. To identify the battery alert light, look for a sign of a car battery with a minus inside it. It could indicate low voltage or that the battery isn't charging properly. Again, go to a mechanic who can inspect your battery and fix the issue.

If you notice your dashboard lights up, find the best products to maintain its condition. Call Lee ; Rita Downhill in Frankford at (613) 398-1144 or browse AMSOIL's online store to place an order on them today.