Dashboard Warning Lights

A majority of people use cars for their daily travel. And if you are a regular driver, you would understand that there are many different systems incorporated in your vehicle for some or the other purpose. Some systems may contribute to car safety while on road, whereas others may play a significant role in maintaining good condition of the car's engine and its parts. A technology used in such automobile supportive and protective systems is dashboard warning lights.

Warning Lights on Dashboard

As the name suggests, warning lights are indicators present on the car's dashboard, which inform the driver if there is anything dysfunctional in any of the vehicle's systems. The technology of dashboard lights has been ever evolving according to the invent of new luxury, maintenance, and security concepts in cars, SUVs, and trucks. In cars that were manufactured few decades ago, there were very few dashboard lights for driver's assistance.

But if you take a look at today's advanced machines, you will find several different indicators for different purposes. These warning lights on car dashboards function with the signal sent from the sensors fixed in respective areas of the system. The main aim of these lights is to let the driver know about the probability of the occurrence of car problems. Common indicators on dashboards are related to Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), engine, car battery, seat belts, low gas, coolant, etc.

There are many others which may give less important indications of the problems in functionality. Normally, the color of these warning lights is red or orange. When you turn on the ignition key while starting the car engine, most of the lights will turn on for a while and then extinguish in normal engine running. However, if these warning lights are on in the middle of your drive, you should realize that there is a problem.

Engine
The indication of the engine light would be in the form of an engine's rough outline. If this light turns on when the vehicle is in motion, there is something wrong with the engine system. In case it starts flashing; reduce the speed of the car, halt at a safe place, and immediately get the problem checked by a car repair professional.

ABS
This light will itself illuminate in the form of 'ABS'. If it turns on while you are on road, there is a problem with the ABS. Note that normal braking will still be operational, but without ABS assistance.

Coolant
The indication of the coolant light may be similar to a thermometer or directly 'check coolant' being displayed. This light turning on means that the coolant level might be low; there may be a leak in the cooling system, or an engine overheating problem.

Brake System
The indication of this light will be an exclamation mark. If both the ABS and brake light illuminate simultaneously while the automobile is in motion, the problem may be serious. Try to stop the car at a safe place by using the brakes gently.

Battery Charge
You will find the indication of the battery light in a shape of a rectangular box, with positive and negative terminals on the sides. In case it does not at all light up during the ignition or does in the middle of the drive, the car battery is not sufficiently charged or there seems to be an issue with the charging system.

If you find any of these dashboard warning lights turning on while driving, it is strongly recommended to take your car to the garage for diagnosis. These are just a few important dashboard lights intended for driving safety. There are many other light indications which may inform the driver about unsuitable settings of the car system.