Emergency Lights In Your Car – Decoded!

Today’s cars are equipped with the latest technology and electronic system. And every car has several dashboard warnings lights, which if remain lit once you’ve started your engine, could mean there’s a potential issue that needs attention.

Let’s understand which are the most common dashboard warning lights and what they essentially mean:

ENGINE WARNING LIGHT (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT)

The car’s check engine light can appear for a variety of reasons. Many times, it lights up due to an open, lose or cracked gas cap, causing the fuel to evaporate. But sometimes it indicates a potentially serious issue, like low oil pressure or overheating! If the check-engine light illuminates while driving and everything seems fine with the car, don’t ignore it but try not to panic, either. Get the vehicle to a service centre viz. a Ford Authorised Service Centre, if you drive a Ford and get it checked.

BATTERY LIGHT

The battery warning light is easy to decipher as it looks exactly like the thing that needs attention. This icon lights up signifying a problem with the vehicle’s charging system. Potential culprits include a loose or damaged battery cable, a bad alternator, or another electrical fault. This could result in the car’s headlights dimming or, even end up in the car not starting at all. Best thing to do is to take it to the service centre. If it’s a Ford car, a trained Ford technician will help diagnose any battery-related or electrical issues. And if there’s a need for a new battery, we have you covered with Ford Genuine Parts.

CAR COOLANT TEMPERATURE

The coolant temperature warning commonly looks like a thermometer taking a dip in the ocean! The icon, when lights up it indicates that the car is running too hot. It is caused possibly due to a broken water pump, low coolant levels in the radiator, a leaking or burst coolant hose, or even damage to the radiator itself.

In such a case, pull over as soon as it’s safe and turn off the vehicle. Let it cool down before attempting to drive again and get to a repair shop as soon as possible.

OIL PRESSURE WARNING

This icon indicates loss of oil pressure, meaning lubrication is low or lost completely. More seriously, it could mean a leak in the engine, or worn parts like a blown piston ring or broken oil pump. The immediate step should be to have the car inspected for any possible damages along with the oil level and pressure at an authorised workshop like the Ford Authorised Service Centres . But if you continue driving for extended periods with the oil pressure warning light illuminated, it is another sure-fire way of causing big repair bills down the road. Hence, be wise and get an expert’s help!

TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)

The TPMS icon appears like two-thirds of a circle with an exclamation mark right in the middle. Those small bumpy lines at the bottom symbolize the tread of a car tyre. Nice, right?

But this icon plays a significant role in telling you the status of your tyres wrt the existing air pressure in them. If the icon is solid, then the pressure in one or more of your tires is too low or too high. Check if the icon goes off after a few minutes of starting the car. If it doesn’t, there could be damage to the tyre – perhaps there could be leak. Or, if your tires are properly inflated yet the icon remains illuminated, then something is wrong with your TPMS sensors.

Making it convenient for Ford owners, the FordPass™ mobile app helps in remotely checking their vehicle’s tyre pressures and even receive alerts when the air pressure falls below the optimum level. The ability to check your tyre pressure anywhere and at any time allows you to ensure that your Ford’s tyres are always inflated just right.

If you drive a Ford, an easy and convenient way to set up a check-up and service for your vehicle to ensure it is in the best possible state is simply to Dial-A-Ford at 1800-419-3000. The home pick-up and drop car servicing facility offers hassle-free and convenient inspection of your Ford from the comfort of your home.