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Have you ever started your vehicle without putting your foot on the brake? You probably noticed a bunch of lights on the dashboard. Then, when you start the car correctly, they go away. That’s a good thing in most cases, as some of those warning lights can signal a problem that needs to be adressed quickly. To get a better idea of what some of them mean, here is quick overview of some of the warning lights you should know about.
Engine temperature warning
The engine temperature warning light is probably one of the worst you can see on your dashboard. It means that your engine is overheating and you should more than likely pull over as soon as possible. It may mean that your coolant levels are low, or you have a problem witht the cooling system. Pull over and call your dealership.
Check engine
Not as bad as it seems, the check engine light turning on can mean that your fuel cap is loose. Pull over and have a look. If it’s secure, then it may mean you have a problem with the catalytic convertor or you may need a new mass airflow sensor. In any case, contact your dealership to set up an appointment.
Oil pressure
You may be running low on oil. This is another warning light that should not be ignored. Motor oil serves to lubricate your engine’s moving parts and should it run dry, certain engine components could be damaged leading to costly repairs. Check your oil levels as soon as possible and contact your dealership to make sure you do not have a leak.
TPMS
The tire pressure monitoring system is designed to warn you if your tire pressure is low. When you see it, get to a gas station and make sure you do not have a flat tire and put air in your tires. Note that if you change your wheels in winter, you will get the warning if you do not have a TPMS sensor in your winter rims.
Airbag
It is a little unusual to see this warning light, so maybe contact your dealership to see what may be wrong.
Thank you to Morrey Nissan of Coquitlam for their help with this article.
