Bringing your car in for auto repair in St. Paul, MN is something you should not put off if you have any warning lights displaying on your dashboard. These warning lights can be a sign that your engine or another component of the vehicle is not working properly. Some are more important to pay attention to than others. If a light suddenly pops up on your dashboard, you’ll want to check the owner’s manual to know what it is (based on the manufacturer’s notes.)
What Common Dashboard Warnings Mean
Every vehicle manufacturer has different warnings for technical or mechanical failures in the car. However, there are some warnings it is important to pay attention to. Those include the following.
Check Engine Lights
This is one of the most critical of all warning lights displaying on your dashboard. If your check engine light comes on, it is often a good idea to call for auto repair right away. If it is solid, meaning it is not flashing, this often means there is something seriously wrong with the engine. You should stop driving it. If it comes on and flashes rapidly, you should pull over and not drive it. If it comes on and goes off randomly, this could mean the engine is struggling. Get it in for repairs as soon as possible.
Battery Lights
Another important light to pay attention to is the battery signal. Most cars will have a battery display when there is a risk that the battery is not functional or is in need of charging or repair. Just jumping the car’s battery is not always enough. Rather, it is a good idea to have a trained professional help you with the repair. The normal range for the battery should be, in most cases, from 12.5 to 15 volts. Anything longer than this signals a problem.
Oil Pressure Light
Most cars will have an oil pressure warning light. When this light is lit, it should not be ignored. It can occur for various reasons. In many cases, it indicates that the oil pressure monitoring system in the vehicle is not working properly. It can mean that oil pressure is very low, too. If this light comes on, check the oil level. If it is low, topping it off is a good place to start. Even if it is not, you’ll want to talk to a repair technician about the vehicle.
Tire Pressure Lights
Some vehicles also have a tire pressure light that will illuminate when there are potential risks to your tires. If you get a flat, especially a slower leaking flat that you may not notice, this light may come on. Pull over to the side of the road and check your tires.
In all cases, you’ll want to pay attention to your dashboard warning lights. When you get auto repair, St. Paul , MN technicians can help you to determine what is causing the display and what is necessary to repair to keep you safe on the road.