Reading The Warning Lights To Save

By Author: Marcus Stalder
Total Articles: 491
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There are a lot of ways to avoid higher car insurance premiums. One of them is to simply know your vehicle. Understanding and addressing potential mechanical problems and safety issues will keep your car performing optimally and minimize the chance you'll need to make repairs - or worse, get into an accident. As a driver, one of the best things to know about your car is how to interpret warning lights. These have many different meanings and can vary in their level of seriousness, so understanding the potential for danger is important.

Check Engine Light
The Check Engine light is connected to your car's onboard diagnostics system, which monitors many different aspects of vehicle performance using sensors all over the car. There are thousands of reasons an engine light could come on. A common cause can be simply forgetting to fully-tighten your gas cap, leading to a loss of pressure. If retightening the cap does not work, however, you will need to find someone with an OBD2 diagnostic tool to plug into the car and find out exactly what the problem is. You should be able to find a place that will give you the error ...
... code for free; do not pay anyone a fee for it.

ABS Warning
An ABS light warning is a sign that something is seriously wrong with your vehicle brakes and it should be examined immediately. If the light is blinking then the problem is more likely to be extremely serious, and could indicate a malfunction or completely useless brakes.

Brake Warning
This light means something different for every vehicle, and can indicate a wide range of problems, from low brake fluid to an engaged parking brake to something more serious. Your user manual will offer more detailed information, but your brakes are not something you can afford to wait to fix.

Electrical Light
If your battery or alternator are damaged, the battery will no longer be recharged and will eventually die. When the battery ceases to receive charges it will simply run out, and you won't be able to start your car without a jump from someone else's vehicle.

Coolant Warning
Without coolant, your engine will overheat and rust, ultimately destroying your engine. Always be sure you have sufficient coolant in your car. If the light comes on, you should add coolant to your car. DO NOT OPEN THE RADIATOR CAP WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT. The coolant is pressurized during vehicle operation and extremely hot; opening the radiator cap will result in boiling coolant bursting in your direction.

Oil Pressure
Oil pressure lights indicate low oil pressure, and they should be addressed as soon as possible. If your engine is not sufficiently lubricated with oil, it's lifespan will be shortened. An engine with extremely low oil can be destroyed in minutes. Check your oil levels about once per tank of gas used, and more often if you have an older car or one that you know leaks or burns oil.

Car Insurance Quotes
In order to get the most out of your money, always shop using car insurance quotes online. Rather than being forced to contact every insurance company independently, you can obtain Car insurance quotes in minutes so you can save the most.