Car Service and Decoding the Symbols on Your Car’s Dashboard

Here you will learn some secrets on the maintenance of your car, how to choose a car service centre, the nuances in buying spare parts, how the mechanic can deceive you, and so on. The article will be helpful to absolutely everyone, not just people who know their car perfectly.

There are multiple symbols on your car's dashboard, some of them more evident than others

However, for the perfect maintenance of your car, you must know precisely what they mean in case you need to pull over and call for help. At Getpitstop, your safety is our No. 1 priority and this is the reason we're breaking down your dashboard, symbol by symbol.

Common Warning Lights on Car’s Dashboard 

Oil Pressure Light

The traditional oil can symbol represents an issue with your car’s oil pressure system. Either you’re running low on oil, or your oil pump isn’t circulating enough fluid to lubricate the surfaces inside your vehicle correctly. This is a significant issue and should be addressed as soon as possible, as your engine can wear quickly without proper lubrication.

Tire Pressure Warning Light

The tire pressure warning light blips when the pressure in one or more of your tires is too low or too high and needs to be resolved. Driving with high- or low pressure can be very unsafe and also cause additional damage to your car.  The optimal tire pressure should be between 30 and 35 psi (pounds per square inch).

If your light goes off when you’re near a Getpitstop car service center in Mumbai, drop on by. We have free air available at all our stores, and one of our mechanics can repair or replace your tire in no time.

Engine Temperature Warning

If you see the engine temperature warning symbol pop up,  it means that your engine is overheated. It is most likely due to your coolant (also called antifreeze) but can also happen for various reasons. It is necessary to address this issue as soon as possible to avoid any significant damage. 

Traction Control Light

This symbol indicates that the traction system in your car is activated. It uses the anti-lock brake system to determine if one wheel is spinning faster than another. If the system detects that a wheel is slipping, it automatically applies brakes until it regains traction. This feature comes quite handy while driving in rain or snow.

Anti-lock Brake Warning Light

If the anti-lock brakes or ABS warning lights up while driving,  it indicates that something is wrong with the system. Anti-lock brakes help to keep your car in contact with the road safely.  Every time you start your car, the system does a self-check and may light up for just a few seconds. If it goes off immediately, your system is working perfectly.

Traction Control Malfunction

This symbol indicates that the car's traction control system might have some malfunction or broken or damaged. For some cars, a single control module operates the anti-lock brakes and the traction control system, so the light sometimes flickers when it detects any problems with your ABS.

Engine Warning (Check Engine Light)

The check engine light can appear for multiple reasons. Sometimes, it can represent a serious issue that requires your immediate attention. This can also indicate overheating or low oil pressure. Other times, this will light up if your gas cap is open, loose, or cracked, which can cause fuel to evaporate.

If you see this light, it is best to pull over and check your gas cap and other systems in your car.  If it starts flashing, you should definitely stop driving! In most cars, a flashing check engine light indicates you have a serious problem that could cause severe damage.

Battery Alert

The battery alert light indicates that there is an issue with the car's charging system.  However, the culprit might not be the battery. It may also suggest that your battery might have a damaged/loose wire or your alternator belt is broken. If the problem is in your battery, occasionally, you'll notice that your clock is fading or your headlights are dimming. If you see this every now and then, it is best to replace your battery before getting completely conk out. 

Not sure what the problem is? Our experts can help diagnose any car repair in Mumbai.

Low Fuel Indicator

Mostly everyone is very familiar with this symbol. It simply means you’re running low on gas. It is not recommended to see if you can make it home if you have a ways to go. You can never predict the traffic or weather, it is always a good choice to stop at the nearest petrol pump and fill up!

Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator

If the engine start indicator lights up, you’re most likely trying to shift gears or start your ignition without engaging the clutch. The automatic shift lock will lock your vehicle in neutral until you press the clutch.

Seat Belt Reminder

This light suggests that you or your passenger needs to buckle up!   According to the NCAP, seat belts decrease serious crash-related injuries by more than 50%.

Airbag Indicator

The airbag indicator indicates that something is wrong with one of your airbags or the whole system. Your car’s airbags job is to keep you safe during accidents, so it’s essential to address this problem promptly.

Security Light

Nowadays, most cars have an anti-theft system, this symbol means that something could be malfunctioning. However, it can also light up when you turn your vehicle on, which isn’t an indicator that something is wrong.

Fog Lamp Indicator

This symbol indicates that your car's fog lights are on. Fog lights should only be used if your visibility is less than 100 meters. If it is on unnecessarily, it can be detrimental to other drivers on the road.

Windshield Indicator

Resembling the motion of your windshield wipers, this symbol suggests that you’re low on washer fluid. You’ll want to fill up the reservoir with fluid as soon as you can.

Car Trouble?

Whether you need a simple oil change or a more serious repair, book a service with Getpitstop. Our expert technicians will diagnose and repair the issue so you can get back on the road safely. So book an appointment at one of our 250+ locations today!