Your car’s dashboard has several indicators, including the Check Engine Light, that light up to inform you about certain problems (or problematic conditions) your car is experiencing. Sometimes these lights are temperamental, coming on for minor reasons only to turn off again during your next drive. More often, however, they are sure signals something is wrong, or about to go wrong. Therefore, you should not ignore them.

The Battery Light looks like a mini battery, often complete with “+” and “-” symbols. If this light appears while driving, it’s important to pull over immediately when safe. This light alerts you that the alternator is not generating electricity and your entire car is being run solely by battery power. Turning off unnecessary electrical equipment, like your car’s radio, air conditioner, GPS, etc., can help you preserve a little power, but the scary thing is that you’ll never know how many more feet you can drive until your battery is fully drained.

If you use your emergency brake, a “Brake” or “Park” light will appear on the dashboard. This is just to remind you that this brake is “on” so you don’t drive away with it still engaged! If this light appears when you haven’t engaged the emergency break, chances are it’s a friendly reminder to add brake fluid. If, after you check the level and add fluid, the light remains on, it’s a good idea to take your car to a qualified service center for a diagnostic test.

We’ve written about the check engine light before, and this light can signal anything as simple as a loose gas cap, or something more serious. Like we said before, a diagnostic check engine light scan is essential for safety and peace of mind.

The Oil Light, often in the shape of an oil can, may look harmless enough, but it’s one of the most important lights to heed. If your oil light comes on, it’s imperative you stop your car ASAP! Letting your car operate with inadequate oil pressure means it won’t be lubricated. When run for just a few minutes, an improperly-oiled engine will be seriously crippled. Very few people realize the extent of such damage until they see massive bills for engine repair. This damage can be avoided by stopping the car immediately, checking the oil, and adding some if necessary. Afterwards, if the light remains on, it’s time to have the car serviced.

Sometimes, you can fix the problems the lights are informing you about yourself. Sometimes, you’ll need the assistance of an expert team. MOTEC Auto Care Clinics in San Diego is fully qualified to replace your alternator or alternator belt, change your battery, check all fluid levels (including your brake fluid level), and even provide free diagnostic tests using the latest up-to-date technology to pinpoint and correct any problems. If your battery, brake, check engine, oil light, or any other light comes on, bring your car down and receive a thorough examination by the pros. Ignoring a problem never makes it go away, so take care of maintenance problems immediately before they grow and complicate! You’ll be safer, and often save money in the end.