Seeing your car's dashboard lights come on can be worrisome if you don't know what they mean or how to react to them. To understand what these indicators tell you, keep reading this post by Mike Ford Shop in Ham Lake.

When driving, we glance at the dashboard to check the fuel gauge or the speedometer. But what about the warning lights? These lights come on when there's something wrong with the car, so seeing them can be worrisome, even more so when you don't know what they mean or what to do when they crop up on the dashboard. That said, this post will shed light on the meaning, possible causes, and how to respond to the most common dashboard lights!

Want to feed your engine with the best synthetic oil in Ham Lake? Call Mike Ford Shop at (763) 257-3130 or visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order for the best formulas and maintenance products for your car.

What Do the Dashboard Lights in Your Car Mean?

Brake Warning Light

The brake warning symbol looks like a red exclamation mark inside a circle. This light often comes on when the braking system loses hydraulic pressure. Of course, a brake fluid leak or any other braking system malfunction can become a safety hazard. Thus, the best way to react to this indicator is to visit a certified repair shop immediately. Otherwise, you risk having a brake failure eventually, which could lead you to lose control of the car. To avoid such peril, have your brake system diagnosed and repaired as soon as this light comes on.

Temperature Warning Light

Another one of the dashboard lights you should pay attention to is the temperature warning symbol. In most vehicles, this looks like a thermometer floating on the water, yet, some car models show the word "TEMP." As you can probably tell, this light illuminates when the engine is overheating. If that is the case, you can also check the dash temperature gauge. Pull over immediately if the temperature light and gauge tell you there is a problem. Then, wait until the engine cools down. Once it's safe to pop the hood without burning your hands, check the coolant level. You can top it off with water if needed, but you must still get your car to the shop because you could have a coolant leak.

Keep your engine clean and running smoothly by using quality formulas during its routine maintenance, such as AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil. To get this and other advanced synthetic oils, call Mike Ford Shop in Ham Lake at (763) 257-3130 or stop by AMSOIL's online store.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

Have you seen the dash light that looks like a genie's lamp with a droplet? That is the oil pressure warning light. When it illuminates, it usually indicates one of two things. Either the device that activates this warning light gives a false reading, or the engine loses oil pressure. If this light comes on, the safest thing to do is to stop the car, wait for the oil to sit, and then check its level. Of course, you can replenish the oil reserve as a quick fix. Still, you need to get your engine inspected in a certified shop to see if it's leaking or burning oil.

Battery Charge Warning Light

Be wary of the battery charge warning light. When this symbol comes on and remains while you drive, it means the car's running out of voltage. Sometimes it's a faulty battery, and other times is a bad alternator. In either case, you should have the car's charging system inspected as soon as you see this light. Be sure to do so to avoid getting stranded in the middle of the road without power.

Check Engine Light

The car's check engine light is as popular as misunderstood. And reasonably so, as it can mean anything, from a loose gas cap to a serious problem under the hood. In any case, you must pay attention to how it illuminates. If it comes on blinking, the situation could be dire, so stop the car and call the tow truck. If, on the other hand, the light comes on but remains illuminated, it could be a minor malfunction. In such a case, drive to the shop and have your car inspected and scanned.

Make every ride safe and trouble-free by feeding your engine with the most reliable synthetic oil in Ham Lake. For advice on what formulas to use during your oil service, reach out to the oil pros at Mike Ford Shop at (763) 257-3130. Don't forget to place your order for top lubricants, cleaners, and maintenance products for your rig at AMSOIL's online store.