July 21, 2021
Understand These 12 Symbols to Stay Safe on the Road
Photo by Mike B under Pexels License
If you’re a driver, you need to understand the different parts of your car. These include the numerous lights on your dashboard that when turned on serve as warnings about certain malfunctioning parts of your vehicle.
You have 64 different lights on your dashboard that you need to familiarize yourself with. If the number seems overwhelming, you could get started by familiarizing yourself with these 12 most common car warning lights:
- Oil pressure light
This is represented by a symbol of an old-fashioned oil canister on your dashboard. When this lights up, it is a warning that you are running low on oil or your oil pump is malfunctioning.
- Tire pressure light
This is represented by an exclamation point enclosed inside a parenthesis with a track underneath. Also known as the TPMS symbol, it indicates that your tire pressure is low. If you continue to drive around in this condition, you could face a tire blowout that could put you in danger.
- Engine temperature light
This symbol is pretty easy to figure out. Represented by a thermometer sign with waves underneath, this means your engine is overheating.
- Traction control light
When the symbol of a car with skid marks lights up, it means your vehicle’s traction control is not working. The traction control uses your anti-lock brake system and applies the brakes to regain traction when one of the wheels is slipping. This is especially important when driving across slippery or snowy roads.
- Steering lock light
This symbol of a steering wheel and a key lights up whenever the steering wheel is being turned without a key in the ignition. If this lights up when you get in your car, it means that someone tried to make off with your car while you were away.
- Battery light
When the battery symbol lights up on your dashboard, it means that your battery may not be charging properly, your battery is damaged, or there is an issue with the voltage regulator, the wiring in your car, or the alternator.
- Adaptive headlight system
Symbolized by a circular arrow and four slanted lines on the left, this lights up when there is a problem with the adaptive headlights that adjust when you round a corner.
- Airbag light
You’ll immediately recognize this symbol when it lights up on your dashboard. You need to have your airbag mechanism checked by a professional when it pops up. It means there might be a problem with the mechanism, a feature that can keep you safe from injuries in case of an accident.
- Seatbelt light
This warning sign is represented by a symbol of a person with a seatbelt on. The light blinks to remind you that you are still not strapped in.
- Washer fluid indicator
When you see the symbol of a wiper with water sprouting in-between, it means you are running low on wiper fluid.
- Brake lights
Represented by an exclamation point inside a circle with spikes around it, this symbol means your brake lights are busted. Have them replaced promptly.
- Emissions control
When you see the yellow “check engine” light up on your dashboard, it may be caused by one of several issues concerning your car’s emissions control system. You may have a bad oxygen sensor, a problem with your engine compression, or your gas cap may simply not be screwed on tight enough. When you see this light, drive to the auto shop right away and have this issue checked.
How Best to Dispose of a Defective Auto
Understanding the warning lights on your car’s dashboard is one of the ways to stay safe on the road. However, if your car’s condition has deteriorated to such an extent that having it repaired yet again wouldn’t guarantee your road safety, perhaps it’s time to think of retiring it.
If you are unsure of what to do with your clunker, your best option is to donate it to a charity that supports a cause close to your heart. When you donate that vehicle to us at Veteran Car Donations, we will use it to improve the lives of the suffering veterans in your area.
We’ll put your vehicle up for auction, with the proceeds going to reputable nonprofit organizations that cater to the needs of our country’s veterans. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding that we give them to provide deserving veterans with free quality health care, financial aid, housing assistance, employment opportunities, family support, educational scholarships, psychotherapy services, and many other benefits.
You will also reap rewards from your charitable contribution. You’ll benefit from our free pickup and towing service. You’ll also have the privilege of receiving the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
We take in nearly all vehicle types, including those that are no longer in the best of shape. which we offer in all 50 states.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us at 877-594-5822 or you may send us a message here. Check out our FAQs page for more information on our donation program.
Turn Your Beater into a Life-Changer Today
Photo by Pamela Marie under Pexels License
You can certainly still make good use of your beater even if you no longer feel safe driving it. Turn it into something that will greatly benefit the struggling veterans in your local area by donating it to us. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our online donation form now!
Last Updated: March 8th, 2023