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Car Maintenance: Frequently Asked Questions About When to Choose a Mechanic, a Parts Store, or Do It Yourself
Imagine this scene: you are driving peacefully, listening to music, and suddenly a light comes on in the panel of the car. The heart races, the fear of an expensive repair arises, and the urge to run to the mechanic increases. But is this always necessary? Let's look at some tips on car maintenance throughout the article.
In fact, many of the warning lights that come on your car's dashboard don't indicate a serious problem that requires specialist attention. Knowing how to interpret these lights can make all the difference, saving you time and money.
So, grab a coffee and let's understand together how dashboard lights can help us keep our car in order, without stress and without breaking the bank.
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1. Understanding the colors of the lights on the dashboard
A good analogy to understand what each light means is to think of a traffic light. Just like in traffic, the colors of the lights have specific meanings: See important car maintenance data.
- White, blue, orange or green: These lights usually indicate that a system is operating normally. They do not require any immediate action and are most often just indicators.
- Yellow or orange: A yellow light means something needs attention, but it’s not urgent. It could be a warning of low tire pressure or low oil. It’s a “warning” to get the problem checked out when you can.
- Red: A red light means something is not working properly or there is a potential hazard. Action must be taken quickly to avoid damage. This could be an open door, a passenger not wearing a seatbelt, or a failure in the brake system.
Now that we understand the basics of colors, let's take a closer look at what each light indicates and how you can fix these issues without having to rush to the mechanic to service your car.
2. Burnt out headlights, turn signals and bulbs
Every car has a set of lights that are essential for safety: headlights, brake lights and turn signals. Many modern cars automatically alert the driver when a bulb is burnt out, with a specific light on the dashboard or a warning message. In older cars, the warning may be more subtle, such as a turn signal flashing faster than normal.
Replacing a burned-out light bulb is a task that you can easily do at home. Simply purchase the correct bulb—most auto parts stores can help you choose one—and install it. If you’re not comfortable with it, ask at the store itself, as many employees are willing to help at no extra cost.
Golden Tip: In your car manual, you will find information about the exact type of bulb required for each part of your car. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure that you buy the right bulb.
3. Low Tire Pressure: A Safety Issue
Driving with under-inflated tires not only increases fuel consumption but also affects the stability of your vehicle. That’s why you should take the low tire pressure light seriously. Instead of rushing to a repair shop, you can quickly fix it at a gas station. Most of the time, these places have air compressors available for free or at a very reasonable price.
The ideal tire pressure for your car is usually on a sticker on the driver's door or in your vehicle's manual. Using a tire pressure gauge (available at gas stations and auto parts stores), adjust the air level in your tires until they reach the recommended pressure.
If you don't have a gauge, you can do this by trial and error. Just add some air, turn the car off and on again to see if the light goes out. If the light stays on, have your tire checked for a puncture by a professional.
4. Low Oil Pressure Light
The low oil pressure light, which looks like a dripping oil can, is a clear sign that something is wrong with your engine's lubrication system. Oil is vital to keeping your engine running smoothly, preventing excessive friction between parts and preventing wear.
When you see this light, the first step is to check the oil level using the dipstick. If the level is low, you can easily fix this by purchasing the right type of oil and topping up the system.
Extra Care: If the light continues to come on even after topping up the oil, there may be a more serious fault in the pressure system. In this case, it is best to stop driving and take the car to a mechanic, as the lack of pressure can seriously damage the engine.
5. Check Engine Light
The check engine light, also known as the “Check Engine Light” or CEL, is one of the most feared by drivers. It is represented by a yellow light in the shape of an engine and can indicate a variety of problems, from a loose gas cap to a faulty sensor.
When your check engine light comes on, the first step is to evaluate your car's performance. If it's running normally, you can continue driving with caution and visit an auto parts store to have your engine codes read. Many stores offer this service for free, and it may be able to tell you what's wrong.
If your car is making noises, losing power or has a flashing check light, we recommend stopping immediately and seeking out a mechanic.
6. Low Coolant or Engine Overheating Light
A thermometer in water icon usually indicates a problem with the cooling system. Your engine needs coolant to keep its temperature under control and prevent overheating. When this light appears, it is essential to stop the car as soon as possible and wait for it to cool down before checking the coolant level.
Once the car has cooled down, you can remove the reservoir cap and check the coolant level. If it is low, you can top up with an appropriate coolant or, in an emergency, distilled water.
7. Brake System (ABS)
The ABS brake light indicates that there is a problem with your car's braking system. This could mean that your brake fluid is low, which can be easily fixed by topping up the reservoir. However, if the level is normal and the light persists, you should take your car to a mechanic.
The ABS system is responsible for preventing the wheels from locking during sudden braking, so it is important that it is always in good working order.
8. Battery Light
If your battery light comes on while you're driving, it could mean there's a problem with your alternator or the battery itself. Without a working alternator, your battery won't be able to recharge, and your car could shut down at any time.
As soon as possible, take your car to an auto parts store to have both tested. The battery can be replaced at the store itself, but if the problem is the alternator, you will need to visit a mechanic.
9. Car Won't Start: What Now?
There’s nothing more frustrating than turning the key and your car not giving any signs of life. The most common cause is a dead battery. When this happens, you can ask someone for help and do a “jump-start” (connect another car’s battery to yours). After that, go to an auto parts store to have the battery tested.
If the car still fails, the problem may be more serious, such as a fault in the ignition system or alternator. In these cases, it is best to seek help from a trusted mechanic.
10. When the Strange Sound Happens: Time to Go to the Mechanic
If your car is vibrating, rattling, or making a knocking sound, don't ignore it. These sounds could be signs that something is worn or loose. Many problems can be fixed before they get worse, saving you a lot of money.
Taking care of these small details can prevent you from getting stuck in the middle of the road or facing a more serious problem in the future.
Car maintenance
Knowing how to identify and understand the lights on your car’s dashboard is a valuable skill for any driver. In addition to saving time and money, this knowledge provides a sense of security and control. Many of the solutions are simple and affordable, and having this skill can help you avoid unnecessary trips to the mechanic for car maintenance.
The next time a light comes on on your dashboard, take a deep breath, do a quick check, and if necessary, seek help. After all, a well-maintained car is a guarantee of safety and peace of mind.
