Decoding the Lights On My Dashboard - Part 1

If you see lights popping up on your dashboard, that generally means one thing - your car needs to be serviced. At Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive, our number one goal is to get you back on the road quickly when you have any type of car issue. From fender benders to low oil lights, we've got you covered! If a light shows up on your dashboard, do you actually know what it means? Here are a list of lights you'll probably see at some point in your driving career, and what they mean!

Anti-Lock Brake System Light

This light signifies that there could be an issue with your anti-lock brake system, also known as ABS. We can figure out what the problem is through diagnostic tools, so it's best to bring it in to us to take a look at it. It can mean anything from a dirty wheel sensor to loss of voltage, all of which need to be checked out. The ABS light signifies that your anti-lock brake system has disengaged, and it won't come back on until your vehicle has been serviced. Though, even if the light is on, you should have normal brake pedal and stopping abilities.

Brake Light

The easiest solution to this light could be that your parking brake is on. If so, you can disengage it, and if the light goes away, you're free to move on. If the light continues to remain lit, if could mean there is a more serious issue, such as leaking brake fluid. If there is brake fluid leaking this could contaminate other aspects of your brakes, and also be a hazard while you're on the road. Text your brakes to see if there is still power, and if you have no stopping capabilities, call the best tow company at the Lake of the Ozarks to come get you.

Check Engine Light

Sounds pretty straightforward, huh? Well, sometimes this light can be something as simple as your gas cap being loose, or as serious as a faulty catalytic converter. When this light turns on, it sends a code to your vehicle's diagnostic system, and we'll be able to see what the problem is. If this light is on, you need to get your vehicle to us as soon as possible, and if it's flashing you should not drive your vehicle at all.

Battery Light

You may have a loose wire, or you could have a battery that won't hold a charge. Either way, if you see this light, the best option is to bring your car over to the best auto mechanics at the Lake of the Ozarks and ALWAYS leave your car running - otherwise, it may not start again. Then you'll have to call us anyway for a tow.

Temperature Warning Light

If you see this light while you're driving, it's important to pull over immediately. This light signifies that your engine is overheating and needs to cool down as soon as possible. You will not want to open the radiator to put coolant in it until it's had a chance to cool off, otherwise you could receive serious injuries from the heat.

Decoding Your Car One Light at a Time

There are hundreds of lights that may show up on your dashboard, and each one represents a different area of your vehicle. It's important to know what each light means, so you can react to your car effectively. Never ignore a light when it shows up on your dashboard, they can be the first sign that your vehicle needs to be looked at, and can also keep you from damaging it by driving it when it's not safe. Remember that whenever you need any type of vehicle maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks, Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive is the place to come! Stay tuned for more parts of the Decoding the Lights on My Dashboard in the future.

Did you miss the other blogs in the series? You can read them here:
Decoding the Lights on your Dashboard - Part 2
Decoding the Lights on your Dashboard - Part 3

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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