Bledsoe Towing & Automotive: Decoding Your Car Dashboard

If you've ever been driving down the road, only to realize there is a light on your dashboard that doesn't make sense, we know how you feel. Bledsoe's Towing has not only had the same thing happen, but we know how to fix it. Sometimes you'll get warnings that are hard to distinguish, but thankfully we have the technology to determine what the issue is. If it's an easy light on your dashboard, you can use this blog to help you determine the problem. Here is the third part in our series for decoding the lights on your dashboard!

Tire Rotation

If you have a newer vehicle you may see this light to remind you that it's time for a tire rotation. Rotating your tires provide even wear and helps to extend the life of your tires. Are you looking for a great place to get your tires rotated at the Lake of the Ozarks? Look no further, Bledsoe's Towing & Automotive can help!

Traction Control System

This system is also known as Anti-Slip Regulation. The main purpose is to engage during slippery conditions when your tires are out of synch. This will then alert your anti-lock braking system, and help to apply brake friction. This can help stabilize your vehicle and have you driving on the straight and narrow again. If you find this light on in your vehicle, and it won't go away, bring it out to our shop. We'll be able to take a look at it and see what's causing the traction control system to have an error.

Service Engine Soon

This light helps to signify that some abnormality has been triggered in your engine. It can be as simple as the gas cap being loose or the catalytic converter being faulty. If you notice that this light has appeared in your dash, the first thing you can do is check your gas cap. If it's loose, tighten it and see if the light will go away. If your gas cap is fine, bring your car out to the best automotive shop at the Lake of the Ozarks and we'll take a look at it.

Hazard Lights

This light is pretty self-explanatory. If you see this light on your dash, you've either purposefully turned on your hazards, or bumped the button accidentally. Hazard lights signify caution to the other motorists, and there are many reasons to use them.

Airbag Light

If you see this light on, there are a few explanations. One, it could just be that you have automatic airbags and too much weight in the passenger seat without the seatbelt. Some vehicles will turn off the airbags if there is weight on the seat and no belt buckled. If you can't find a good reason for this light to be on, you can check your vehicle's manual, or give us a call to schedule a check.

Door Ajar Light

The infamous, door ajar light. If you see this light on, you most likely have a door ajar - even if just slightly. This can also apply to your trunk. If the light illuminates, try re-closing all of your doors and your trunk. If the light still remains lit, you may need a reset to your computer system. Bring it out to Bledsoe's and we'll take a look!

The Best Auto Mechanics at the Lake of the Ozarks

From simple fixes to complex maintenance, we have the experience to get you back on the road in no time. Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive has been operating since 1964, and we are proud to continue the tradition of getting our hand greasy and getting your car back to normal. Let our team service your car today!

Did you miss the other blogs in the series? You can read them here:
Decoding the Lights on your Dashboard - Part 1
Decoding the Lights on your Dashboard - Part 2

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing & automotive

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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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

Wednesday, September 7, 2016