The dashboard of your car, in addition to showing your speed or fuel level, contains a multitude of warning lights, each with a different meaning.
But what should you do when a warning light comes on?
Should you take the same approach with all warning lights?
Or do they have different levels of importance?
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The different colours of warning lights
Car warning lights are numerous and each has a different meaning. The "importance" of the warning light is generally represented by its colour:
- Blue / Green: Simple light indicator
- Orange: Warning light, you should take your car to the garage
- Red: Alarm light, stop the car immediately
The most common breakdowns
The various breakdowns listed below are almost always preceded by warning signs.
The warning light that appears on the dashboard is usually the first sign of a problem.
Loss of power and limp mode: the how and why!
When a significant fault is detected, the engine control unit may switch the engine to limp mode. This means the control unit significantly reduces engine performance to prevent the worst... engine failure.
Driving under normal conditions becomes difficult.
Engine overheating: how to react and what are the consequences?
In combustion engines, the heat generated by cylinder friction is normally mitigated by the cooling system.
Unfortunately, when the cooling system fails, the heat can no longer escape and accumulates in the engine.
The engine temperature warning light comes on, smoke emerges from the bonnet, leaving no doubt that your engine is overheating.
A failure in the braking system
Squeaking brakes, a brake pedal much lower than before, or conversely, a brake pedal much harder than the last time, are signs of a fault in the braking system.
These various symptoms are accompanied by the brake pad wear warning light on your dashboard.
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Car breakdown: How to react?
On the motorway, there are some basic reflexes to adopt:
- Move as far to the right side of the road as possible
- Put on your yellow safety vest before exiting the car
- Place a warning triangle 30 metres before and after your car's position
- Call for assistance. If you cannot reach them with your personal phone, emergency call boxes with phones are available every two kilometres.
- Do not stay in your car while waiting for assistance; all passengers should stand behind the safety barrier.
Conclusion
If a warning light comes on your dashboard, don't panic. First, check the colour of the light, and call for assistance or a mechanic depending on the severity of the situation.