Your dashboard lights let you know when something is wrong with your car. Do you know what they mean or how to react when they come on? Keep reading this post by Coast to Coast Synthetics in Goliad to learn more about these lights.

As you know, dashboard lights illuminate when something is wrong with the vehicle. That's why seeing them pop up while driving can be worrisome. Still, learning the meaning behind each indicator and how you should react to them is key to staying safe on the road. That said, keep scrolling down to learn all about the most common dashboard lights!

Switch to the best synthetic oil in Goliad to maximize your car's performance! For advice on what formulas and maintenance products are best for your rig, call Coast to Coast Synthetics at (361) 550-9073 anytime. Don't forget to explore the entire AMSOIL catalog by visiting the online store.

What Do the Dashboard Lights in Your Car Mean?

Brake Warning Light

This symbol looks like an exclamation mark inside a circle. When it illuminates, it usually indicates that the handbrake is engaged, which can be easily solved by releasing it. However, you should pull over if the light remains illuminated after disengaging the handbrake. Why? Because that means the brake system is leaking, hence losing hydraulic pressure. The safest thing to do in such a situation is to get your car towed to a shop. Failure to do so could compromise your ability to stop the vehicle. To prevent such a safety hazard, always pay attention to this light.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

Either red or yellow, this symbol looks like a genie's lamp with a tiny droplet coming out. When it comes on in the dash, it usually means that your engine has low oil pressure, which can be worrisome. Still, it can also mean that the unit that activates this light has failed and is giving a false reading. In either case, you should pull over to check your oil level. If your fluid level is low, there is most likely a leak under the hood. Of course, you can temporarily solve this problem by adding oil to bring the level back up. But still, you must have this issue diagnosed by a certified mechanic.

Extend your engine's life by feeding it with top-quality formulas, such as AMSOIL's Signature Series 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil. To get this and other advanced formulas for your vehicle, stop by AMSOIL's online store or contact Coast to Coast Synthetics in Goliad at (361) 550-9073.

Temperature Warning Light

This one looks like a thermometer floating on a river. If you see this pesky light illuminate, chances are your engine is working beyond its temperature range. So, before stopping the car, check the dash's temperature gauge. Is it above the middle mark? If so, your coolant levels are low, so pull over to check on them before your engine overheats. Once your car is off, wait a few minutes for the engine to cool down. Then, check the coolant level. If needed, you can top the coolant reservoir off with some water as a quick fix. Still, get to a certified shop as soon as possible to have your cooling system checked.

Battery Charge Warning Light

This one looks like a rectangle with plus and minus signs. When you start your car, this light pops up for a few seconds as part of the start-up routine. The problem arises when this light remains illuminated while driving. Most times, the root cause is a bad battery; however, it can also be a faulty alternator or a wiring malfunction. Regardless, the best thing to do after noticing this light is to turn off anything that may be drawing power. That includes the stereo, the AC, or the heating system. Then, get your car to a shop and ask to have your charging system inspected.

Check Engine Light

This engine-shaped icon is one of the better-known yet misunderstood dashboard lights in this list. For most, seeing this icon illuminate can lead to a feeling of dread because it can mean anything from a loose gas cap to a major engine breakdown. So, to let go of any unnecessary worries, pay attention to how this light behaves. If it blinks fast, the issue could be dire, so pull over and get your car towed to the nearest shop. If, however, the "check engine" light remains on and solid, the issue is minor. In any case, it's best to have your engine inspected as soon as possible, as the warning light indicates.

Keeping your engine's oil well serviced is paramount to the performance and longevity of your vehicle. Call Coast to Coast Synthetics at (361) 550-9073 and ask for the most effective synthetic oil change in Goliad. Also, stop by AMSOIL's online store to explore the full line of oils, lubricants, additives, and maintenance products for your rig.