Can Your Dashboard Lights Warn You Of A Car Breakdown?

A car breakdown is an unplanned and unwanted occurrence. It is dangerous for vehicles to shut down during operation — drivers must think quickly to navigate out of the flow of traffic before the vehicle comes to a halt. Then they face danger on the roadside waiting for emergency responders and a tow truck to arrive. What if you could have advance warning that your vehicle was about to break down? It would increase safety for you, your passengers and your car. The following are some dashboard warning signals that no driver should ignore.

Pay Attention to the Color

Dashboard lights are normally either red, yellow, green or blue. Green and blue lights typically indicate a system is running and they are no cause for concern. Yellow indicates fluids or tire pressures are low and the driver should pay attention to the car sooner rather than later, but it is not an urgent emergency.

The dashboard lights on a car fall in line with the traffic lights on the roadways — red is the most serious and car owners should get an immediate inspection from a mechanic before proceeding. Red lights may incite frustration, since drivers think an expensive repair bill may be coming their way, but if the car owners do what the light is telling them to do — which is to stop driving and call a tow truck — the repair bill may not be as high. Following are two common red dashboard lights you should watch out for.

Oil Pressure Warning

Oil is one of the most crucial ingredients for a functioning engine. Oil lubricates the engine components and ensures smooth operation. If the engine is losing oil pressure, a red warning light shaped like an oil can will light up on the dashboard. If it is accompanied by a clattering or banging while driving, the problem is extremely serious. Pullover to the side of the road and check the oil levels. Call a tow truck right away and do not attempt to keep driving the car, or more serious internal engine damage may result.

Temperature Warning

When the engine begins to overheat, the temperature warning, normally a red-lettered “TEMP,” will flash on your vehicle’s dashboard. Never attempt to drive an overheating vehicle. You can ruin the pistons, valves and head gasket — all expensive repairs. Once you are safely parked on the roadside, do not open the engine or unscrew the coolant reservoir. Built-up pressure can cause an explosion of fluid if the engine has not sufficiently cooled. Call a tow truck immediately and have the car towed to the closest mechanic.

If you have Stauffer’s Towing programmed into your speed dial, you will have a reliable tow truck service at the ready so no car breakdown will keep you stranded for long.