Dashboard Signs Your Car Needs Servicing

Mar 23, 2016

Dashboard Signs

Your car’s dashboard features several warning lights, which can tell you when there’s a problem with your vehicle. Make sure to book a service quickly when you spot the following lights illuminated on your dash.

Brake System Alert Light: Problem with Brakes

The red brake system alert light typically features an exclamation mark inside a circle within parentheses. Some Nissan models simply have the word “BRAKE” printed. No matter how your brake system light looks, it’s important to act quickly if yours lights up, as braking may be compromised.

The light will often indicate your brake fluid reservoirs are low. While these may need to be replenished on occasion, your vehicle shouldn’t lose much brake fluid. If it does, you may have a leaky reservoir.

Alternatively, low brake linings can cause the light to illuminate. A mechanic can fix both these problems.

In addition, modern Nissans have an additional brake light reading ABS, for antilock braking. When lit up, this light shows a problem with your ABS system. This problem isn’t as urgent as a regular brake system issue, as you can still rely on your normal brakes, but it can be fixed during servicing.

Dashboard Lights

Charge or Battery Warning Light: Problem with Battery

The red charge light, sometimes called the battery warning light, looks like a car battery decorated with a plus and a minus sign. This light indicates your battery doesn’t have adequate charge, a problem which may prevent your car from starting. To avoid this problem, book a service as soon as you can.

Engine Management Light: Potential Problem with Engine

The red or yellow engine management light is a roughly rectangular shape with faucet-like features protruding from the top and sides. Some people suggest it looks something like a submarine. When illuminated, this light shows a fault with the engine management system. Poor performance, such as stuttering when you try to accelerate, often accompanies it.

First, check that your gas cap is affixed. If it is, your car may have a more serious problem, such as an issue with its emission control system or spark plugs. These problems can impair the way your car operates and cause excess wear and tear. Therefore, don’t drive your vehicle until you can get it serviced.

Power Steering Light: Failing Power Steering System

The red power steering light simply appears as the letters PS. As you might expect, when this light turns on, it indicates a problem with your power steering system. While this problem won’t damage your car or jeopardize your safety, it will still take servicing to fix. Until the problem’s solved, you’ll probably notice maneuvering your vehicle is much more difficult.

All the lights on your dashboard will light up when you turn your car on, and this is no cause for concern. However, when the lights mentioned above stay illuminated, it is important to speak to a trusted mechanic quickly. Continuing to drive with these warning lights lit up could easily turn a minor problem into a major one.