THE next time you switch on the ignition on your car, take a closer look at the dashboard. At the very least, there are four or five illuminated icons on it. These are called the idiot lights.
In no way are the car manufacturers implying that you are one but the term probably came about as the lights are "idiot-proof".
If the light remains lit after you have started the car's engine, a term stronger than "idiot" may be in order.
So it pays to know the common idiot lights on your dashboard so you may attend to the problem yourself and not have to call up the foreman up 3am just to find out that your brake fluid is low.
We need our beauty sleep, too, you know.
Engine Check Light:
Most new cars now have onboard-diagnostics (OBD). The car is able to check through all its various systems on its own and verify whether everything is okay. The engine check light will turn off automatically after the engine is started. However, if yours remains lit after starting the engine, a diagnostic check is in order.
However, you will be unable to do this yourself. Your foreman (for your particular marque) will plug in a diagnostics tool and isolate the problem. In any case, it is prudent to have the car towed to the shop if this light is, ermm... lighted. It may be terminal if you drive the car with this particular light on.
Service Engine / Maintenance Light:
Straightforward, this one is. It means that your car is due for a service. Some cars use colours; green for okay, yellow for "service is due" and red for "let the moths out of your wallet and send it in, now". Some cars actually display the words and maybe even how far the service is overdue.
It is normally tied to your odometer reading and so is quite useful if you are prone to overshooting service schedules. Artificial intelligence may soon hear a familiar "Google Maps" voice prompting the service. I wonder what choice of words the owner may apply then.
Battery or ALT Light:
This is slightly misleading as it usually appears as a battery. If this light remains on, it means your alternator is unable to charge your battery. While it may not be dangerous to drive with this light on, it usually means that your car will not go very far, 10km to 20km at most (less if you have your lights on). Get to a workshop, pronto. This usually means an exchange alternator or a dud battery.
Brake Warning Light:
Most drivers know this light as the "Handbrake On" light. However, some cars utilise this light in several ways. Sometimes, if it stays on, it means your brake fluid level is low or brake pads are due for replacement. Your car's manual will help you out in this regard (yes, I know you left it at home, didn't you?) Some cars have separate handbrake and brake pad/oil level lights. They look nothing like brakes, as well.
ABS Warning Light:
If your car is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), then you will definitely have this light on your dashboard. Usually, this light will either remain unlit or switch off after a few meters of moving off. If it remains on or blinks, or starts flashing, it means you have been transported back to the 1970s and have no anti-lock braking at all.
It may be something trivial (such as dirt on the sensors) but this light means a trip to your friendly foreman. It could mean another trip to the bank, too. Nowadays, you take out your phone and flash the QR code.
Coolant Light:
If this light remains on after the engine is just started, it means your coolant level is low. If you are driving and this light comes on, stop immediately as it also means your car is, or will be, overheating. Do not open the radiator cap while it is hot. Check all hoses and connections and refill the coolant after the engine has cooled down. By all means, do not douse the hot engine with water to cool it down. Ask me how I know.
Oil Warning Light:
This is a biggie. Never drive your car if this light does not turn off after starting the engine. This light means either the engine oil is low, your oil filter is blocked up or your oil pump has gone to its maker (probably in Taiwan). Resolve the problem before driving the car again. Take a ride with your friendly neighbourhood tow truck driver to the foreman. Flash the QR code again.
Your vehicle may have more than the common seven idiot lights above. If so, there is only one way for you to learn about them. Yes, it is time to start digging out your car's manual from underneath the pile of Reader's Digests and Women's Weeklies(!)
I pray you find it in time before your car throws you a flashing dire signal (that may just be a blown signal lamp). I will switch off my phone after midnight, just in case.
Have fun!
