Dashboard: Warning Lights

We’re going to talk about how your car communicates with you through its dashboard. This is super important to understand because reacting at the right time can be crucial for safety when those lights come on or flash.

Let’s take a look at the most common dashboard lights that you’ll see during the CBR exam:

Warning light 1: Engine management system

This light comes on when your car is giving you a sign that it doesn’t feel good in its engine. Think of the “heart” of your car. Take this seriously, otherwise your ride can come to an abrupt halt.

Warning light 2: Oil level

When this light flashes, your car is begging for attention to its thirsty engine. It means your oil level is low or even gone. Put some oil in that thirsty engine heart to satisfy your car.

Warning light 3: Coolant

You see a thermometer in this symbol; that means your car is too hot. Cool it down with coolant. If you don’t, your car could overheat.

Warning light 4: Battery

This light basically tells you that your car is tired and has no more energy. There is a problem with your battery or maybe the alternator. This is an important signal!

The colors of the warning lights

Now let’s decipher the color codes of these lights: so you know what your car is trying to tell you.

When a dashboard light glows orange, that’s your car saying, “We’ve got a little problem, but we can keep going.” So don’t panic, but remember to get it checked out soon.

But when a red light starts flashing or illuminating, it’s serious! Your car is calling for help. Pull over as quickly as possible in a safe place and investigate what’s going on.

Oh, and here’s an important tidbit: when a light starts flashing orange, it means it’s about to turn red. So even if it’s flashing orange, you should pull over and take action.

Now you have a better understanding of how your car is talking to you through your dashboard. Remember, listening to your car and acting quickly is key to staying safe on the road.

Don’t feel like learning further? Register for a theory course and pass your theory exam in one go 😉