Contemporary cars have dashboards crammed with goodies, and some truly important issues are tending to be forgotten. The lighting displays of the family car, or business vehicle, dash-boards now include in-car entertainment centres with an astonishing variety of options.

In addition, almost every modern car has a Sat-Nav display and there are doubtless other gadgets too, all drawing the eye away from some rather important matters 

Lostock Motor Works wish to make people safer by explaining what some of these lights do.

So, what do the dashboard lights do and why are they there?

The workings of modern driving motors of modern cars are now so complex that they require on-board computers to make them work. As most modern cars are high-tech it is vital for the computer to be able to communicate with the driver, dash-board lights are the way that they do this.

Warning lights:

It is wise to check your vehicle manual to establish what these look like; in case they light up.

Brake system warning light, this shows that something is amiss and that the vehicles brakes may fail. Should this light show beware, with great care head for a local garage where this can be fixed, or call Lostock Motor Works to come and bring you in. Never ignore any vehicle warning lights, take action promptly.

Engine Warning light, often it will be accompanied by some other symptoms, including a lack of power, as the car has gone into ‘safe’ mode to protect itself; an intermittent stuttering as you press the accelerator, caused by a misfire; or another fault which could alter the normal response from the engine. Sometimes this can be down to something as small as a faulty electrical sensor, but sometimes it can be a larger mechanical issue. If your car’s engine warning light is showing get a professional mechanic to look over it straight away, as driving any further could cause potentially irreparable damage.

Airbag Warning light, this shows that there is a fault and that the vehicle is no longer safe to use. The airbag could mal-function, or not respond in an accident.

Coolant/radiator warning light, this is telling the driver that there is a problem of overheating that could result in major damage to the engine if not seen to right away.

Oil Warning light, this is telling the driver that there is a problem with oil circulating through the engine. You might see an oil warning light flash up if the oil temperature gets too high, the level is low or oil pressure too low. If ignored this can damage the engine permanently.

If you are concerned about any lights on your car dashboard, speak to Lostock Motor Works. They are the experts in all things motoring.

Give them a call on 01204 478120 to find out more information.