What Do Dashboard Lights Mean?

We’ve all been in the situation where a dashboard light flickers on. But sometimes, we don’t know what it means. Here are some of the most common dashboard lights and what they mean.

Check Engine Light – This is a common light that flashes on (it looks like a mini engine). If this light is on, it means that there might be a variety of problems with your engine, small or serious. Take it to an auto mechanic to get it checked out.

Engine Temperature Light – Do you see a light that looks like a thermometer floating in the sea? This is your engine temperature light. If it’s on, it means that your engine is at risk of overheating.

Fuel Indicator Symbol – You should know what this light means. It’s a tiny gas pump that tells you that you’re running low on gas and should hit up a gas station soon.

Tire Pressure Warning Light – This light looks like a half-open tire with an exclamation point in the middle. What it means is that the pressure in one or more of your tires is low.

Oil Pressure Warning – This little genie-lamp means that you are running low on engine oil.

Have more questions? Just ask Rochester Hills CDJR!

How to Find an Oil Leak

If your car is leaking oil, the problem could be minor or major, so it’s important to do some troubleshooting before you decide on your next step. Here are some tips on how to find an oil leak:

Some leaks are easy to fix at home. If your oil line has a leak, for instance, you can repair it with silicone tape. But most products claiming to patch up holes are notoriously unreliable, so if you have a more serious leak you should definitely go straight to a professional, especially if you have multiple leaks.

First, you’ll want to check your oil levels. If it’s low, fill it up with oil and check it every half hour. If it’s draining quickly, you might have a leak in your oil pan. There are all kinds of tricks to spot where a leak is coming from, like dusting talcum powder on the engine or adding fluorescent dye to the oil and using a black light to spot it.

Remember, this is an important thing to fix both for your car and the environment. Oil runoff is harmful and leaves ugly stains in your driveway! Bring your vehicle into Rochester Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge, and let our service team look it over.