Know Your Automobile Know Your Gauges
KNOW YOUR DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND GAUGES Many drivers that have spent years behind the wheel are mostly familiar with the various lights, gauges and displays on a vehicle’s dash. The instrument panel–also called a gauge cluster–includes a speedometer and lots of little symbols that light up to provide information or warn of trouble. Some, like the seatbelt light, are self-explanatory. Others, like the infamous and often misunderstood check engine light, can mean any number of things. Many newer vehicles use lights in place of two of the analog gauges – coolant temperature and electrical voltage. Know these symbols. Either an overheating engine or a weak battery or electrical system could leave you stranded. Be familiar with the brake system and engine oil pressure lights, too. A brake failure could lead to an accident, and weak oil pressure could damage your vehicle’s engine. Newer vehicles may also be equipped with a low tire pressure warning light or a display that shows tire pressure.