It doesn't matter if you are driving a car or truck, jeep or SUV, a diesel 4x4 or a classic when those dash warning lights go off the first thing you do is think "how bad is it?" and "how much will it cost me?" followed quickly by "when was my last service visit?"!!  Driving your vehicle longer safely is all about getting it serviced based on what your vehicle manual recommends and these warning lights are alerting you to a situation that requires your attention. 

While not all warning lights are a sign that disaster is imminent, no warning indicator light should ever be ignored!

So how bad are they and what are the main warning lights we need to watch out for?  Here at A-Ford-Able Auto Repair & Tire Service we want our St Augustine drivers to be aware and have put together a list complete with tips.  

Oil Pressure Light.  The oil pressure light is usually an oil can symbol, although on older vehicles it may be a light with the word “OIL”.  It comes on when there is a drop in engine oil pressure. Of all the warning lights, the oil pressure light indicates the greatest potential for serious mechanical damage to the entire system and engine damage.

DO NOT DRIVE.....If the oil pressure warning light comes on and stays on, pull off the road at the first safe opportunity, shut off the engine and call call us.  The further you drive with this warning light on, the more risk there is for incurring damage to the engine which in turn will be a higher repair cost for you which we both want to avoid. 

Engine Temperature Light.    The symbol for this is typically a thermometer symbol, although in older vehicles it may be a light displaying the word “TEMP.” It comes on when the engine temperature is above the recommended maximum. Unless the temperature is quickly brought under control, major engine damage is likely to occur.  

BE CAREFUL.  Do not open the hood if there is steam coming from the engine, and never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. 
Shut off the engine.  If there are any signs of a cooling system leak, pull off the road at the earliest safe opportunity, shut off the engine and call us for help.  If the temperature goes down and all seems okay come into the shop and let us find the problem.  If the temperature stays up or there is obvious signs of a leak with fluids on the ground call for assistance and do not drive it. 

Charging System Light.   The charging system light is usually a battery symbol, although on older vehicles it may be a light displaying the word “ALT” or “GEN.” It comes on when the vehicle electrical system is no longer being supplied power by the alternator.

If you don't need it - turn it off.   If this light comes on, shut down all unnecessary electrical loads such as the radio, heater or air-conditioning, and then drive here to A-Ford-Able Auto Repair & Tire Service for further inspection.

Check Engine Light.  This light indicates a problem affecting the vehicle's exhaust emissions. and when it comes on and stays on you need to make an appointment with us here at A-Ford-Able Auto Repair & Tire Service to have us check it out in the "near future."  If the engine light begins flashing, your catalytic converter is overheating and means an immediate trip to the shop.  Sorry! 

If you ignore that flashing check engine light, you could start a fire, destroy the catalytic converter and repairs will easily exceed $1,000 and we do not want that!  Here at A-Ford-Able Auto Repair & Tire Service in St Augustine, we want to work with you to avoid high repair costs!

Any time you have a question about warning lights or issues with your car or truck, simply call the shop or stop in to talk to our team of ASE certified technicians.  We are here to ensure you drive longer safely!

FOR AFFORDABLE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

TOP SERVICES OFFERED: BRAKE REPAIR, ENGINE REPAIR-COOLING SYSTEM REPAIR, ELECTRICAL REPAIR, EXHAUST SYSTEM, TRANSMISSION REPAIR, A/C REPAIR, AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTICS, REPROGRAMMING-TOWING, DIESEL, DIESEL REPAIR, FORD DIESEL REPAIR, WATERPUMP, TUNE UP-ANTI THEFT, KEY PROGRAMMING, FORD REPAIR, FORD SPECIALIST, TRAILER REPAIR, WIRING REPAIR, TRAILER WIRING, COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS, OIL CHANGE, FACTORY MAINTNANCE, ROTATE TIRES, DIESEL, ALIGNMENT, SUSPENTION REPAIR, BALLJOINTS, DIESEL PERFORMANCE, FORD, FORD CARS, AUTO REPAIR SHOP, REPAIR SHOP, POWER STROKE , POWER STROKE DIESEL, INJECTOR, FUEL SYSTEM, FUEL LEAK, FUEL SYSTEM REPAIR, CAR REPAIR, VEH REPAIR, LIFT KITS, LEVELING KITS, OIL CHANGE, LUBE, OIL FILTER, TIRE REPAIR, BATTERY, CAR BATTERY, TEST, ALTERNATOR, WATER PUMP, COOLING SYSTEM, COOLANT SERIVICE, COOLANT LEAK, HOSE REPAIR, RADIATOR, RADIATOR HOSE, POWER STEERING REPAIR, POWER STEERING LEAK, SHOCKS, STRUTS, ANTI THEFT, ALARM SYSTEM, WINDOW REPAIR, AXLE REPAIR, AXLE SHAFT, C/V AXLE, C/V SHAFT, AXLE BEARING, REAR AXLE REPAIR, BELTS&HOSES, ANTI FREEZE, FREEZE PLUGS, OIL LEAK, FUEL INJECTOR, FUEL INJECTION, WINDSHIELD WIPER-STEERING, HUB BEARING, DRIVE SHAFT, UNIVERSAL JOINT, TRANS LEAK, TRANSMISSION REPAIR, ENGINE REPAIR, ENGINE REPLACEMENT, SPARK PLUG, FUEL FILTER, AIR FILTER, CRUISE CONTROL, TRANSMISSION SERVICE, POWER STEERING SERVICE, COOLANT SERVICE, CHARGING SYSTEM.