Car Warning Lights
It's definitely not pleasant to get stranded in a car that has run out of fuel or has a dead battery, but it's even less so if it happens with your rented car abroad.
For a quick refresh, we've compiled a list of common warning lights that might help you avoid unpleasant and potentially dangerous situations. Cut out and keep this handy.
Red Warning Lights
◾ Coolant Level:
Indicates the engine is overheated, possibly due to low coolant. Be cautious about opening the radiator cap while the engine is hot to avoid severe burns.
◾Low Oil Pressure:
This light indicates the engine is low on oil, which could lead to serious engine problems. Check and refill the engine oil if necessary.
◾ Brake System:
This light can signal the need to release the handbrake. In some cases, it may indicate worn brake pads or low brake fluid. Another reason might be a fault in the ABS system; if this system fails, the battery light may also appear.
◾ Battery:
Indicates an issue with the vehicle's electrical system.
◾ Overheated Brake System:
Carefully stop on the side of the road and allow the system to cool down before continuing your journey.
◾ Transmission Temperature:
This light suggests a malfunction or excessively high temperature in the gearbox. Allow the system to cool down in such cases.
◾ Open Door:
Ensure all vehicle doors are securely closed before continuing your drive.
Yellow Warning Lights
◾ Low Fuel Gauge:
The fuel level is low and requires refilling soon.
◾ Emission System:
Indicates a potential issue with the engine or emission system. The issue doesn't demand immediate stopping, but should be checked as soon as possible.
◾ Rear Fog Light On:
Remember to turn it off when no longer needed.
Tire Pressure: Indicates an abnormal tire pressure or a fault in the tire pressure monitoring system. After inflating, press and hold the SET button until the light turns off.
◾ Brake Pads:
Signals issues with the brake pads, sometimes indicating the need to replace the brake discs or brake fluid.
Rear Defogger: Remember to switch off the defogger once the fog has cleared.
◾External Light:
Indicates a fault in an external light, possibly a burnt-out bulb.
◾ Internal Combustion Engine:
Common in diesel vehicles, this light can indicate a problem that might affect the vehicle's driving capability.
◾ Engine Oil Level:
This light suggests the need to top up the engine oil to the desired level.
◾Low Windshield Fluid Level:
Similar to the previous light, this one indicates the need to refill the windshield fluid.
◾ Airbag:
Indicates a malfunction in the airbag system.
◾ Seat Belt:
Signals that a passenger is not buckled up or there's a fault in the seatbelt system.
◾Stability Control System (ESP):
A flashing light means the system is active. A continuously lit light could indicate a fault in the ESP system.
◾ Battery:
Indicates a charging system or alternator malfunction, suggesting that the battery is not receiving power and the vehicle may shut down soon.
Green and Blue Warning Lights
◾ Low Engine Temperatures:
Typically lights up during the initial start-up of the vehicle or in extremely cold weather.
◾ Fog Lights:
Indicates the front fog lights are on, which aids visibility in suboptimal conditions.
◾Brake Pedal:
This light comes on when there's a need to press the brake to start the vehicle or to shift into Drive.
Ofran wishes you a safe and pleasant and safe journey with your rental car abroad.
