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10

How to Read Your Vehicle's Dashboard

posted on 2/10/2021 2:25:00 PM

How to Read Your Vehicle's Dashboard Blog and PodcastDashboards have been around as long as vehicles have been on the road. In fact, the term “dashboard” dates back to horse and buggy days! The first dashboards were wooden slabs placed on the front of carriages. They were positioned between the horse and the passengers, and acted as a barrier for dirt and debris. There’s no doubt dashboards have evolved a lot over the years. The panels found in today’s cars are full of gauges, controls, lights, and buttons that help you become a more informed, safe, and comfortable driver. 

We’ll be the first to admit that all those components can be confusing, and even a little intimidating. We get it – there's a lot to take in! Think of the dashboard as a communication center. Everything you see, from the RPM gauge to the TPMS warning light, contains valuable information that you should be aware of as a car-owner. For your safety and the health of your vehicle, it is important to pay attention to the dashboard and understand what it’s telling you. Check out our blog, graphic and podcast episode below for helpful tips from our team of automotive industry veterans!
 

What Information is Found on a Dashboard? 
  • Milage – how many miles has your car traveled? 
  • Speedometer – how fast is your vehicle traveling? 
  • Fuel Guage – how much gas is in your tank? 
  • Temperature Guage – is your vehicle running at an optimal temperature? 
  • Tachometer – how many RPMs (revolutions per minute) are taking place in the engine? 
  • Dashboard Warning Lights – does a particular system/component require attention or maintenance?   
  • Turn signal indicator 
  • Hazard indicator 
  • Gear select indicator – is your vehicle in park, drive, neutral or reverse? 
  • Radio and audio controls 
  • Heat and air conditioning settings 
  • Some new models even have touch screens and built-in navigation features! 
Whew, that’s a lot of stuff to keep straight. Remember, systems, lights and gauges vary between makes and models. Your owner’s manual contains all the information you need to know regarding components specific to your vehicle. Be sure to keep it handy and reference it often! 
 
Understanding Dashboard Warning Lights 
 
Picture this: you’re driving down the road, a dashboard warning light illuminates, and you don’t know what it means...so of course you jump to the reasonable conclusion that your engine has started to spontaneously combust. A bit dramatic? Of course, but it can be a scary situation nonetheless! 
 
Dashboard warning lights, or DWLs, are one of the most panic-inducing components in vehicles...but they don’t have to be! Spending just a little bit of time understanding the DWLs in your vehicle will go a long way to boost your confidence and peace of mind behind the wheel. Be sure to listen to our previous podcast about dashboard warning lights and check out this article for common lights and their meanings.  
 
Did you know? The color of dashboard warning lights can help you determine the severity of the situation. For instance, green lights typically display a normal function of the vehicle, like headlight and cruise control settings. Yellow or orange lights often symbolize a warning, such as low fuel. Red DWLs depict a potentially serious problem and should be addressed right away. If a DWL begins flashing, you should stop the vehicle immediately and refrain from driving until a professional has serviced the car. Check out this helpful resource for more information!
 
Taking the time to open your owner’s manual and get acquainted with your car’s dashboard is well worth the effort. Having an understanding of your vehicle’s features and how it communicates with you will save you time, hassle, and head scratches in the future. Plus, getting familiar with the DWLs on your dashboard will help you know when you need to bring the car to a professional. When it comes to vehicles, there should never be guesswork involved.   
 
Psst - how many different dashboard warning lights are there? What are the most common DWL questions at the service counter? What should you do if you have a fluctuating gauge? Don’t forget to listen to our latest podcast episode, Reading Your Vehicle’s Dashboard, for these answers and additional tips from our team of automotive industry veterans. Plus, we hear from Team Leader Jodi and take a road trip to Standing Rocks Park in Portage County...you won’t want to miss it!
 
Quick and Easy Guide to Dashboard Warning Lights Schierl Tire & Service
Categories: Auto Repair 101 | View Count: (430) | Return

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