What is a Battery Gauge?
The battery gauge, also known as the “voltage gauge”, simply measures battery voltage. You will usually see a small picture of a battery on this gauge. Some gauges will have a number 12, which relates to the voltage; however, most of the time the normal position for the needle, when everything is fine with the battery and…
Wheel Alignment – What Is It?
Pictured is a graphic of how alignment angles work and the tire wear that occurs when a vehicle’s wheel alignment is not properly set. It’s not just front wheel alignment anymore; most vehicles have four wheel alignment adjustments available. Bad wheel alignment can cost you a lot of money in premature and excessive tire wear….
What Does The Tachometer Tell Me?
Most tachometer gauges (also called “tachs” or RPM gauges) are circular and have a series of numbers on them—often 0-8. Even if you are sitting still, you will see the tachometer needle move around the gauge as you accelerate by pressing on the gas pedal. The tachometer indicates how many times the engine is rotating…
Temperature Gauge – What Is Normal?
One common gauge is the cold/hot gauge, also referred to as the coolant temperature gauge. You will find the coolant temperature gauge on either the left or right side of the dash. This gauge monitors the temperature of the engine. Transmissions usually will not shift into the final drive gear until the engine temperature has…
What Is A “Smart” Air Bag Light?
Almost all cars are now equipped with smart air bags. These sensors measure the weight of the person in the front passenger seat. Depending on the weight of the person or object in that seat, the air bag may or may not deploy. With this light, there is nothing you need to do. If there…
What Does The Oil Light Mean?
The oil light can indicate an issue with the oil level or oil pressure—sometimes both. If the engine loses oil pressure, the oil light is going to come on. That light will be red because you have to shut the engine down quickly. If the oil pressure is too low, there will be internal damage…
The Temperature Light – What If It Comes On?
Most cars today have an engine temperature gauge as well as a temperature light. The engine temperature light will always be red, indicating that you need to shut the engine down as soon as possible. The longer you continue to drive, the more damage will occur. Eventually, you will damage the engine internally. By continuing…
Reduced Power Warning Light
Reduced power is something primarily seen on GM vehicles. The reduced power light is usually red and indicates that something has gone wrong, that the vehicle has gone into “limp mode”—as in “we are limping” or “we only have one leg and cannot run.” Such a fault in this system could be problematic. Many times,…
Traction Control Warning Light (TC or TCS Light)
The vehicle computer not only monitors the brake system and airbags, but it also helps move power from one tire to another in all-wheel-drive vehicles. For example, in an all-wheel drive vehicle, let’s say you become stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow and are trying to get out. One of your wheels is usually…
SRS Warning Light (Air Bag Light)
Air bags are a very important safety feature. In a car equipped with air bags you will see an SRS light (or Air Bag light) on the dashboard. SRS is an acronym for Supplementary Restraint System—the key word being supplementary. That means it supplements your safety system and that safety system is your seat belt….