The Importance of Different Warning Lights

Posted on | 28 Feb 2017 By Anita Gaal

Your vehicle requires constant maintenance and upkeep to ensure that you can depend on it to get you wherever you may need to go. While you may see a light come on the dashboard and be instantly filled with dread at the thought of expensive and elaborate repairs being required or worst-case scenario breakdowns, the dashboard warning lights are actually an immeasurably valuable tool to keeping your vehicle properly maintained. While newer cars seem to have endless lights for just about every component of the car, there are some critical lights that are important to know what they signify and what could be the issue. These are just a few of the most important lights that may be on your dashboard and the issues that they may mean are occurring.

Brake System

This light warns that there is something wrong with either the brake system or the brake fluid. Considering the importance of the brakes on your vehicle, if this light turns on your dashboard it is vital to have your car checked out immediately.

Check Engine Warning Light

Possibly the most dreaded of all dashboard lights, the check engine light usually is accompanied by weird symptoms that can include a lack of power, an intermittent stuttering when you try to accelerate or another issue being caused by whatever the problem may be. The biggest concern with the check engine light are all of the symptoms that can cause the check engine light to turn on; everything from a faulty electrical sensor or a loose gas cap to a large mechanical issue. If your check engine light is on, have your vehicle looked at by a professional auto mechanic as soon as possible. Irreparable damage can be caused to the engine and other components by failing to diagnose the issue should it be something critical.

Airbag Warning Light

If this light is on, it means that the airbag may be faulty and if it is faulty it will not deploy in the event of a crash. Obviously the airbag is one of the key inventions intended for driver and passenger safety and should it be experiencing issues, it can either deploy at a random time or not at all, meaning you should get it taken care of immediately by a professional mechanic.

Power Steering/EPAS Warning Light

This indicates that there may be an issue with the steering system. You may notice it taking more effort to steer or change direction, which can be annoying in lower speed settings and extremely dangerous on freeways or open roads should you need to suddenly swerve or change lanes.

Coolant Warning Light

Coolant is a vital part of your engine systems and without it, the engine would essentially weld itself together due to how hot it gets. If the coolant levels are low then the coolant light may turn on, but it can also mean a larger problem such as head gasket failure or something like a leak in the system. To avoid expensive repair bills or catastrophic damages to your engine or other systems, seek the help of a professional immediately.

Oil Warning Light

Another potentially damaging issue to your engine is if your oil levels get too high or especially too low. If the oil pressure drops it can put a high strain on the system and will result in reduced or completely lost lubrication for your engine, which can cause the engine to grind and inflict expensive damages on it.

Tire Pressure Warning Light

Most modern vehicles have a tire pressure monitor to determine if the tires are properly inflated to avoid risk of damaging the vehicle or the tires. Properly inflated tires will also improve fuel efficiency and handling, so if this light is on take a look to ensure the health of your tires and the sensors themselves.

Conclusion

While there are a large variety of dashboard lights that can indicate issues for your vehicle, knowing the most important ones and what they may signify is a great way to keep your car in top shape and maintain peak performance while avoiding expensive and extensive damages and repairs to your car. Whether it is an issue with oil pressure or the check engine light, finding a professional service center to help you as soon as possible will help prevent any massive issues.

Helpful Tips to Save Money on Car Insurance

Posted on | 11 Feb 2017 By Anita Gaal

If you drive a car, then in most states you are required to have insurance. Finding good, low cost car insurance can feel like a battle that you may never win. There are many considerations that insurance companies make when evaluating a potential customer for an insurance quote. Most insurance companies take into account several factors: credit history, prior accidents and traffic tickets, the age, model and make of the car, the driver’s age and mileage (and projected mileage), and the condition of the car (whether it is protected by environmental elements or not). While looking for car insurance, these are things to consider. If you have a newer car, or if you have more than one accident on your record, you can anticipate a higher insurance rate. Here are some tips that will help you to save money on your car insurance.

Increase Your Deductible

Making changes to your lifestyle can ultimately lower your rate and make you more aware of how your everyday choices affect your potential cost. If you already have car insurance and you’re looking to lower it, you can start by getting in touch with your insurance company to change your deductible. Increasing your deductible will lower your monthly rate considerably, but it is a risk that you should look into. This option may be more feasible particularly if you consider yourself a safe driver. This is a guaranteed quick and easy way to lower your monthly rate, but it comes at a disadvantage if you get into a car accident.

Drive Less & Care Your Car

You may also want to consider lowering your driving mileage. Insurance companies generally give lower rates to drivers who stay under 12,000 miles per year. If you can get significantly lower mileage than that, your rate will be reflectively cheaper. You can walk to places nearby instead of driving, carpool as often as possible, and make sure your car is in good working condition—get regular oil changes, routinely check tire pressure, and check your air filter. When your car is running properly, it will benefit your gas mileage, extend the life of your car, as well as lessen the possibility of getting into an accident.

Learn to Be a Sensible Driver

Being a mindful and aware driver sounds like a simple way to get a lower car insurance rate, but it is true; if you avoid accidents and tickets at all costs, your monthly rate will be significantly lower with a clean driving record. Many insurance companies call this the “good” or “safe driver discount”. There are many other discounts that insurance companies offer such as a low-mileage discount, and a student discount. In order to get the lowest monthly rate, you should get in touch with your insurance provider and ask what discounts they can offer on your policy. Specific insurance companies also offer in-car technology that monitors your driving habits; this is especially beneficial for drivers who have a clean driving record and tend to be the “safest” drivers.

Bundle Different Policies Together

Another thing you can do is bundle a homeowner’s policy with your car insurance. Some companies will offer a discounted rate for those who get both homeowner’s insurance and car insurance from them simultaneously. If you are a renter, the same applies for renter’s insurance. This is similar to buying a “package deal” at the grocery store—if you are a store member, usually the individual cost is lower when you buy multiple items. In addition to bundling policies, you should also look into your credit report. Believe it or not, many insurance companies also consider your credit score when assigning a rate. Making sure you stay up to date on your bills, staying within 10% of your credit limits, and watching your spending habits are good ways to not only get a cheaper insurance rate, but overall benefit your financial status.

Finally

Before you rush into buying a new car, make sure you get an insurance quote. Making the mistake of checking a potential rate after you buy a car is often a costly one—when you have a car loan, your rates are generally much higher. Stay current on insurance factors, and stay in touch with your insurance agent; they can help you make sure you get the lowest rate possible.