Tips to Prevent Common Car Failures: The Importance of Dashboard Warning Lights

As the festive season approaches, many South African families are preparing for a much-anticipated holiday.

Ensuring your vehicle is road-ready is critical to a safe and stress-free journey, says Dewald Ranft, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Automotive Industry (RMI).

“Long trips in December can be tough on vehicles and lead to mechanical failure if proper precautions are not taken,” says Ranft. “A quick visit to a MIWA-accredited workshop before setting off can make all the difference.”

Ranft says some of the most common vehicle problems encountered by workshops include:
• Engine overheating. Make sure your cooling system is working properly by checking the coolant level, inspecting the radiator, and replacing old hoses.

• Battery malfunctions. Batteries may fail without warning. Check your battery to make sure it is fully charged and check for corrosion on the terminals.

• Tire blowouts: Check tires for wear and make sure they are inflated to the correct pressure, including spares. Replace any tires that appear damaged.

• Brake problem: Listen for unusual noises and check the brake pads and fluid.

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• Faulty headlights and windshield wipers: Make sure all headlights and windshield wipers are working properly at night and in bad weather conditions. Getting stuck in the middle of a storm and finding that your windshield wipers aren’t working can be extremely dangerous.

Ranft says that like everything in life, prevention is better than cure, so motorists should address potential problems as early as possible to avoid costly repairs and breakdowns while traveling.

He says one of the first signs to look for is a flashing warning light on your dashboard. “Ignoring warning lights can turn minor problems into major problems.”

Ranft explains the meaning of the most common lights:
• Engine Management Light: Indicates a problem with the engine. Check it out immediately.

• The battery warning light indicates that the battery is not charging. Stop driving and call for help.

• Oil level warning light: Low oil pressure can cause engine damage. Add fluid immediately and seek professional help if the light persists.

• Brake Warning Light: Indicates problems with the brake system. Stop immediately for your safety.

• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator: Indicates an ABS malfunction. Be careful and get it checked as soon as possible.

“Your car’s dashboard is like your car’s health monitor. Ignoring warning lights can lead to accidents or costly repairs,” says Ranft.

MIWA encourages drivers to book a pre-trip inspection at one of its accredited workshops.

“As part of our accreditation, every workshop must have an experienced technician who can accurately assess the condition of your vehicle, ensuring you’re ready for the December holidays,” says Ranft.

Reading your vehicle’s owner’s manual and having roadside assistance are additional safety measures that every motorist should consider.

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