Nearly Fifty Percent of Drivers Unfamiliar with Vehicle Warning Signals
As summer approaches and road trip planning begins, it is more important than ever for drivers to be familiar with their vehicle and the systems put in place to warn them of potential danger.
Bridgewater, NJ, April 24, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Ask a driver how to control the air conditioning in their vehicle and it’s a safe bet you will get an answer. Ask that same driver to identify life-saving dashboard warning signals and the chance of a clear answer drops significantly. According to a new survey conducted by Schrader International (http://www.tpmsmadesimple.com/pdf/Schrader-TPMS_Consume_Survey_Press-04-09-14.pdf), a manufacturer of sensing and valve solutions, four out of every ten drivers were unable to identify key dashboard warning icons.
As summer approaches and road trip planning begins, it is more important than ever for drivers to be familiar with their vehicle and the systems put in place to warn them of potential danger. When viewing dashboard icons, there are a few things to keep in mind.
· Don’t Panic: If you see a dashboard light you do not recognize, pull your vehicle off to a safe place and review your owner’s manual. Call your mechanic to have your car towed if you do not feel it is safe to continue driving.
· Color is King: Red indicator lights refer to a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Some examples would be the “BRAKE” icon and the seatbelt reminder icon.
· Communication is Key: The dashboard indicator lights are designed to communicate with the driver and provide notice of potential mechanical problems, some of which can be major safety issues. They should not be ignored.
Many dashboard icons are recognizable to the average motorist, including the seatbelt indicator light, low fuel light and turn signals. In fact, several indicator lights are simply a way to notify a driver of a system status, as opposed to giving a warning. For example, the high beams light and the defroster light let the driver know these systems are on and serve, as a reminder to turn them off when they are no longer needed.
Other icons are designed to warn the driver of possible danger or the need for immediate professional attention. These include, but are not limited to:
· Low fuel notification – this panel is switched on if the fuel level gets very low and refuel is required.
· Brake system alert – the notification is powered on if the ECU detects a problem to the brake system6. Warning light – it signals an unidentified problem with your car; it usually requires the car to be serviced.
· Warning light – This generic icon signals an unidentified problem with your car; it usually requires the car to be serviced.
· Tire pressure monitor – the warning is turned on in case of low tire pressure, which could raise the fuel consumption or affect the grip.
· Temperature warning light – warns the driver of the possibility of engine overheating and usually demands the driver to stop the vehicle.
· Oil pressure warning – this notification is turned on if the ECU detects a problem with the oil pressure; it is usually recommended to stop the vehicle and service it as soon as possible.
· Front airbag – the light monitors the front airbag and, in case it is turned on, signals a problem with it; it usually requires professional assistance.
· Side airbag – same as the front airbag but intended for the side airbag
· Brake fluid malfunction – rarely installed on the dashboard, it unveils a problem in the brake fluid recipient.
· Battery warning – if this light is turned on while driving, it reveals a malfunction concerning the battery charging system.
· Powertrain malfunction –shows that the powertrain has been damaged and the car needs to be serviced as soon as possible.
In honor of National Car Care Month and to reach out to their local community, Bridgewater Motorworks is offering free vehicle inspections through the month of April. Too many lives are lost each year over something as simple as proper tire pressure. Customers are encouraged to bring their vehicle in for a full safety inspection and to learn more about how they can keep themselves and others safe on the road.
For more information or schedule an appointment, please contact Bridgewater MOTORWORKS at 908-218-9100.
About Bridgewater MOTORWORKS:
Since 1998, Bridgewater MOTORWORKS has provided full service automotive repair and service to residents of Somerset County, New Jersey, and the surrounding New York and New Jersey State Areas. Bridgewater MOTORWORKS offers engine, and transmission replacement and general repair services for all vehicles. And they are the preferred auto service and repair provider for Somerset Medical Center Emergency Medical Services.
Bridgewater MOTORWORKS also features an Express Lube where customers can get their oil changed in as little as 15 minutes.
They are located at 358 Union Ave. in Bridgewater, New Jersey, telephone number (908) 218-9100. For more information go to http://www.bwmotorworks.com.
As summer approaches and road trip planning begins, it is more important than ever for drivers to be familiar with their vehicle and the systems put in place to warn them of potential danger. When viewing dashboard icons, there are a few things to keep in mind.
· Don’t Panic: If you see a dashboard light you do not recognize, pull your vehicle off to a safe place and review your owner’s manual. Call your mechanic to have your car towed if you do not feel it is safe to continue driving.
· Color is King: Red indicator lights refer to a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Some examples would be the “BRAKE” icon and the seatbelt reminder icon.
· Communication is Key: The dashboard indicator lights are designed to communicate with the driver and provide notice of potential mechanical problems, some of which can be major safety issues. They should not be ignored.
Many dashboard icons are recognizable to the average motorist, including the seatbelt indicator light, low fuel light and turn signals. In fact, several indicator lights are simply a way to notify a driver of a system status, as opposed to giving a warning. For example, the high beams light and the defroster light let the driver know these systems are on and serve, as a reminder to turn them off when they are no longer needed.
Other icons are designed to warn the driver of possible danger or the need for immediate professional attention. These include, but are not limited to:
· Low fuel notification – this panel is switched on if the fuel level gets very low and refuel is required.
· Brake system alert – the notification is powered on if the ECU detects a problem to the brake system6. Warning light – it signals an unidentified problem with your car; it usually requires the car to be serviced.
· Warning light – This generic icon signals an unidentified problem with your car; it usually requires the car to be serviced.
· Tire pressure monitor – the warning is turned on in case of low tire pressure, which could raise the fuel consumption or affect the grip.
· Temperature warning light – warns the driver of the possibility of engine overheating and usually demands the driver to stop the vehicle.
· Oil pressure warning – this notification is turned on if the ECU detects a problem with the oil pressure; it is usually recommended to stop the vehicle and service it as soon as possible.
· Front airbag – the light monitors the front airbag and, in case it is turned on, signals a problem with it; it usually requires professional assistance.
· Side airbag – same as the front airbag but intended for the side airbag
· Brake fluid malfunction – rarely installed on the dashboard, it unveils a problem in the brake fluid recipient.
· Battery warning – if this light is turned on while driving, it reveals a malfunction concerning the battery charging system.
· Powertrain malfunction –shows that the powertrain has been damaged and the car needs to be serviced as soon as possible.
In honor of National Car Care Month and to reach out to their local community, Bridgewater Motorworks is offering free vehicle inspections through the month of April. Too many lives are lost each year over something as simple as proper tire pressure. Customers are encouraged to bring their vehicle in for a full safety inspection and to learn more about how they can keep themselves and others safe on the road.
For more information or schedule an appointment, please contact Bridgewater MOTORWORKS at 908-218-9100.
About Bridgewater MOTORWORKS:
Since 1998, Bridgewater MOTORWORKS has provided full service automotive repair and service to residents of Somerset County, New Jersey, and the surrounding New York and New Jersey State Areas. Bridgewater MOTORWORKS offers engine, and transmission replacement and general repair services for all vehicles. And they are the preferred auto service and repair provider for Somerset Medical Center Emergency Medical Services.
Bridgewater MOTORWORKS also features an Express Lube where customers can get their oil changed in as little as 15 minutes.
They are located at 358 Union Ave. in Bridgewater, New Jersey, telephone number (908) 218-9100. For more information go to http://www.bwmotorworks.com.
Contact
Bridgewater Motorworks
Wendy Kenney
480-242-5219
www.bwmotorworks.com
Wendy Kenney
480-242-5219
www.bwmotorworks.com
Contact
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