If any of the warning or fault lights on your dashboard or panel come on, don’t simply ignore them. Whatever the problem may be, if left, it may lead it to something more severe. At worst your vehicle may become undrivable and, in the most extreme circumstances, it may well lead to a breakdown or even an accident. This article looks at why, if your car is showing a fault, it is vitally important to stop driving and get it to your local garage.

Why Prompt Action is Crucial

Prevent Further Damage

 If you drive a car with a problem, the longer you wait, the worse the eventual breakdown. For example, if you drive your car with your braking system left to fail, the longer you leave it, the worse you make your braking system, and you might ultimately blow out your brakes completely. Other components, like the engine and perhaps transmission, can get you home by determining which specific component you need to fix.

Ensure Safety

 Some faults might make your car dangerous, for example, if your car has a brake fault or steering fault or engine fault, then you are very unlikely to be able to control the car properly. Therefore, by getting your car repaired quickly and not driving the car in the meantime, this means that your car is in working order, will not be dangerous, and thus it will reduce the chance of an accident caused by the fault.

Avoid Compounding Issues

 With a car, a shortcoming in one area will often create secondary issues if you don’t fix it promptly enough. For instance, a cooling system failure can lead to overheating, and if that goes on long enough, it can cause extensive engine damage. It’s preferable to prevent a domino chain of problems from forming, and to continue your car’s service to the best of your ability. When a small issue can readily be fixed and grow to become a bigger one, it’s easier to address the problem while it’s minor. 

Maintain Vehicle Value

 Naturally, if you maintain your vehicle and repair faults as they occur, you’re vehicle. Obviously, if you fail to correct or delay repairing faults, then parts and components will deteriorate and, usually, the value of your vehicle will be diminished if you eventually dispose of it by sale or part-exchange. Look after faults as they arise and you’re going to keep your vehicle in good condition (and condition will relate to the value of your vehicle, if you intend to sell or part-exchange it).

Steps to Take When a Fault Arises

Assess the Situation

 If the light represents a severe system-generated malfunction (eg, your brakes or engine), immediately pull over to a safe place. Otherwise, if the light simply indicates a minor dashboard warning of, say, a wobbly steering wheel, get it fixed. 

Avoid Unnecessary Driving

 And if you believe the problem may be tied to your car’s safety or handling, don’t drive until they’ve cleared you, as starting to drive on a suspect vehicle only serves to make any problem worse, and can cause an accident or other vehicle damage. If you can afford it, you might want to tow your car there instead.

Contact a Local Repair Shop

 Please call an auto repair shop near you as soon as you can when you experience any of the above issues, and ask for a service adviser who can diagnose the problem and tell you how much it will cost to repair it. Most auto repair shops will tow your vehicle for an additional fee. If your car is not drivable, they may also be able to recommend a towing company.

Follow Repair Recommendations

 When your car is [in the garage] do what the garage tells you to put right what’s wrong. Put it right first time and fix everything and you will not get it again. 

Keep Up with Regular Maintenance

 Caring for you vehicle with maintenance. Following your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance will keep faults in check and your vehicle in good condition. Fixing small problems before they turn into big ones.

Conclusion

 When you see a fault or warning light up on your vehicle, stay immobile and get the fault rectified unless it’s an emergency. That way, you will keep your vehicle in tip top condition and maintain its future market value, and you will remain safe on the road. Taking care of faults promptly will also spare you from headaches – or astronomical repair bills as the case may be – and will get you back on the road safely while keeping your driving experience the best it can be.