Most drivers are familiar with the usual readouts on the car’s dashboard – the speedometer, tach, fuel gauge and so on – but even seasoned road warriors may forget the meaning of a rarely seen indicator light when it comes on unexpectedly.
Ancira Auto Group offers a quick refresher course on gauges on its website to keep your vehicle running maintenance free.
Although the basic feedback from your vehicle, like speed and engine RPM, are clearly displayed on analog instruments, the new Kia autos contain some proprietary indicators.
Kia lights are color coded, and not just with any colors. They use the familiar green, yellow and red from U.S. traffic signals. Green lights on your dash mean a system is in use, such as the cruise control or eco-driving system. This color also represents things that need attention before you go – open trunk lids, for instance.
Yellow, the traffic light associated with caution, likewise means a safety issue needs the driver’s attention. Look for a yellow symbol to indicate things such as deflated tires or whether the car’s stability control has been activated based on road conditions.
Red is a color that grabs your attention, and Kia has associated it with the most urgent conditions related to your vehicle's operation, such as low battery, engine overheating and improper coolant and other fluid levels. The red lights are the one you should have checked out ASAP.
Ancira Auto Group warns drivers to minimize driving time when yellow or red warning lights blink on your dashboard to keep long-term mechanical problems from developing.
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