Mercedes warning lights can be confusing, scary, and stressful all at the same time. On the one hand, a warning light may indicate a very minor issue. On the other, you may need to pull over immediately and turn the vehicle off. So, how can you tell which situation is which? Here are a few guidelines to stick to so that you don't cause any major problems or overreact to an uncapped gas tank.
MERCEDES WARNING LIGHT SEVERITY
Depending on the warning light, the severity of the situation may be immediately apparent or not apparent at all. When it comes to the granddaddy of all warning lights, the check engine light, the situation could be any number of things. Some people get very scared when they see the check engine light come on. They'll even pull over and turn the car off.
If your check engine light comes on, you don't necessarily need to pull over immediately.
First, you need more information than just the light itself. Check out how the car is running.
- Does your Santa Rosa Mercedes feel or sound unusual?
- Can you visibly see something wrong (like smoke)?
- If your car is misfiring or running out of gas, you should pull over to handle the situation.
- If everything feels normal, it's generally safe to continue on your way and get your vehicle examined by a professional as soon as possible.
- A check engine light can mean many different things, and a mechanic will be able to tell you exactly what's going on in your situation.
A LOOK AT YOUR MERCEDES TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT
Something that we see often is the traction control light. This light can take several different forms, and it's best if you look in your vehicle's owner's manual to find yours. This light indicates that your electronic traction system (ETS) isn't functioning properly. The ETS helps to keep your vehicle on the road if there's a hazardous condition like ice or gravel, or if you're taking a corner too fast. It does a very good job of this, but many people don't know that it exists until they're in a situation where they need it. You can still have normal braking and normal engine function if your ETS is disabled, so it's okay to keep driving if you see this light come on. You should however, drive cautiously. Once again, take your vehicle in to a professional as soon as you can to correct whatever issue is present.
LIGHTS THAT CONCERN SAFETY ARE PRIORITY ONE
Another light we often see on in peoples' vehicles is the supplemental restraint systemlight (SRS). This is the light that indicates that the airbags in the dashboard are not functioning correctly. This is, obviously, one of the most serious warning lights you can see activate in your vehicle. If you see this warning light, you should drive extremely cautiously. Airbags are one of the key safety features in your car. They save countless lives each year, and you never know if one of those lives will be yours. Unfortunately, we've seen some people drive for years and years with this light on. Again, get your vehicle in to a professional as soon as you possibly can to correct the issue.
LIGHTS THAT WARN ABOUT ENGINE HEALTH ARE PRIORITY TWO
Two warning lights that you should most definitely be aware of are the oil light and the coolant light. Either one of these lights can indicate that there is a possible leak in your engine and it is necessary that you stop and check out the problem immediately. These are the lights that you want to watch out for. In these situations, you might need a tow truck, depending on the severity of the issue.
With any warning light, make sure to have it checked out by a professional. A minor issue could become a major issue very quickly. Also, remember to always be as safe as possible when stopping to investigate a warning light. Only pull over in lighted areas like gas stations and let someone know what's going on as soon as possible.
When you are ready to have the warning lights on your Mercedes-Benz checked out by a professional, call CK Auto Exclusive at (707) 526-3204 and visit our website for more information on Mercedes-Benz warning lights.