Five car informants that every driver should know about to avoid problems

Knowing how to spot mechanical problems that lead to costly repairs or accidents is important and often simple. We just need to be able to interpret what our car is telling us through the instrument panel and the specific warning lights that come on when something goes wrong.

Mechanical faults in cars: how to detect them

Technology company Carly has assembled a team of experienced mechanics to reveal five key warning signs that all drivers should know but few actually understand, according to a study by the company cited among 6.8 million diagnoses in 2024. these are current failures. One of the conclusions: more than a third of cars in circulation – 35% – have serious defects.

The first thing to keep in mind is that dashboard lights have different meanings depending on the color and whether they flash or stay on.

1) Oil pressure

If it’s yellow (sometimes grey) it indicates low, and if it’s red it could mean anything from a simple service warning to a complete loss of oil pressure. Carly warns that if it is red and stays on, you should turn off the engine immediately. Continuing to drive could seriously damage the engine.

In this case, it is recommended that you consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the color and frequency of this light on your model. With Carly, you can monitor oil pressure in real time and further understand the reason for the warning.

2) The generator indicator lights up red.

It’s not just the battery, this red light indicates a problem with the charging system, not the battery itself, and many drivers mistakenly believe they can continue driving. However, this may lead to the failure of safety and assistance systems. If you see this light, stop in a safe place as soon as possible and turn off the vehicle. The cause of the incident may be a malfunction of the generator and charging system. The Carly app can detect the problem.

3) Check if the yellow engine indicator light (MIL) is on.

It can remain constant or flash, and many drivers don’t realize the difference. A solid yellow light usually indicates an engine problem, while a flashing light means that limp mode is activated. In both cases, you will need to find a safe place to park and review the vehicle’s owner’s manual to understand which system is affected.

In this case, the Carly app analyzes the specific error code and checks the latest fuel, air and ignition system data to make an informed decision before going to the store.

4) Immobilizer lamp (WFS)

If the engine won’t start and you see the car light and key symbol, here’s why. Also known as an immobilizer, this warning light indicates a problem in the security system that is preventing the engine from starting. One recommendation is to try starting a second key or, in case of an emergency, go to the Carly app to check the status of the immobilizer.

If the problem persists, it is better to contact the workshop, having the error code at hand, which will avoid misdiagnosis and make repairs easier.

5) Tire pressure warning

When replacing tires, the pressure sensor must be reset. However, Carly cautions that this indicator can be critical in the event of a real pressure loss or sensor failure. Ignoring this requirement may result in uneven tire wear and increase the risk of an accident.