Warning lights on the dash can be a worrying problem, but it can be an especially anxiety-ridden issue while you’re driving an unfamiliar Boston rental car. While our cars are regular, well-running cars, they’re still not the car that you’re used to driving. However, knowing what those signals mean and how to respond can help you keep calm and carry on.
What to Do If…
The Oil Pressure Warning Light is On in Your Boston Rental Car
If the oil pressure light is off, it means that your engine is not getting normal oil pressure. Sometimes the oil level is low and the car just needs more oil. However, sometimes there is a leaky gasket, seal, or worn parts that are causing the engine to burn oil faster than it normally should.
What to do:
- DO NOT IGNORE THIS WARNING LIGHT
- Stop driving and turn the engine off
- If the oil level is low, contact VERC Rentals, as the car will need an oil service
The Charging System Light Comes On
This usually indicates there is a charging system issue. It will come on when the charging system is not producing enough current to meet your vehicle’s electrical needs. Your car will be running off the battery alone, so as long as the battery lasts, you can continue to drive.
What to do:
- You can continue driving for about 30 minutes (or less if it’s night time)
- Turn off all accessories to limit the drain on the battery. If you’re driving at night, keep the headlights on, as it’s too dangerous to drive otherwise
The Brake System Light Comes On
If this is on because you forgot to release the parking brake in your Boston rental car, do so now and be on your merry way.
However, this light could also come on because your vehicle has a hydraulic problem and could be unsafe to drive.
What to do:
- Rest the brakes by pressing on the brake pedal.
- If the light is only on while pressing the brake pedal, one of the hydraulic circuits in the brake has lost pressure. Contact VERC Rentals.
- If it goes right to the floor DO NOT drive the vehicle. Contact VERC Rentals.
- If the brake light is on all the time, it the brake fluid could be low. Contact VERC Rentals.
The Air Bag Light Comes On
If the ignition is in position 2, this light will illuminate for 3 seconds to signify that its working ok. If it stays on or flashes while driving, it means there is a fault in your vehicle’s air bag system.
What to do:
- While you can still drive your Boston rental car, know that the air bags may not deploy if you are in an accident. Contact VERC Rentals.
The Check Engine Light Is On
This means that your Boston rental car has detected a potential emissions fault. There is no way to know about the nature of the problem without connecting a scan tool to the car and to read the code.
What to do:
- Don’t be alarmed, as this is usually something minor. You can continue to drive.
- If the light starts to flash, contact VERC Rentals.
The ABS Light Comes On
The Anti-Lock Brakes or ABS light means that the system has detected a fault and sometimes will temporarily disable the ABS system in response. You can still brake normally, but the ABS won’t work in a panic stop or on wet surfaces. Continue driving, but have the problem diagnosed.
The Low Fuel Light is On
We’ve all seen this – it means the car is running low on fuel. Top up ASAP.
The Engine/Transmission Warning Light is On
This indicates a malfunction in the engine system. You can still drive, but a minor reduction in performance may occur. Contact VERC Rentals and have the issue checked out as soon as possible.
Tags: Boston rental car
