Heed warning lights and know what each means

As cars have become more and more sophisticated the number of possible malfunctions that can arise has grown significantly, along with the number of assorted warning lights that may illuminate on the dashboard.

Many warning lights are specific to the manufacturer or even the model. And if a warning light appears (or fails to extinguish after you've started the engine), you should stop as soon as possible in a safe place and refer to your owner's manual. Besides describing in detail an explanation of each warning light, the manual will also indicate if you have a little time before you have to take your car into the shop, or if it's not safe at all to continue driving.

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Know what's what so you don't get stuck. The following are examples of warming lights and, when illuminated on your dashboard, what faults they might indicate:

• Brake Light. First, check to make sure you're not driving with hand brake on. Check brake-fluid level and top off if low. Make appointment immediately with your tech to have brakes inspected.

• ABS (Antilock Brake System) Light. Indicates low brake-fluid level, stuck brake caliper or faulty ABS. Check brake fluid and make appointment to get brakes checked ASAP. Call tow truck or drive carefully and slowly to shop.

• Oil Light. Either engine is very low on oil or there is no oil pressure. Pull over and turn off engine immediately. Check oil level and add oil if low. Turn engine back on to see if light has gone off. If oil light is still on, a bad oil pump (no oil pressure) is the likely culprit. Call a tow truck.

As for maintenance warning lights:

• Check Engine Light. Your car's computer senses an engine problem. Difference in performance may not be noticeable, but make appointment to have car diagnosed. If problem is serious, computer may switch to limp-home (low-power) mode and you won't have the option of waiting a day or two to take your car into the repair shop.

• Air Bag Light. Get air bags checked immediately. Problem could prevent air bags from activating in an accident. Your car is OK to drive, but not safe in accident.

• Battery Charge Light. This light means your alternator is not charging. OK to drive, but turn off any unneeded electrical devices (radio, heater, defroster) and avoid starting engine more than necessary. Bring car into shop soon to avoid getting stranded. When alternator is not charging, your battery loses charge and guess what ...? You got it, your car stops running.

• Emissions Lights (O2 sensor, EGR, check emissions). Depending on car model, these lights may indicate a problem with the emissions sensor or may light up at certain mileage, usually 60,000 miles (100,000 km). Get sensors checked. OK to drive, but if a major problem exists, car might get poor gas mileage.

Visit www.nascar.com and click on the NASCAR Performance logo to find a quality NASCAR Performance Network repair shop now, so if you find yourself with a dashboard light illuminating in the future, you'll know right where to go for service.