Are you driving and suddenly notice a check gauge warning on your dashboard? are you wondering what does check gauges mean? If you are, then you are on the right page.
This article will teach you everything you need to know about the chack gauges light, what it means, what causes the check gauges light to come on, and how to fix it.
Let’s get started
What Does Check Gauges Mean?
The Check Gauge Light signals to the driver that something might be wrong with the vehicle. In a vehicle, there are several gauges, so the check gauge light illuminates when any of these gauges go out of range. Drivers will need to investigate the cause of this light further once they reach a safe area.
Ensure all lights are in their normal range while driving and look for any red lights that may mean problems in that area.
This check gauges light functions as a warning light, which will prompt you to look at the surrounding gauges in your dashboard, such as the gas gauge, battery, and oil gauge.
Specifically, when the check gauges warning light comes on, it means that something isn’t right with the way the gauges are displaying their data.
However, even if your gauges aren’t working and your dashboard displays Check Gauge, it might only be a sign of faulty wiring.
In this case, you need an experienced mechanic to look at your car to see whether or not there is an underlying problem that is disabling the instrument.
Why Does the Check Gauges Light Come On
When Check Gauge appears on your car dashboard, it is an indication that there could be a problem with the car, most likely a warning light to bring the vehicle in for inspection and repairs. Possible causes include:
- Loose fuel cap,
- Overheating of the engine,
- There is too little oil in the engine, or
- The engine or electrical system is malfunctioning.
Many gauges monitor various things in your vehicles, such as the brake fluid, the transmission fluid as well as other fluids your car uses.
When any of the above gauges fail, you will see the Check Gauge light come on. Choosing to ignore this warning light can result in more costly repairs.
If you drive, you would have seen the check gauges light at some point. When it turns on, make sure to inspect your car’s battery, oil, and gas gauges.
What to Do When the Check Gauge Lights Illuminates
While driving, when you see the Check Gauge Light, don’t panic. Look for a safe location, pull the car to one side, and park.
You should check other gauge lights on your dashboard as you’re driving to find out the one that has gone out of range.
There are several reasons the check gauge light comes on, including overheating, loose fuel caps, charging system problems, and when you do not have fuel.
A rattling sound could also indicate a problem with your oil pressure gauge. It’s also good to check that the gauges are displaying accurate information.
If your battery gauge indicates low voltage or your speedometer does not tell you the correct speed, you may be driving at an incorrect speed.
Alternatively, you may run out of gas, in which case you need to fill up, but in the event of a complicated warning like an engine malfunction, call a mechanic to address the issue.
Additionally, if multiple components malfunction, you need a thorough inspection because it indicates a deeper issue that requires fixing.
You can prevent this by performing regular maintenance. Your car’s engine oil, including other fluids, should be checked periodically, at least one time every week.
Neglecting your engine oil will cause it to get so low that it won’t register on the dipstick, thus affecting your vehicle.
Also Read: Service Power Steering Light (Meaning, Causes & Fix)
How Long Can You Drive With Check Gauges Light?
How long you can drive with the check gauge light depends on the severity of the light and what caused it to come on. As long as all systems are working fine or if the light was caused by a low amount of washer fluid, it is safe to drive.
Nevertheless, if the light is illuminated because of something more serious, such as an engine check light, it is better to pull to one side when you are out of danger and find out the cause of the problem.
Suppose your vehicle’s check gauge light illuminates because of the tire pressure monitoring system (TPSM) signal.
In that case, you may be able to continue driving for another 100 miles or more by keeping your car speed reasonably low until the effects diminish.
In any case, if your check gauge light comes on because your engine oil is low, you should get it refilled right away.
If something serious is wrong, the check engine light will flash. Otherwise, it will remain steady, so you know it is not a serious problem.
Generally, anything pertaining to your safety needs to be dealt with immediately, followed by the engine and any other system.
What Does Check Gauge Light Mean in Different Cars?
The Check Gauge or Check Gauges lights meaning is different for every car brand, but all show similar signs when a problem occurs with the vehicle.
What Does Check Gauges Mean in GMC Envoy
In a GMC Envoy, the check gauges light usually turn on when there’s a problem with oil pressure. The warning light will illuminate when the oil pressure drops.
What Does Check Gauges Mean in Ford Explorer
One or more of the gauges on a Ford Explorer will illuminate the Check Gauge light when they need maintenance. The gauges can indicate water temperatures, oil pressure, engine temperature, or fuel gauge.
What Does Check Gauges Mean in Dodge Durango
Many Dodge owners have experienced that the check gauges light illuminates when the brakes are stepped on. in this situation, checking your vehicle’s alternator output and battery voltage is recommended.
They say this is because: when you put your foot on your car brakes, your foot will no longer be on the gas, and that’s when your brake lights will turn on.
When this happens, the voltage drops, causing one or more of the dashboard gauges to drift out of range, which is why the Check Gauge light appears.
Also Read: Master Warning Light (Meaning, Causes & Fix)
Conclusion: What Does check Gauges Mean
In a vehicle, there are several gauges, so the check gauge light illuminates when any of these gauges go out of range. Many of the gauges on your dashboard assist your vehicle is functioning properly by monitoring its various components and fluids.
As a result, if your car’s Check Gauge light illuminates, it may mean that your brake fluid gauge, engine oil gauge, electrical system gauge, or another gauge is going beyond range.
In order to eliminate the check gauge light, you should stop your car, park on one side of the road, and perform an initial inspection and troubleshooting. Call an experienced mechanic to examine your vehicle to be on the safer side.