Dashboard warning lights that you must not ignore while on your safari adventure in Uganda
While enjoying your self drive adventure in east African countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, you must always keep an eye on your dashboard, these dashboard warning lights are the way the car communicates to you, like hey something’s wrong with me I need your attention. so while you are on your national park safari in Kidepo valley, take note of these dashboard warning lights
While driving, these small dashboard warning lights can alert you in case of a any arising mechanical issue before it becomes a major issue. Be cognitive of these warning lights in the dashboard, lets describe each warning light
Oil pressure warning light
One of the dashboard warning lights is the oil pressure warning light, it indicates to you that, there is low engine pressure. Usually, these low oil pressure levels are caused due to; oil leakages, a malfunction in the oil pump, or low oil levels. Oil in a vehicle system brings about the lubrication which is so important in the engines moving parts. Low oil levels can lead to rapid wear and tear while on your safari, overheating and at worse engine seizures. At 4x4 car rental Uganda, we advise you to always contact us in case the oil pressure warning light is activated. Being a good safari company, we shall send you a professional mechanic of do a vehicle replacement
Battery warning light
A battery warning light is another example of dashboard warning lights that you shouldn’t ignore. When such a warning light emerges, it symbolizes a mechanical issue of your motor vehicles charging system having a malfunction or not functioning properly. A malfunction in the vehicle charging system surfaces up due to a dead battery, a faulty alternator and probably loose wiring. This could later lead to the car losing power if ignored while on your safari leaving you stranded while on your Ugandan adventure
ABS warning light
ABS in full is anti-lock Braking System. This is a system in a vehicle which helps in preventing the wheels from locking up in instances of hard braking. On addition to that, it helps in maintaining traction and control between the car tires and the road this enhancing stability. So when such warning light shows up, it symbolizes an issue that there is a malfunction on your anti-lock braking system. When this shows up, ensure to reduce your speed more so on the muddy trails for example in the national parks of Uganda such as kidepo valley national park, steep slopes and wet surfaces. Never ignore ABS dashboard warning lights
Fuel warning light
This informs you that you are driving, but, your fuel levels are critically low and you should pay much more attention. Usually it shows up when the fuel in the tank is less than 10 to 20% of the fuel tank. So when on as safari adventure in Uganda and this shows up, just look for a nearby gas station and refuel Gas stations in remote locations are usually sparse and they happen to be found in city centres. So its essential to plan by cruising into adventure with adequate fuel in your car.
Tire pressure monitoring system
One of the dashboard warning lights that shows up in case one of there is an issue with the vehicle tyre system. This is usually due to the tire pressure of the vehicles when is shows up, what should come in your head is that one of the tires has air pressure that is incorrect. Low tire pressure causes the car to have a low or reduced fuel efficiency, wear and tear of the vehicles and increased risks of blow outs while driving on your safari adventure. Inspect all the tires and if possible replace the low pressure tire with the spare tire
Seat belt warning light
Safety is always crucial while driving in Uganda on your road trip. This light usually shows up in case the the driver or one of the passengers in the vehicle is not fastening or wearing the seatbelt. In most of the cases it occurs with an audible beep so that your attention is grabbed and it stops when you fasten the seatbelt. This is one of the dashboard warning lights for your safety as you travel
Door open warning light
Besides the seat belt light as one of the dashboard warning lights for safety, a door open light also ensures safety as you travel. It often shows up when one or more doors of the vehicle are not shut securely. Safaris often have uneven roads, sometimes even bumpy which can cause doors that are not shut properly to open unexpectedly leading to passengers to fall out. We is shows up, just park somewhere and inspect which door isn’t locked properly
Check engine light
This shows up and indicates that there is a wide range of issues on the vehicle ranging from minor, mild and at worse even severe. An amber color of the engine check dashboard warning light indicates a slight issue with the vehicle while, a red check engine light shows a severe problem and you are advised to stop driving there and then until the issue with the vehicle is addressed. Check engine dashboard warning lights are so crucial and shouldn’t be ignored
Handbrake warning light
This usually shows up when you park your vehicle and engage the handbrake. These days there are also footbrakes, it’s the same thing. Engaging the hand brake or footbrake is okay when the vehicle is parked but its not advisable to drive while the handbrake is still engaged. When you notice it when driving that the handbrake is till engaged, simply disengage the handbrake and continue driving
Temperature gauge warning light
These dashboard warning lights appear when; the engine is running too cold, or when the engine is overheating. The normal temperature gauge pointer is when its in-between hot and cold. The engine may over heat due to; low coolant levels or leakages, broken thermostat, faulty water pump or clogged radiator among others.
Other dashboard warning lights to be cognitive of while of self drive in Uganda
