Benefits of Having Dash Lights

You may not know this, but there are many different benefits that come with having dashboard lights. Chances are, you’ve been driving for some quite some time—well, depending on how old you are now. However, it is safe to say that most individuals start driving around the age of 15 or 16, meaning they are somewhat familiar with dash lights.

Though, it must be asked, what do you really know about LED dash lights?

Before we educate you on the various benefits of dash lights (and there are many), we want to ensure you understand the basis of dash lights, and just how important they are to you and all other drivers on the road. Once you have a stronger grasp on dash lights, themselves, then you will be more apt to understand their importance and their long list of benefits.

About Dash Lights—The Basics

You’ve heard of dash lights, right? The random lights that light up your dash. You may even call these lights “warning lights.” Regardless of how you refer to them, these dash lights are necessary and even provide a sort of protection when getting behind the wheel of your vehicle.

According to Dictionary.com, dash lights are simply “a light built into the dashboard of an automobile for the purpose of illuminating the gauges and accessories.” Seems pretty routine and easy to understand, right?

Interesting enough, dash lights are nothing new and have been around since the first modern vehicle was available. However, since then, dash lights have expanded and now even LED dash lights are being made for cars that can conveniently and affordably be purchased. But more importantly dash lights offer messages, for example, you’re likely familiar with the dash light that informs you when you need to get gas. This is a big one! Who wants to run out of gas and be stranded on the road? There are also lights that indicate you need to check your engine, change your oil, and close your trunk. All basic, all important, all very helpful—but there are so many other lights and warnings you may not be very familiar with . . . until now!

More About Dash Lights and Their Meanings

When you purchased your car, truck, van—whichever type of automobile you own and drive—did you read the owner’s manual? Probably not—not cover to cover, anyway. Regardless if the car is new or used, that manual is still significant, as it can educate you on all things having to do with your automobile, for example, dash lights.

More or less, dash lights are like a shortcut, a way to quickly indicate (in most cases) that something is wrong. When a dash light does come on, you should not ignore it, but be somewhat concerned. Think of it this way: When a dash light pops on, your car is talking to you; it’s trying to tell you something—so listen and pay attention.

Depending on your knowledge of vehicles, you may or may not need to visit a mechanic or your dealership when you see a dash light appear. Obviously, if the gas light comes on, you know you need to get gas pretty soon… well, let’s hope you know that! Other dash lights may be a little tricker, and as such, may require professional assistance.

The following is a list of what your dash lights may be trying to tell you:

• Check Engine or Malfunction Indicator Light
• Coolant Temp Warning
• Oil Pressure Warning
• Service Vehicle Soon
• Brake System
• ABS Light
• Cruise Control
• Traction Control or Esp
• Overdrive Light
• Washer Fluid Reminder
• Glow Plug (Diesel)
• DPF Light (Diesel)
• Battery/Charging Alert
• Transmission Temperature
• Oil Change Reminder
• TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
• Reduced Power Warning
• Gas Cap
• ESP Fault
• Lamp Out
• Door Ajar
• Air bag Fault
• Fog Lamp
• DEF Light (Diesel)

Now, a few things to note from the above list. First, some of these dash lights only pertain to Diesel vehicles. Therefore, if you don’t own or drive a Diesel vehicle, feel free to ignore them.

Next, some dash lights are more important than others. For example, Air bag Fault is a big one! If you happened to get into an accident, you want to make sure your airbags are properly working. Therefore, if you see this light come on, you may want to have your automobile checked by a professional mechanic or take it in to the local dealer where you got the car. Not only do you want your airbag to deploy when or if a crash occurs, but you also what to make sure that it won’t deploy unless there is enough impact to warrant it because unnecessary airbag deployment can be dangerous.

Finally, to everyone reading this blog, how many people actually know or are somewhat familiar with each and every dash light listed above? Going out on a whim, probably not many! Remember, it is important to have some sort of basic knowledge of these dash lights so that if or when they do appear, you know how to properly react.

LED Dash Lights for Cars

Now let’s throw a little excitement into the dash light lesson, shall we? Though anyone and everyone can pursue LED dash lights for their automobile, in most cases, these specific types of lights are pursued by car aficionados (those who really, really take an interest in vehicles). Is that you?

You’ve likely heard of LED lights. In fact, you may even have them in your home or office. LED lights are extremely popular. Now, however, you can have LED lights put into your dashboard. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? But why would someone choose to do this?

Again, those who have a particular interest in vehicles are likely to be more inclined to “amp up” up their automobile with LED lights. However, LED lights are often brighter and come in a variety of different colors. So, if you want to have a little fun with your car, you may want to think about LED dash lights.

The Addition of LED Dash Lights

Many people may be interested in LED dash lights for cars, but how many have considered the level of difficulty when it comes to actually add these lights to the car’s dash?

Again, if you’re not a car person or interested in basic mechanics, it may be in your best interest to find someone to do the job for you. After all, the last thing you want to do is accidentally, for lack of better word, break your car. What does this mean, exactly? Well, if the LED lights are not properly put into your dash, then they may not work as they’re supposed to, and most likely won’t alert you appropriately when something is wrong or off. It’s already been shown how important some of these alerts are—even life and death, you could say—so verifying that your dash lights work as they should is necessary.

However, if you are into cars or have experience working with or on vehicles, you may discover that you’re apt to do the job yourself. Of course, it may depend on what type of vehicle you’re working on, and whether or not you’re knowledgeable with that particular make and model. Though all dashboard and dash lights may seem relatively universal, they’re not.

Once you’ve decided to perform the job yourself, you may want to take to the Internet to find some resources. These resources could include images of others doing the same task; a step by step list of instructions; a simple guide of what to do (and what not to)—the list goes on and on. As you already know, you can find just about anything on the Internet. It is recommended that you find something, anything, in the form of instructions to have while adding LED lights to your dash, just in the case of an emergency.

Just to give you an example of why it’s never wrong to ask for help (or, in this case, find assistance online), how many of you who are planning on replacing the dash lights yourself already knew you’d need the following tools?

• Standard Phillips Screwdriver
• Precision Screwdriver Set
• Leatherman
• Vise Grip Pliers
• Multimeter
• Soldering Iron
• Solder
• Alligator Clips

Now, this is just one set of recommended tools offered by an individual (one of many) who have previously and successfully added LED dash lights to his car. That’s not to say that you will need all of these tools or even some of them. Though, just taking notice of that list should help you gauge whether or not you’re equipped to handle the job by yourself, without professional assistance.

Better yet, due to the extreme popularity of YouTube, you can also find videos of people adding LED dash lights to their vehicles. How about that? Instead of just reading a “how to” guide, you can see the entire process unfold, step by step. Depending on your search, you may even be able to find someone working on the exact same automobile that you own!

Further, when it comes to choosing LED dash lights for cars, your options may seem limitless. As always, research is key. Before you buy a bunch of products and spend a lot of money, make sure you buy exactly what you want and need. Take some time to inform yourself about different brands, features, quality, etc. Don’t rush the project, but take your time. In the end, you’ll be glad you did so.

The Benefits of Having Dash Lights

In case you’re still unsure, it’s imperative to state once again how important dash lights are—regardless if they’re the original dash lights that came with the vehicle, or LED dash lights that have been added to the car. Everyone needs dash lights to ensure that his or her automobile is working properly and that it’s safe to drive be on the road.

Not only do you have a duty to yourself to know that your dash lights are working correctly, but to everyone else on the road, too. To be blunt, you’re sharing the road with countless other drivers. Therefore, do not put yourself and others at risk by driving a car that is either not working properly or not safe.

Besides safety, which is always the most important factor in any situation, dash lights help ensure that your car is performing correctly, and as such, will last longer. If you choose to drive on tires that are not full of air, or with an engine that needs to be checked, you are putting the life of your car in danger. If you are aware of your dash lights, and acknowledge when they come on—for whatever reason—and don’t ignore the problem, but have it checked out and fixed, your vehicle could potentially last longer. In short, you are damaging your car by driving it when it needs to be repaired or fixed.

Other benefits offered by dash lights, specifically LED dash lights, include the fact that they’re easy to maintain; LED lights last much longer (generally a couple of years—meaning you’ll save money); these lights are more efficient and of better quality; LED dash lights are also stronger, giving you a clearer, brighter view.

So, while it’s important to stay updated on your dash lights, as you can see, switching them out of your dashboard and adding LED lights instead, could be both energy and cost effective. Who doesn’t want to save time and money?

Don’t Overlook Your Dash Lights

Now that you have a better understanding of dash lights, you can see how important it is to never overlook them. Even the smallest warning, such as a cruise control indicator, could be vital. Your dashboard lights are there for a purpose; they’re there for you and your passengers, to help ensure safety.

Though a personal preference, next time you’re thinking about adding something extra to your car, consider purchasing some LED dash lights. Whether you can install dash lights yourself or not, having them and using them is (obviously) widely beneficial. You can’t go wrong with them and there are virtually no cons connected to LED lights. Just remember to get the right lights for your particular vehicle, and you’ll be good to go! Happy (and safe) driving.