Is it safe to drive with the low power indicator on?
When the low power light comes on, this is your vehicle's way of letting you know there is a problem with either the charging system or the battery itself. This could indicate that your battery is dying, that the connection or terminals are corroded, or there is a problem with your windshield wipers or headlights. Not all vehicles have a low power indicator, but those that do have it invariably indicate a battery connection problem.
So what can you do if the low power light comes on? And is it safe to drive with the lights on? Here's what you need to know about the low power indicator:
The low power indicator is usually bright yellow or orange and is located on your car's dashboard. It indicates a problem with the power supply and illuminates when the battery or other parts of the electrical charging system no longer function properly.
In most cases, the low power indicator alerts you to problems related to moisture damage or corrosion.
Identifying and fixing problems that can cause the low power light to come on requires using a car computer analyzer to pinpoint the exact cause.
Power loss is usually due to problems with the battery and can usually be corrected by replacing either the battery, the spark plugs, or both to restore power flow.
Can you drive safely with the low power indicator on? It depends on the cause of the power reduction. Often the problems are minor. However, in rare cases, reduced power can cause more serious problems such as engine seizure or even electrical wiring fires. Simply put, you have no real way to know if the fact that the low power indicator is on is caused by a minor problem or something that could be much more serious. The safest measure is to have a certified mechanic check to make sure your vehicle is safe and ready to drive.
