Don’t Get Left Stranded! Understand Your Dashboard and How IAM Has Your Back

Imagine you are driving your car when a light suddenly appears on your dashboard. This light signals a possible problem, and can often cause worry because the meaning of these lights might not be clear, leading to concerns about your car’s condition or getting stuck on the side of the road.

Many drivers find dashboard warning lights confusing. But these lights are important. They are your car’s way of telling you about problems before they become major issues. With the IAM Legal and Personal Protection Plan, you are never truly alone when these lights come on.

Common Dashboard Warning Lights

While specific designs can vary slightly between manufacturers, their meanings are generally universal.

• Check Engine Light (Often looks like an engine outline): This is one of the most common and perhaps the most dreaded. It can indicate a wide range of issues, from a loose gas cap to a more serious engine problem.
  • While it might not always mean immediate danger, it’s crucial to get it checked by a professional as soon as possible.

• Oil Pressure Warning Light (Often looks like an oil can): This red light is serious! It means your engine either has low oil pressure or is running dangerously low on oil.
  • Continuing to drive with this light on can cause severe engine damage. Pull over safely and check your oil level. If it’s low, add oil. If the light persists, do not drive the car and seek immediate assistance.

• Battery/Charging System Warning Light (Often looks like a battery): If this light illuminates, it indicates a problem with your car’s charging system. This could be a failing battery, a faulty alternator, or issues with the wiring.
  • Your car is running on battery power alone and will eventually die. Get to a repair shop quickly.

• Brake Warning Light (Often looks like an exclamation mark in a circle or the word “BRAKE”): This light can indicate several things; your parking brake is engaged, low brake fluid, or a problem with your brake system.
  • If it’s not the parking brake, do not drive the car as your brakes may not be fully functional.

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light (Often looks like a flat tire with an exclamation mark): This yellow light means one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. Underinflated tires can lead to poor handling, decreased fuel efficiency, and even blowouts.
  • Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended PSI.

• Coolant Temperature Warning Light (Often looks like a thermometer with wavy lines): A red light here means your engine is overheating. This is a critical issue that can lead to severe engine damage.
  • Pull over immediately, turn off your engine, and let it cool down. Do not open the radiator cap while the engine is hot.

• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Warning Light (Often says “ABS” in a circle): If this light comes on, it means there’s an issue with your ABS system. While your regular brakes will still work, the anti-lock feature might not.
  • It’s safe to drive, but you should have it checked by a mechanic soon.

The IAM Advantage: Your Lifeline on the Road

Understanding these lights is the first step, but knowing who to call when they illuminate is paramount. That’s where the IAM Legal and Personal Protection Plan’s Roadside Assistance Benefit becomes your ultimate peace of mind.

With IAM, you’re not just getting legal protection; you’re gaining a crucial safety net for those unexpected moments on the road. Imagine that check engine light comes on in the middle of nowhere. Instead of frantically searching for a tow truck or trying to diagnose the problem yourself, you simply make one call to IAM’s 24/7 roadside assistance.

Here’s how the IAM Legal Plan’s Roadside Benefit protects you:

• Towing Services: If your car is undrivable, IAM can arrange for a tow to the nearest qualified repair facility.
• Battery Jump-Starts: Dead battery? No problem. IAM can send someone to give you a jump.
• Flat Tire Changes: Don’t have a spare or can’t change it yourself? Help is on the way.
• Fuel Delivery: Ran out of gas in an inconvenient spot? IAM can bring you enough fuel to get to the nearest gas station.
• Lockout Services: Accidentally locked your keys in your car? IAM can help you regain access.

This benefit must be activated first before usage. Make sure your benefit is active and that you have the 24-hour dispatch number readily available. Store it in your phone and keep a physical copy in your glove compartment.

Tap below to fill out a form for activation or call the Member Helpline at 646-921-9128.

IMPORTANT: Based on the CBA of your local, Legal Plan and ID Theft Protection Benefits are available to members of Local 447. For IAM members of Local 186, Local 698, Local 804, Local 1060, Local 1363, and Local 1486, you have access to the Identity Theft Protection only.