This Is What These Warning Signs On Your SUV Actually Mean
By Juliet S
6 months ago
Buckle up, fellow road warriors! As you navigate the urban jungle in your trusty SUV, it's easy to get lost in the rhythm of the road trip playlist or the blissful hum of your favorite podcast. But what about those mysterious warning signs on your dashboard flashing cryptic messages like a secret code only known to the automotive gods? Fear not, intrepid drivers, for we are about to embark on a thrilling journey into the enigmatic world of SUV hieroglyphics.
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
Ah, the oil can symbol – the dashboard's way of telling you that beneath the hood, there's an oily drama unfolding. Imagine this icon as the car's version of Shakespearean distress signals, whispering tales of potential engine peril. When that little oil can starts to glow ominously on your dashboard...
Image source: Getty Images
This oil can symbol indicates an issue with your car's oil pressure system. You are either running low on oil or the oil pump isn't circulating enough fluid to lubricate the surfaces inside the engine. Some car dashboards may display the word 'OIL' instead of this symbol.Original content sourced from Femanin.com2. Traction Control Malfunction Light
Behold the illuminated emblem of vehicular uncertainty – the traction control system light! When this beacon of concern flickers to life on your dashboard, it's like the car's way of saying, "Hold on tight, we might be slipping into a digital labyrinth of sensor mysteries."
Image source: Fleet Europe
This light shows that the vehicle’s traction control system may have a broken or damaged sensor or some other malfunction. In some vehicles, the same control module operates the ABS and the traction control system. This means that this dashboard light appears when there are problems with your ABS.3. Tire Pressure Warning Light
Ah, the vigilant sentinel of tire well-being – the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) symbol! This icon, akin to a miniature tire oracle, possesses the power to unravel the mysteries of your tire pressure, transforming your dashboard into a tire pressure command center.
Image source: Getty Images
Also known as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) symbol, this image indicates there is an issue with your tire pressure or the TPMS. If the TPMS symbol is solid, the pressure in one or more of your tires is too low or too high. If the TPMS symbol starts flashing when you turn on your car and stays illuminated, then there's a problem with the sensors.4. Engine Temperature Warning Light
Enter the sizzling drama of automotive distress – behold the fiery emblem of engine overheating! This dashboard herald, resembling a thermometer in the throes of a temperature spike, signals an urgent message: your engine is flirting dangerously with the red zone.
Image source: Getty Images
If you see this symbol pop up, your engine is overheating. This is likely to do with your coolant (also called antifreeze) but it can happen for a variety of reasons. Try turning off the a/c and turning the heater on, to re-distribute heat to the passenger compartment. If that doesn’t work, pull over as soon as it is safe and turn off the vehicle.5. Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light
Enter the symphony of safety in the braking ballet – the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Picture this: you're hurtling down a rain-slicked road, your heart racing, and then, in a moment of automotive choreography, you slam on the brakes. But instead of a dramatic skid into chaos, there's a rhythmic pulsing beneath your foot.
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When you brake hard, like on slick roads, the ABS pulses the brakes. This is to prevent your wheels from locking up. If the ABS warning light is illuminated, it means that something is wrong with the system. As this is such an important safety feature, have it checked out as soon as possible.6. Traction Control Light
Ah, the mystifying dance of the car symbol, a beacon of assurance rather than an ominous warning! When this emblem graces your dashboard with its presence, it's not the herald of vehicular distress but rather a subtle announcement that the traction control system has taken center stage in the intricate performance of your drive.
Image source: Getty Images
This car symbol indicates that the vehicle’s traction control system is activated and NOT that there is an issue. The traction control system uses your anti-lock brake system (ABS) to determine if one of the wheels is spinning faster than the others. If it detects a wheel is slipping, it applies the brakes until the car regains traction, helpful if driving in rain or snow.7. Battery Alert Light
Enter the luminary harbinger of vehicular energy woes – the ominous glow of the charging system light. When this celestial symbol graces your dashboard, it's not just a visual embellishment but a pulsating beacon indicating a challenge within the intricate network that powers your chariot.
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This light shows there is a problem with the vehicle’s charging system. Possible culprits could be a loose or damaged battery cable, a bad alternator or another electrical fault. You may notice your clock light fading or the headlights dimming. In some cases, the car may not start at all.8. Engine Warning Light (Check Engine Light)
Ah, the enigmatic oracle of vehicular health – the check engine light, that dashboard soothsayer with a penchant for keeping drivers on their toes. When this luminous harbinger flickers to life, it's like the engine's subtle whisper, signaling that beneath the hood, a myriad of automotive tales awaits exploration.
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Your check engine light may appear for a variety of reasons. It can be triggered by an open, loose or cracked gas cap, which causes fuel to evaporate. Sometimes it indicates a serious issue such as low oil pressure or overheating! Some dashboards will display 'CHECK ENGINE' as opposed to the symbol.9. Low Fuel Indicator Light
Ah, the humble yet potent glow of the low fuel warning light, a beacon of automotive honesty reminding you that your trusty steed is running on fumes. This unassuming luminary heralds a simple yet crucial message: it's time to bid adieu to empty roads and refuel before the automotive saga takes an unexpected turn into the realm of stranded adventures.
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You are sure to be familiar with this dashboard light which simply means your vehicle is running low on gas. Don't push your luck and hope you'll be ok until the next time you use your car. Get to the next gas station and fill up or you could end up being stranded until you receive assistance.10. Automatic Shift Lock Or Engine Start Indicator Light
Ah, the humble sentinel of vehicular order – the automatic shift lock symbol, a dashboard whisperer reminding you to embrace the ritual of brake engagement before venturing into the realm of gear shifts or ignition starts. Picture it as a gentle guardian preventing your car from indulging.
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If you see this dashboard symbol, you are most likely trying to shift gears or start your ignition before engaging the brake. The automatic shift lock will lock your vehicle in neutral or park until you engage the brake. Press the brake pedal, then shift gears or start the ignition, whichever you are wanting to do.11. Airbag Indicator Light
Ah, the vigilant sentry on your dashboard – the airbag warning light, an illuminating oracle that pierces through the ambient glow to deliver a message of paramount importance. When this symbol graces your dashboard, it's not a mere suggestion but a vehicular SOS, urging you to turn your attention to the health of your automotive guardian angels.
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The airbag warning light signals there is something is wrong with one of your airbags or the whole airbag system. You should get your car checked out straight away Your car’s airbags keep you safe during accidents, so it’s really important to make sure they are working properly.12. Security Indicator Light
Behold, the silent guardian of automotive fortresses – the anti-theft system symbol, a subtle yet potent indicator of your vehicle's security measures. This unassuming light performs a dual role, both as a beacon of assurance when your security system is armed and as a vigilant watchman.
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If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, then this symbol will blink steadily when the security system is armed. If it's solid and the car will not start then the immobilization system has activated due to a malfunction. If it is solid and the car is running normally, then the security system is faulty and needs to be fixed.13. Fog Lamp Indicator Light
Enter the illuminating icon of vehicular visibility – the fog light symbol, a digital semaphore that signals the activation of an auxiliary lighting feature designed to cut through the misty shroud of uncertainty. However, wielding the power of fog lights comes with a responsibility akin to wielding a beam of clarity.
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This symbol shows that your fog lights are on. Fog lights should only be used if your visibility is less than 100 yards. If you turn them on unnecessarily, they can actually be a hazard and make it difficult for other drivers on the road to see because of the glare that the light gives off.14. Seat Belt Reminder Light
Behold, the guardian of vehicular safety – the seatbelt reminder light, a luminous vigilante that takes its role seriously, reminding both driver and passengers to strap in for the journey ahead. This unassuming yet crucial symbol serves as a relentless herald of the paramount importance of seatbelt use.
Image source: Getty Images
This car light symbol is simply to remind you or your passenger to fasten your seatbelts. It is usually accompanied by a repetitive noise which doesn't stop until you buckle up. As seat belts are responsible for saving 50% people from having serious crash related injuries, always wear yours.15. Washer Fluid Indicator Light
Enter the subtle but vital maestro of clarity – the windshield washer fluid symbol, a visual semaphore mimicking the rhythmic dance of your windshield wipers. It's not merely an aesthetic accent on your dashboard; it's a pragmatic messenger, reminding you of the visual serenity of a clean windshield.
Image source: Getty Images
Imitating the motion that your windshield wipers make, this dashboard symbol indicates that you are low on windshield washer fluid. The reservoir should be filled with fluid and kept topped up regularly. Not being able to see through your windscreen and clean it can lead to accidents.16. Brake Warning Light
Ah, the crimson herald of braking drama – the 'BRAKE' symbol or word, an attention-grabbing emissary from your vehicle's inner sanctum, signaling a potential rendezvous with the complexities of your braking system. This luminous icon doesn't dance into the limelight lightly...
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If you see this symbol on your dashboard or the actual word 'BRAKE' in red, then either the parking brake is engaged or there is a problem with your braking system. Firstly, stop and check to see if the parking brake is engaged. Try setting and releasing the brake while your vehicle is in park. If the light is still on, when the parking brake is unengaged, get your car towed to the nearest auto station.17. Lane Departure Warning Light
Ah, the vigilant guardian of lane fidelity – the lane departure warning system, a technological maestro woven into the tapestry of modern automotive safety. This feature, akin to a digital co-pilot, is designed to keep you on the straight and narrow, both literally and metaphorically, as you navigate the vast expanse of roads.
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Most cars produced today come with a lane departure warning safety feature. It will activate a light on your dashboard and make a beeping noise when it detects that your vehicle is drifting out of your lane. This will allow you to correct your steering, if needed. The light may come on when you are changing lanes purposely.18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
Ah, the warning flare of vehicular temperature discontent – the overheating transmission symbol, a beacon signaling that beneath the hood, the intricate dance of gears and mechanics has reached a fevered crescendo. This dashboard oracle isn't merely a decorative addition...
Image source / Vehicle Freak
If this symbol appears on your dashboard, it means that your transmission is overheating. This could be caused by low transmission fluid, worn parts, heavy towing or something else. You should pull over when it's safe and turn the vehicle off. Wait for it to cool down and arrange a repair.19. Rear Window Defrost
Ah, the cryptic yet serpentine dance etched on your dashboard – the rear window defroster symbol, an abstract depiction resembling a squadron of snakes gracefully navigating windows into your vehicular abode. Fear not, for this enigmatic visual is not a coded message from the automotive underworld...
Image source: Getty Images
This symbol looks like an aerial view of snakes slithering through windows into your home! It shows the rear window defroster is engaged so any condensation or ice should clear up swiftly. If your defroster isn't working, for whatever reason, get it sorted as, not being able to see out the back, is classed as unsafe driving.20. Air Suspension Warning
Ah, the seismic reverberations of audial indulgence – the bass-induced vehicular bounce, a symphony of vibrations that transcends the auditory realm and ventures into the very foundation of your car's mechanical equilibrium. However, before you lose yourself in the rhythmic embrace of booming bass, take heed...
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When your bass is so loud that your car bounces up and down, then there's a problem with the vehicle's air suspension system. This includes the inflatable bags meant to make the ride smoother. All warning signs, whether red or amber, like this one, should not be ignored.21. Cruise Control Indictor
Ah, the celestial sundial gracing your dashboard – a visual testament to the marvels of modern automotive convenience known as cruise control. This symbol, akin to a timekeeper frozen at the serene hour of 10 o'clock, is your vehicular guide through the realms of speed regulation and driving ease.
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A dashboard symbol that lights up and looks like a sundial at 10 o'clock, means that you have turned on cruise control. When the light is orange, it is waiting for you to set the preferred speed. When it turns green, that means you are traveling at that speed. This function ensures you are keeping to the speed limit.22. Lamp Out Warning
Behold, the regal emblem of automotive vigilance – the shiny gold Olympic medal, not a herald of podium triumph but a luminary messenger alerting you to a more mundane yet critical matter. This dashboard symbol, though lacking the drama of a victory ceremony, plays a pivotal role in the safety and compliance of your vehicular journey.
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This dashboard symbol looks like a shiny gold Olympic medal! Nowhere near as exciting, it indicates that one of the car's lamps has burned out. This could be the headlight, tail light or other exterior light. Simple to rectify - purchase a bulb and replace the faulty one, to avoid getting a ticket.23. Car Vehicle Door Open
Enter the vigilant custodian of vehicular closures – a dashboard symbol reminiscent of an open door, a digital sentinel on high alert to communicate a crucial message. This unassuming yet imperative visual cue graciously announces that one of your car doors has not embraced its frame.
Image source / DriveSmart
If this shows up on your dashboard, it's to tell you that one of your car doors is not closed properly. You may have left it slightly ajar by accident or pushed it and it hasn't closed properly. Either way, you can easily rectify this and avoid any possible mishaps such as something or someone falling out!24. Power Steering
Ah, the luminous herald of vehicular ease – the power steering warning light, an unassuming yet crucial symbol that casts its glow to signal potential turbulence in the seamless ballet of steering dynamics. When this light graces your dashboard, it's not a mere decorative accent.
Image source / Monticello Auto Service
When this light shows, it means there is a problem with your power steering. The steering wheel can go heavy and may make steering more difficult for you and could affect your driving ability when trying to park or take a tight manoeuvre. Make sure to get this problem dealt with.25. Steering Lock
Ah, the sentinel of ignition tranquility – the steering lock symbol, a subtle yet powerful emblem that graces your car's dashboard when the engine is at rest, serenely nestled in the off position. This unassuming symbol signifies the harmonious union of vehicle and respite.
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The steering lock symbol only appears on the car's dashboard when the ignition is in the off position, the lock being engaged. If you see it at any other time, then something isn't quite right with the vehicle and you need to book in at the auto repair shop for further investigation.26. Ignition Lock
Ah, the luminescent oracle of ignition intricacies – the dashboard symbol that, in its cryptic glow, communicates a tale of potential tribulations with the ignition switch or the very key that ushers you into the vehicular realm. This unassuming symbol has a nuanced language.
Image source: Getty Images
This symbol could indicate an issue with the ignition switch or show that there is a problem with the key that you are using. If the light comes on while you are driving, chances are that the key can no longer be verified so you will need to get the car checked out.27. Hood
Ah, the unexpected spotlight on automotive transparency – the hood symbol, a luminous herald that, when it graces your dashboard, suggests a potential oversight in the vehicular vigilance department. While this symbol may seem like a humble reminder, its glow is akin to a digital exclamation mark.
Image source / CarStuff
If you have to wait until the hood symbol is lit up on the dashboard to let you know it is open, then it can be quite worrying that you didn't notice this before the warning! You may have been checking the oil or water levels in the vehicle and forgot to bang the hood down with a bit of force.28. Trunk
Ah, the luminary custodian of cargo containment – the boot symbol, an illuminating presence on your dashboard that assumes the role of a vigilant gatekeeper, ensuring the secure closure of your vehicle's trunk or cargo area. This seemingly straightforward symbol is not merely a decorative beacon.
Image source / CarStuff
This light, unsurprisingly, turns on when the boot is not closed properly. Make sure the boot has been closed properly before setting off. If you are transporting something bulky in the trunk of your vehicle and it won't fully close, don't attempt to drive off as you could end up wit a costly fine.29. Yellow Signs
Enter the realm of caution, where the hue of yellow unfurls its visual semaphore as the guardian of potential perils. Yellow signs, akin to sentinels in the language of safety, populate the landscape of our surroundings, standing as vivid reminders that caution is not merely a suggestion.
Image source: Getty Images
Yellow signs are used anywhere that caution needs to be adhered to, especially physical hazards. This includes risks of falling, tripping, getting burned, being caught in a pinch point or experiencing hearing damage, as well as any other common hazard that may be present.30. Red Signs
In the vibrant tapestry of dashboard communication, where symbols and lights form an intricate language of vehicular dialogue, one color stands as the unequivocal commander – red. This arresting hue, akin to a digital semaphore, sends a message that transcends the nuances of caution or advisories.
Image source: Getty Images
Always remember that red means STOP! If a dashboard car warning light comes on when you are driving, don't panic. Look at the color of the lighted symbol and if it is red, then there's a safety issue or something seriously wrong with your car. Don't put it off in the hope it will go away.31. And Now... Top Tips All SUV Drivers Should Know! Practice Driving In Open Spaces
Embarking on the journey of navigating an SUV for the first time is akin to stepping into a different dimension of driving dynamics. The transition from a smaller car to an SUV introduces you to a distinct set of challenges and nuances that demand a mindful approach.
image source: reddit.com
If this is your first SUV, you'll quickly learn that handling an SUV is very different to handling a smaller car - and because you don't have driving lessons for SUVs specifically, you're going to have practice in open, clear spaces to get used to handling a bigger vehicle.32. Be Extra Careful With Other Drivers And Pedestrians
Embarking on the elevated journey of piloting an SUV brings with it a newfound perspective, quite literally. The perk of an elevated driving position bestows upon you the gift of better visibility, transforming your vehicular experience into a panoramic exploration of the road ahead.
image source: reddit.com
When you're driving an SUV, the great news for you is that you're higher up so you have better visibility. But this isn't the case for those around you. You being higher up means other drivers in smaller cars, and pedestrians, can't easily see what you're doing, so be sure to be extra careful, give extra braking time and don't forget those turn signals!33. Angle Your Side Mirrors Further Out
Navigating the expanse of the road in your SUV presents a distinct set of challenges, and as the driver of a larger vehicle with a broader width, strategic mirror placement becomes a pivotal aspect of mastering the art of safe and informed driving. The extended dimensions of your SUV demand a thoughtful approach.
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Because your SUV is a bigger vehicle, with a longer width, you might need to position your side mirrors further out to give you more visibility and cover those blind spots. Because you have a bigger vehicle, it's key to check your side mirrors more often than you would in a smaller vehicle.34. SUVs Have A Higher Risk Of Rolling Over
Embarking on the journey in your SUV, with its towering stature and robust build, imparts a unique sense of confidence on the road. However, this elevated position comes with a crucial caveat – the heightened risk of a rollover accident, especially when navigating sudden turns.
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Because SUVs are taller and larger, there's a much higher risk of having a rollover accident if you make a sudden turn or jerk your steering wheel too quickly. Sometimes, if other drivers are at fault, it's hard not to make a sudden swerve, but just be extra cautious - and make sure you're buckled in!35. Most SUVs Need A Greater Braking Distance
Transitioning from driving smaller cars to piloting an SUV is not just a change in size; it's a recalibration of the nuances in braking dynamics. The adage that size matters holds particularly true when it comes to braking distances in different vehicles. You're the captain of a larger vessel now...
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Braking distances aren't always the same for different vehicles, and if you've only ever been driver smaller cars, you'll need to get used to leaving a larger braking distance in your SUV. A lot of SUVs have anti-lock brakes, which is very helpful, and you should practice using them.36. Get Used To Defensive Driving
As the captain of a larger vessel on the road, adopting defensive driving techniques becomes an even more critical aspect of your vehicular stewardship. The enhanced size and stature of your SUV bring with them an added responsibility to safeguard not only your well-being but also that of others.
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Defensive driving techniques are even more important when you're driving a larger vehicle, so pay more attention to your speed, make sure you're not tailgating anyone, keep your hands firmly on the wheel and always check your mirrors for cyclists and pedestrians around you.37. Check Your SUV's Tire Pressure Every Month
Tire maintenance takes center stage in the symphony of SUV safety, and the recurring theme is vigilance. In the realm of larger vehicles, where the stakes are higher and the loads more substantial, tire care becomes a paramount responsibility. Blowout accidents, though rare, can have severe consequences.
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Blowout accidents can happen in SUVs if you're not checking the pressure regularly, and it's even more important because of the extra weight on your tires - so make sure you're checking tire pressure every month. This is even more important in cold weather.38. Drive Slower If Your Car Is Full
Embarking on a road trip with family and friends is a delightful adventure, but as the captain of an SUV laden with passengers and the promise of memories, a recalibration of driving dynamics becomes paramount. The familiar rules of the road apply, but...
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If you're going on a road trip with family or friends and you have a full car, it's important to go even slower in your SUV! This is because more people will raise the center of gravity in your vehicle, which means you'll have less distance to slow down to avoid an accident.39. Rotate Your Tires For Better Performance
Tire rotation: a seemingly simple vehicular ritual that holds the key to unlocking the full potential of your SUV's performance. As the conductor of this automotive symphony, tire rotation emerges as a crescendo in the pursuit of longevity, efficiency, and road prowess.
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To get the most out of your SUV driving, you should try to rotate your tires regularly (such as switching the front tires to the back and vice versa). This helps your tires to maintain a matching pressure, as well as helping to improve your SUV's performance on the road.40. Save An Emergency Car Fund
Driving an SUV undoubtedly comes with a suite of benefits, from elevated visibility to a commanding presence on the road. However, the privilege of piloting a larger vehicle is accompanied by an economic reality check. The allure of an SUV is accompanied by a higher price tag.
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For all the benefits of driving an SUV also comes the expense of it - after all, driving an SUV is not a cheap option, and all the parts, maintenance - as well as gas money - are going to come in a lot more expensive than smaller cars. Having an emergency savings pot will help keep your car on the road!41. Or At Least Get A Good Maintenance Contract
Not everyone is inclined to maintain a dedicated car savings pot, and that's perfectly okay. Recognizing this, there's a pragmatic alternative to ensure your SUV stays in peak condition without the weight of sudden, substantial bills – the maintenance contract. Think of it as a subscription.
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If you don't have a car savings pot, or you don't want one, at the very least paying monthly for a maintenance contract will help you to keep your SUV in tip top shape on a regular basis, without paying out a huge bill all at once. Keeping up with your service visits will help.42. Don't Ignore Your Warning Lights
Indeed, the symphony of warning lights on your SUV's dashboard serves as a melodic overture, alerting you to potential issues and signaling the need for attention. In the aftermath of decoding these luminous messages, a crucial refrain must be acknowledged – the imperative to promptly address the concerns.
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We've spoken about all the SUV warning lights in this article, so now you're better prepared. But it's important never to delay getting your car checked out after a warning light has come on. It's easy to ignore the light for a while if it's not an urgent emergency one, but the longer you leave it, the worse it could get.43. Oil And Fluid Levels Make All The Difference
In the orchestration of responsible SUV ownership, setting reminders for routine maintenance becomes a virtuoso performance that harmonizes with the longevity and performance of your vehicle. The lifeblood of your SUV, embodied in oil and fluid levels, requires a proactive approach.
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Set a reminder on your phone if you have to about when you're due to check your SUV's oil and fluid levels - this will make all the difference to your car's lifespan and performance. Get to know how to manually check your SUV's levels so you don't have to wait for a garage to do it every time.44. Keep Your SUV Clean
The allure of an SUV extends beyond its utilitarian qualities; it's a statement of style and substance on the road. As you navigate the asphalt expanse in your commanding vehicle, the aesthetics come into play, turning your SUV into a canvas of pride and a reflection of your discerning taste.
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Not only for aesthetic purposes - because an SUV is a great car to show off, so you'll want it looking spotless all the time! - but also because of the size of the vehicle. Because you need extra visibility whilst driving your SUV to be able to see, keeping windows and mirrors clean is a must!45. Get An SUV With A Parking Camera (Or Buy One)
In the intricate dance of urban parking lots and tight spaces, the sheer size of SUVs can pose a challenge. Maneuvering these substantial vehicles demands not just skill but also a heightened awareness of the surroundings. However, fear not, there exists a knight in shining armor – parking cameras and sensors.
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SUVs can be very cumbersome in tight parking lots, and very difficult to park in spaces due to the lack of visibility. Parking cameras, or at the very least parking sensors, are a great investment for building your confidence for parking your SUV or navigating busy parking lots!46. Take Care Of Dogs And Children When Parking In Your Neighborhood
Backing up an SUV in a crowded neighborhood can indeed present unique challenges, especially when it comes to the heightened risk of obscured visibility. The combination of the vehicle's height and potential blind spots necessitates an extra layer of caution, transforming the act of reversing into a responsibility.
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An SUV driver's worst nightmare, because of the height of the car and lack of visibility, can be packing up in a crowded neighborhood when you have no hope of seeing children or pets behind your vehicle - whether your own kids and pets, or someone elses. So you'll need extra care!47. Reduce Speed More Than You Normally Would For Tight Corners!
Welcoming an SUV into your driving repertoire comes with a shift in the dynamics of maneuvering, especially when tackling tight corners. The transition from a smaller, standard vehicle to the bulk and size of an SUV necessitates a recalibration of your approach to corners.
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If this is your first SUV, it's going to need a bigger speed reduction when taking tight corners because of the bulk and size of the car. So always make sure to slow down more than you normally would in a small, standard vehicle for those very tight corners, to avoid drifting.48. Watch For Curbs!
Navigating the road in an SUV brings with it a commanding view, but it also introduces a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to staying vigilant against potential hazards like curbs. While the height advantage provides a panoramic perspective, it also demands a heightened sense of awareness.
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This can be near impossible for SUV drivers when they're so high up, but try your best anyway - this is because hitting a curb can actually be one of the biggest causes for SUV drivers to suffer a rollover, especially at higher speeds (understandably). So watch for those curbs!49. You Might Not Want A Luggage Rack For Your SUV
Loading up your SUV for a vacation or road trip involves a strategic game of spatial optimization. While the convenience of a luggage rack on the roof might seem tempting, especially for those extra-large items, it's essential to weigh the practicality against the potential impact on the vehicle's stability.
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If you're using your car to fill up with luggage for a vacation or trip, you might want to consider putting it on the backseat, on the floor in the back, or in the trunk, rather than a luggage rack on the roof. This is because your SUV is already so top-heavy that extra weight on top can throw it off balance in an accident.50. Don't Panic Over Tiny Mistakes
Navigational mishaps on the road can trigger a cascade of stress and a flurry of instincts urging quick corrections. While the impulse to swiftly rectify a missed turn or a wrong exit is a natural response, it's crucial to temper that instinct, especially when piloting an SUV.