What Do the Lights on My Dashboard Mean?

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Krissyar

In today’s cars there are more dashboard lights than ever to alert drivers about possible problems – problems you need to take care of asap. If you are like me and don’t know much more than the gas light, here is a quick guide to common dashboard warning lights and symbols.

This post is sponsored by Rochester Hills Dodge Chrysler Jeep Dealer Troy, Pontiac

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

In newer cars the lit icon will look just like an engine; it means the vehicle’s computer noticed a diagnostic trouble code which means there is an issue. If it just occasionally comes on and off, it’s probably something not quite as urgent, and you can have them check it the next time you go in for an oil change or maintenance.
BUT if it stays on – that’s a problem. It could be something as simple as the gas cap not being closed tightly enough , or it  could be something major. If the light stays on – GET IT CHECKED OUT. If it flashes, it’s probably super serious and you need to get to a repair shop or mechanic immediately. 

TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT

Ok,I might know this one too. The dashboard lights look like a tire with an exclamation point which means tire pressure in at least one of the tires is low and needs inflated. Be sure to check the tire pressure asap

TPMS LIGHT

This dashboard light stand for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System and when it comes on there is an actual problem with the monitoring system. Probably a failed sensor on one of the wheels – this doesn’t necessarily mean that your tires need air – the TPMS just keeps track of the air pressure, so if the light is on, something in the tire needs fixed, so that when you do have low tire pressure, it can let you know.

OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT

If you see a dashboard light that looks like an oil can, you need to pull over ASAP. This signals the loss of oil pressure, which means you could be losing oil (which is never good). So be sure to pull over immediately and check.

ENGINE TEMP WARNING LIGHT

A warning dashboard light that looks like a thermometer means the engines temp is beyond normal limits, and needs checked immediately. This light helps warm you so that your car doesn’t overheat. You will want to check the  coolant level and make sure the radiator cap is properly sealed, and also look for any coolant leaks. ALWAYS LEAVE TIME FOR THE ENGINE TO COOL DOWN BEFORE CHECKING or you could be burned.

BATTERY CHARGE WARNING LIGHT

When the dashboard light looks like a battery, that means your voltage level is below normal. Somewhere the vehicle’s charging system isn’t working properly, so you need to have the battery terminal and alternator and alternator belt checked. If it’s an older battery, it may need to be replaced.

BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT

The  dashboard light that looks like a circle inside a set of parenthesis with an exclamation point in the middle represents your brake system – and if it comes on while you are driving, you need to definitely pay attention. It could be triggered by driving with your parking brake on, or it  can mean you are losing brake fluid – both which are bad. If it comes off and on, and you don’t notice a difference in your brakes, just make an appointment with your mechanic or service shop as soon as possible. If it stays on , I would recommend having it towed to the repair shop. 

 

 

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DIY Santa Ornaments

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Krissyar

These DIY Santa ornaments are tons of fun, and can be great gifts that the kids can even make themselves!

Supplies:

Directions:

  1. Wrap the ribbon around the ball ornament, and cut when the ends meet. 
  2. Apply a glue dot to one end, then one in the middle, and one at the other end. Make sure that the ribbon lines up and appears to look even through this process.


  3. Cut about ½ – ¾ inch piece of washi tape, making sure it is straight on each end. I cut a larger piece, and used an Exacto knife to make sure that the end cuts were nice and straight. Apply to the center of ribbon with a glue dot, for added sticking ability. (this becomes santa’s “belt”)


  4. Remove the top from the ornament. Fill the ornament with the red glitter balls.
    Replace the top of the ornament.

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Frozen Olaf Dessert Cups

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Krissyar

If you are like us, you are loving the new Frozen 2 movie! We decided to celebrate with some Olaf dessert cups, and the kids loved them!

Items Needed: 

  • Small shot glass cups
  • 8 oz tub of Cool Whip 
  • 1 Berry Blue Jell-O Gelatin (3 oz size)
  • 1 packet of unflavored gelatin (3 oz size)
  • Condensed Milk 
  • Olaf Cocoa Trimming Kit (which can be found on Amazon or Walmart). 

Directions:
Place Berry Blue Jell-O in a bowl and whisk in 2/3 cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved and allow to cool. Once cooled, fill each cup about 1/3 full of blue and allow to chill and set in the refrigerator.
Mix 1 packet of unflavored gelatin with 2/3 cup water and 1 can of condensed milk
Add white gelatin on top of the blue once set and place in refrigerator.
Once the white gelatin has fully set top with another layer of blue.

Once the third layer is set top with whipped cream to make your Olaf body. Top with Olaf face.
Refrigerate until ready to serve

 

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Blueberry Yogurt Bark

Posted on November 30, 2019 by Krissyar

INGREDIENTS 

  • 2 Cups Blueberry Greek Yogurt

•  Blueberries

•  Parchment Paper

  1. Take a piece of parchment paper and lay it out on a baking pan. This will make your bark remove from the pan effortlessly.
  2. Spread out 2 cups of blueberry greek yogurt on to the parchment paper.
  3. Sprinkle blueberries onto your Yogurt.
  4. Place in the freezer for 2+ hours.
  5. Remove from freezer and break into pieces.
  6. Serve & enjoy!

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Virtual Doctor Visits at Home: Saving Money and Time with Amwell

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Krissyar

That time of year is here – the weather turns colder, and it seems the kids get sicker. The Winter to Spring seems to be the biggest ‘sick’ season in our schools and home. A few years ago it was literally every other week I turned around and one of my kids (or myself) was sick. With working a full-time job and doing all this parenting on my own, I don’t always have time to run myself or my kids to the doctor every time we start to not feel well.

But I’m a worrier just like any other Mom – is that cough just part of a regular cold, or could it be something worse? Is the sore throat from coughing, or do they have strep? So many questions, and not enough time to spend hours at the doctor’s office waiting to get answers (we definitely are not fan’s of sitting around the Doctor’s office) not to mention money! I mean,  it stinks to be sick at any time , but it especially stinks to be sick during the holidays. A few years ago my oldest daughter was sick on Christmas day and spent most of the time in her room or the bathroom. We have missed a lot of our winter/holiday celebrations due to illness, so when someone even so much as sniffles now, I am on it. So when my son wasn’t feeling good, and going to bed without me telling him to – and his cheeks and ears were flushed, I knew we had to make a call.

Now before we did the video call to find out what was going on with my son,  we just filled out our information and such as my name, our health insurance, where we are located, and then his age, sex, and symptoms so that the Doctor would have a general idea before we got online with her –  we only waited for a few moments before we were online and able to talk to the Doctor.

It was great to be able to sit on our couch -from the comfort of our own home – and not get out in the cold and sit in the germ-infested Doctor’s office waiting, and waiting..we gave the Doctor his symptoms, and held the phone close to look in his mouth, ears, etc. She easily was able to let us know that he had an ear infection and needed antibiotics – which she was able to get us a prescription for an antibiotic right away! The entire process took less time than driving to the Doctor’s office! And he was feeling better just in time for our annual Winterfest tradition!

That is why I love Amwell. Amwell has Doctors, therapists, and specialist that you can reach in minutes from your computer, tablet or phone.

So there are soo many reasons to love (and use) Amwell.

  • There’s no wait – once you fill out your information and login, you are placed in a queue to see a Doctor based on your symptoms. The longest I’ve ever sat is 5 minutes – FIVE minutes! That’s it. It makes me longer to get signed in at the front desk of our family doctor!
  • No appointment needed – have you ever had a kid get sick in the middle of the night and you knew they needed to be seen by a Doctor? So you try to appease their fever/ etc all night and wait to call the Doctor in the morning only to find out their first appointment isn’t until the end of the day, or even worse, they can’t fit you in at all? No worries with Amwell. Call and BAM! you’re in!
  • No Need to Use those PTO Days – Having to take off of work to go wait hours in the waiting room at the doctor’s office has always super irritated me, especially for something like diagnosing a rash, or answering questions about why my eyes were red and itchy,or why my son’s wart wouldn’t go away. Instead of taking a day off,I’m able to get online with Doctor’s via Amwell and get answers when it’s convenient for me – even if it’s right before bedtime, or first thing in the morning!

They can help figure out what ails you – from fever, to cold and flu’s, allergies, sinus infections, stomach bugs, rashes, and even UTI’s.

Don’t just take my word for it – use this special code: AMWELL25 to receive 25% an $69 urgent care visit with Amwell.

Compensation was provided by Amwell via Momtrends.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Amwell or Momtrends. 

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