in today's world MOST drivers on the road look at gauges and lights as a warning to bring up at the next scheduled maintenance or when the mechanic gets called for an appointment.

the fact that the OP is asking the question shows that he is wondering if that was wise, and if a mechanic's opinion could be fair if they recommend major repairs.
many of us fail to realize that everybody isn't aware of every single feature and frailty of a vehicle.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!