Hi Frank,

All cars with engines have a way to warn the driver of an excess coolant temperature and issues with the battery charging circuit (i.e. usually the alternator). Some have gauges to show the coolant temperature and state of the battery, but many use simple warning lights instead. If you turn on the ignition of the car, but don't start the engine, you should see all the warning lights illuminated for a moment, even if there is nothing wrong. That's how you check that the bulbs for the warning lights are working properly.