What should drivers do if a warning light appears on their dashboard prior to inspection?

When a warning light appears on a vehicle's dashboard, it serves as an important alert about potential issues with the vehicle. Investigating and addressing these warning lights is crucial because they can indicate problems that may affect the vehicle's performance, safety, or emissions systems. For instance, a check engine light could signify a variety of underlying issues that, if left unaddressed, could lead to more significant problems or failures during the safety inspection process.

Ignoring a warning light, as suggested in one of the options, could result in unsafe driving conditions or an inability to pass the inspection, which ultimately puts the driver and others on the road at risk. While checking oil levels is a part of general vehicle maintenance, it should not be the sole focus, especially if warning lights indicate problems in other areas like brakes or tires. Additionally, visiting a car wash, while helpful for vehicle appearance, does not address any underlying mechanical or safety issues indicated by the warning lights.

Therefore, drivers should take any warning lights seriously and engage in prompt investigation and resolution of the issues they indicate to ensure the vehicle is safe and compliant before undergoing an inspection.