Understanding Car Warning Symbols On Your Dashboard

When packed with electronics and sensors to monitor, expect the car to flash those warning signals, every time something goes wrong while driving. It is called car warning symbols that lets you drive much safer on the roads.

So, how car dash symbols work? Well, as soon as something goes wrong in the car, one or the other feature gets activated on the dashboard. This activates the signal funnels through the electrical system, illuminating a hieroglyphic, which is then displayed on the dashboard to the driver.

Car Warning Symbols: Knowing The Meanings

The dashboard is full of symbols, which may differ slightly in different cars. But, on most of the vehicle’s dashboards, these car warning lights will represent the same meaning, displaying almost the same icons right there. While some car dashboard symbols and meanings could portend a serious malfunction, here are some important signals that you should not be ignored anyway.

1.  Engine warning light (ECU)

This is basically the engine-shaped signal that your car has shifted into the safe mode itself. Engine warning light (Check Engine) is the most general warning light among the lights on cars because it is related to many engine parts. The check engine light is on when starting and operating, which means that your car is having a problem with the control system… The reason for this light illuminating your dashboard could be the lack of power, trouble caused by the misfire, or any other fault that is halting the normal working of the engine. So, when such a sign appears on the dashboard, there is no better option than calling a professional mechanic to get it checked, as driving such a car would only lead to irreparable damage. Here are 4 easy ways to reset check engine light by yourself you can follow.

2. Tire pressure warning light

This symbol appears like a U alphabet with an exclamation mark in between. This is one of those car dashboard warning lights, that will appear when there is some sort of trouble in the tires. So, when it shows up right there, it means that the pressure in one or more of the tires is too low and needs your attention right there and then.

3. Engine temperature warning lights

Well, the warning light looks like an ‘E’ that is sailing in the water. This dashboard warning light warns you to keep the engine cool. So, it appears when the engine has become too hot and it probably needs instant attention. Engine maintenance tips must, therefore, be followed from time to time for safe driving.

Read more:

• Things to do when temperature warning lights appear
• Resetting check engine light? Here’s how to do it

4. Seatbelt indicator

Expect this signal on the dashboard when the seatbelts are not worn. While this is something that needs no professional help, this is one of the most important aspects of driving. Yet many don’t even buckle up on it every time, this is something that is really important to reduce the accidents and injuries on the roads. Remember, seat belt safety comes first when on the roads.

5. Brake warning light

Expect this signal to display on your dashboard when the handbrake is left on. In case, the light is flashing even while driving, this could probably be the indication of low brake fluid as well. Then comes the serious concern, if the light is permanently lit, as this could be the indication of pulling the car to the roadside and towing (not driving) to the repair shop.

6. Airbag warning light

Airbags could be considered one of the most amazing inventions to make cars safer, any day. So, when this warning light appears on the dashboard, get the car checked instantly to avoid sudden shock or the popping up of the faulty airbag during the car crash. So, don’t let yourself be stuck in the “Why my Airbag light is On” query. The warning signal on the dashboard is going to tell you all.

Knowing these common car dashboard warning lights can possibly save your vehicle and even your life. So, being aware of these signals can be a great assistance for driving safely on the roads. Learning car dashboard warning lights is, therefore, a must.

7. Auxiliary steering wheel warning light

This light indicates that the steering wheel’s electric power has a problem. When the power steering wheel is faulty, you will find the steering wheel very heavy and difficult to rotate. This can be dangerous when the car is running at high speed.

8. Coolant warning light

Coolant temperature warning light plays an important role in cars, especially in the summer. As the name implies, the effect of this type of water is to cool the car engine. If there is not enough cooling water in the system, the engine will overheat and stop running.

When you see this light on the dashboard, you need to add more coolant to the engine.

9. Battery error indicator warning light

In some cases, the battery error light will come on when you first start the computer. After a few seconds, the light will turn off. If the lights do not turn off after a few seconds, your car has a faulty battery or cord.

If the electric system of the car is malfunctioning, it is best not to attempt to start the engine again before the problem is resolved.

10. Oil warning light

When you see this light on the dashboard, you need to understand that the oil temperature is too high or that the oil/pressure in the tank is too low. Excessive oil can lead to engine failure. So, you should check with an oil spatula and fill as needed.

So for all of the information above with the specific expression of each light among the dashboard warning lights, you will have a safe driving whether any kind of lights comes on in your dashboard. If you are interested in car maintenance, let’s follow us for more daily updated articles that could satisfy your demands.