Dashboard Symbols in Cars?
2 Answers
Generally, a car is equipped with an odometer, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, fuel gauge, water temperature gauge, ammeter, and air pressure gauge, among others. Various indicator gauges and warning devices are installed on the dashboard in the car's cabin. The following is an introduction to the symbols on the dashboard: 1. Warning Light: Typically follows a hierarchical system. A red light indicates a fault light, a yellow or orange light signifies a warning light, while a green or blue light represents an indicator light, which is merely for notification and requires no action. 2. Airbag Fault Light: This symbol looks like a person playing with a ball, where the ball represents the airbag. When this light is on, it indicates that the airbag has encountered a fault and cannot deploy normally in the event of a trigger. For safety reasons, it is recommended to visit a repair shop as soon as possible. 3. Brake System Fault Light: When this light is on, it is advisable to first check if the handbrake has been left engaged. If not, it may indicate an issue with the brake system, such as worn brake pads, insufficient brake fluid, or problems with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) or Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The condition of the brake system is paramount for driving safety, so immediate inspection is strongly recommended.
Over the years of driving, the sudden illumination of dashboard warning lights is what I fear the most, especially on highways. Never ignore common red symbols—for instance, an oil pressure light means you must stop immediately, as low oil levels can cause engine seizure. A coolant temperature warning indicates engine overheating, and continuing to drive may destroy the engine. Yellow symbols serve as reminders for inspections, such as a steady engine malfunction light requiring an OBD scan, or a tire pressure alert signaling low air in a tire. Green and blue icons are functional indicators, like high beams or cruise control activation, which aren’t causes for concern. Once, I overlooked the brake system warning light, resulting in worn-out brake pads and thousands in repairs. I recommend beginners keep a printed dashboard symbol guide in the car—if an unfamiliar light appears, pull over and check the manual first.
