What does a circle with an exclamation mark on the car dashboard mean?
2 Answers
A circle with an exclamation mark on the car dashboard refers to the brake system warning light. The reasons for the brake system warning light to illuminate are: 1. False alarm; 2. Handbrake not fully engaged or forgotten to engage; 3. Worn brake pads; 4. Insufficient brake fluid; 5. Low brake fluid level. Other indicator lights on the dashboard include: 1. Tire pressure monitoring indicator, which monitors the air pressure of each tire in real-time; 2. Battery indicator, showing the battery usage status; 3. Engine indicator, displaying the working condition of the vehicle's engine; 4. Oil pressure indicator, used to show the oil pressure condition inside the engine.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and the most common meaning of that exclamation mark inside a circle on the dashboard is either the handbrake isn't fully released or there's an issue with the braking system. Just last week, it lit up while I was driving, so I quickly pulled over and checked—turned out the handbrake was stuck and not fully disengaged. A quick adjustment fixed it. If the light stays on, it could indicate a problem with the ABS (anti-lock braking system), like a dirty sensor or low brake fluid. Don’t underestimate it—brake failure on the highway is extremely dangerous. My advice is to first check the handbrake and tire pressure yourself. If that doesn’t resolve it, head straight to a repair shop to scan for trouble codes with a diagnostic tool, saving you from costly repairs later. Safe driving is a serious matter—don’t wait for an accident to regret it!
