What does a kettle symbol on the car dashboard mean?
2 Answers
Car dashboard with a kettle symbol indicates the oil pressure warning light, which is usually caused by insufficient oil in the engine lubrication system leading to loss of pressure. It is important to check whether the engine is low on oil or if there are any leaks. In such cases, you should immediately stop the vehicle, turn off the engine, and conduct an inspection. If necessary, take the car to a professional service center like a 4S shop for further diagnosis. During vehicle operation, only proper oil pressure can safely deliver oil to all friction surfaces of the engine. When oil pressure is either too high or too low, it can affect the normal operation of the engine and may even cause damage to engine components.
The kettle icon on the dashboard refers to the oil pressure warning light, indicating that the oil pressure is too low or the oil level is insufficient. The engine relies entirely on oil to lubricate its internal components, just like a machine needs lubrication. If the light stays on, do not continue driving, as this may lead to engine overheating, piston wear, or more severe damage, such as engine seizure. Immediately find a safe place to stop and turn off the engine. Wait a few minutes, then open the hood and check the dipstick: the oil level should be between MIN and MAX. If it's low, add oil of the same specification. If the light remains on after adding oil, or if the oil level is normal but the light doesn’t go off, it’s likely an issue with the oil pump, sensor, or filter, and you should take it to a professional repair shop. Such problems often stem from oil leaks or prolonged intervals between oil changes, so I recommend checking the oil level visually every month and changing the oil every six months as a preventive measure. During repairs, technicians will use tools to scan for fault codes to pinpoint the issue accurately—don’t guess and risk making things worse.
