···
Log in / Register

What does a small car icon on the dashboard mean?

4 Answers
LeRicardo
09/07/25 5:09am

The small car icon on the car dashboard is the warning light for the vehicle's anti-theft system. Generally, when the car's stability control system is turned off, this small car icon on the dashboard will remain lit. If the anti-theft system light flashes while the car is in motion, it indicates that the vehicle's stability control system is active. The main purpose of the car's anti-theft system is to prevent the theft or unauthorized movement of the vehicle or its contents. In daily life, car anti-theft systems come in three structural types: electronic, network-based, and mechanical. Currently, car anti-theft systems have become increasingly sophisticated and have improved significantly compared to earlier versions. Moreover, the car's self-diagnostic capabilities are also quite powerful. Typically, at the moment the car starts, various warning lights on the dashboard will illuminate and then turn off automatically after a short period. If a light remains on continuously, it indicates a problem with a specific part of the car, requiring prompt inspection and repair. The anti-theft system indicator light is one of the more common lights on the dashboard. Other frequently seen indicator lights include the following: High coolant temperature: The dashboard warning light does not display the coolant level but only the temperature. If the coolant temperature warning light comes on, it indicates insufficient coolant in the radiator. Low tire pressure: The car has electronic components that monitor the tires. If a tire is leaking or has low pressure, the system will send a signal to the alarm system. Low engine oil: Insufficient engine oil can affect the operation of car components. Without proper lubrication, wear and tear will increase, potentially leading to damage. If oil pressure is too low, the alarm system will alert the driver.

Was this review help?
19
4
Share
OmarMarie
09/19/25 4:28am

Seeing that little car icon on the dashboard, I guess you're a bit worried—I've been there too. This is usually one of the vehicle's system warning lights, such as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) indicating low pressure or an engine issue. Color matters: a yellow light means caution, while a red light signals a serious fault requiring immediate attention. During daily driving, if the TPMS light comes on, it's likely due to a tire leak or puncture—checking tire pressure usually solves it; if it's the engine light, possible causes include fuel line blockage or sensor failure—the safest bet is driving to a repair shop for diagnostic trouble code reading. Never ignore it—a tire blowout at high speed is extremely dangerous, and many accidents each year stem from overlooking these small warnings. Remember, your owner's manual is your ally—looking up specific trouble codes for your car model makes things much clearer.

Was this review help?
5
0
Share
Expand All
IslaDella
11/02/25 4:49am

You're curious about that little car icon on the dashboard, right? I was confused when I first started driving too. This indicator usually represents a fault warning in some part of the vehicle. The most common situations are low tire pressure or engine system abnormalities. If it's a newer car, it might be the TPMS light indicating a flat tire; for older vehicles, it could signal ABS or brake issues. From my experience, first use a tire pressure gauge to check all four wheels - normal pressure is usually between 2.2-2.5 bar. If the pressure is normal but the light remains on, visit a professional shop for diagnostic equipment testing. Regular tire maintenance and oil changes can reduce the chances of these warning lights appearing. Safety first - don't push your luck driving long distances when it's showing red, though cautious short-distance movement is generally acceptable.

Was this review help?
4
3
Share
Expand All
JosephineRose
12/16/25 4:53am

When the small car icon lights up on the dashboard, it's mostly a fault warning signal. It could indicate issues with the tire pressure system, warning that low pressure may lead to a blowout; or point to engine problems, such as a faulty sensor requiring inspection. A simple approach is to first check the manual to confirm the meaning of the color—yellow means you can drive to get it checked, while red requires pulling over immediately. Common causes include punctured tires, aging spark plugs, or electrical short circuits. I've seen many cases where people dismissed it as a false alarm, only to end up with brake failure. Regular maintenance, like checking tire pressure every three months, can prevent such issues. If the light flashes, it means the fault is worsening and must be addressed promptly.

Was this review help?
13
1
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

Why does the BMW 5 Series not respond when starting after wading through water and shifting to neutral?

BMW 5 Series not responding when starting after wading through water and shifting to neutral is caused by water entering the engine, leading to circuit failure. Engine water ingress situations: Generally, engine water ingress can be categorized into three scenarios. The first is engine submersion, which does not damage critical components. The second is minor water ingress, where the engine can still start normally. The third is significant water ingress into the engine cylinders, preventing normal engine startup. Different levels of water ingress will manifest different symptoms in the engine. Precautions after engine water ingress: Do not restart the engine after stalling. Automotive maintenance experts warn that during heavy rainfall, many roads may have deep water accumulation, and drivers should be cautious about the depth of standing water. If the water depth exceeds 20 cm (some high-clearance vehicles like SUVs can handle up to 30 cm of water), avoid driving through it. This is especially true for older models, where lower intake and exhaust ports can allow water to be sucked back into the engine through the exhaust pipe, causing stalling. When driving through waterlogged roads, use a low gear and proceed slowly. A crucial reminder: never lift off the accelerator when crossing water, as doing so creates strong suction in the exhaust system, potentially drawing water back into the engine.
10
4
Share

What's the reason for a significant decrease in brake fluid without any leakage?

The reason for a significant decrease in brake fluid without any leakage is due to high pressure in the new pump. Introduction to Brakes: Braking, also known as deceleration, refers to the action of stopping or reducing the speed of moving locomotives, vehicles, other means of transport, or machinery. The general principle of braking involves fixing a wheel or disc on the high-speed shaft of the machine and installing corresponding brake shoes, bands, or discs on the machine base to generate braking torque under external force. The braking device, also known as a decelerator, is a mechanical braking device that can slow down the speed. Classification of Brakes: Drum brakes, advantages of drum brakes, disadvantages of drum brakes, disc brakes, etc.
4
1
Share

What to do when the Haval H7 cannot detect the key?

One-key start models have a smart key slot, which may be located inside the center console or under the mat of the cup holder in some models. Some one-key start models are equipped with a metal key ignition slot. Locate this slot and insert the key blade from the remote key. When the smart key runs out of battery, place the remote key against the one-key start button or other sensing area and wait for a moment. The vehicle will then detect the key. Just like a TV remote control at home, simply replace the battery when it runs out. Similarly, you can visit a 4S store to replace the smart battery with a new one.
18
0
Share

How to Deal with a Hit-and-Run Scratch on a Car?

When a car is legally parked and gets scratched by another vehicle, you can report it to the police. This approach is usually quicker and more effective for resolving the issue. For those drivers who flee the scene after scratching a car, as long as you remember the license plate number and provide it to the police, the authorities will contact the other party. However, it's important to note: when parking your car in a certain spot, you should be aware of whether it's within or outside a blind spot. Ideally, it should be within the view of surveillance cameras. Nowadays, almost 9 out of 10 car owners have installed dashcams. If another vehicle scratches your car, the dashcam will typically activate automatically to record the incident.
18
0
Share

How to Unclog the Sunroof Drain Pipe of a Geely Emgrand?

After clogging occurs, you can find a 6mm iron wire (usually clogged by dust and mud), then poke open the four drain holes, and pour water from above until water drains out. Aim an air gun at the two front drain holes inside the sunroof and use high-pressure airflow to blow through the drain pipe. Flushing the drain pipe with a syringe should be able to clear the pipe. First, use a syringe to extract the water from the sunroof drain channel to prevent water from flowing into the car through the sunroof drain channel.
11
2
Share

What to Do with Old Car Insurance When Trading in an Old Car for a New One?

Submit a written request for insurance cancellation to the insurance company, stating the reason for cancellation and the time of cancellation, then sign or stamp it and submit it to the insurance company. The insurance company's business department will issue a cancellation endorsement. Based on the cancellation request, the insurance company will issue a cancellation endorsement, specifying the cancellation time and the amount of the refund. The insurance company will retrieve the car insurance policy. Go to the insurance company's finance department to collect the refundable insurance premium. Bring the cancellation endorsement and your ID card to the insurance company's finance department to receive the refundable insurance premium.
14
1
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.