What does a snowflake symbol on the dashboard mean?
2 Answers
A snowflake symbol on the dashboard indicates that the outside temperature is too low. When the temperature outside the vehicle is low, the outdoor thermometer senses the temperature and feeds it back to the dashboard to alert the driver. If the vehicle's outdoor temperature sensor is damaged, it may collect incorrect outdoor temperature readings, causing the snowflake light to illuminate, in which case the outdoor temperature sensor should be checked promptly. If the car's intake air temperature sensor is damaged, the data stream will show abnormally low temperatures. Low-temperature air has a higher density, which increases the fuel injection pulse width, resulting in an overly rich air-fuel mixture. If the sensor is short-circuited, the data stream will show abnormally high temperatures. High-temperature air has a lower density, which reduces the fuel injection pulse width, resulting in an overly lean air-fuel mixture. The higher the intake air temperature sensor's reading, the richer the air-fuel mixture. A broken sensor or poor grounding can cause an overly lean mixture, leading to difficulty starting the engine.
I've been driving for over 30 years and often see that snowflake symbol light up on the dashboard in winter. It means the outside temperature has dropped near freezing point, usually around 4°C, and the road surface may become icy and slippery, which is particularly dangerous. The first time I encountered it, I thought it was a malfunction indicator and immediately pulled over to check. Later, an old-timer explained that it's part of the anti-skid warning system. Now when driving in cold weather, I instinctively slow down and shift gears upon seeing it, avoiding sudden braking or sharp turns, especially on highways or rural roads where black ice is common. I recommend keeping a thermometer in the car to monitor temperatures, while also ensuring your tires have sufficient tread depth and proper inflation pressure - these measures can significantly reduce accident risks. Don't underestimate this warning light; it's saved me more than once.
