What does an exclamation mark on the dashboard mean?
2 Answers
An exclamation mark on the dashboard can indicate three different situations: An exclamation mark inside a circle with brackets: Brake pad damage or insufficient brake fluid. The solution is to release the parking brake and check if the brake fluid is low. If the light remains on, go to a repair shop to replace the brake pads. An exclamation mark inside a triangle: External light malfunction. The solution is to check if the lights are faulty. If there is no issue but the light remains on, it is recommended to visit a repair shop for maintenance. An exclamation mark inside yellow brackets: Issues with tire pressure in one of the tires. The solution is to check if the tire is punctured or leaking air. If not, drive at low speed and look for an auto repair shop, car care center, or roadside car wash, as they usually have air pumps. Inflate the tire and observe the dashboard again. If the warning light still doesn't turn off, locate the settings in the vehicle's central console and perform another tire pressure check. The light will turn off once the pressure is normal.
I recently encountered the situation where the exclamation mark on the dashboard lit up while driving, and I was a bit panicked at first because it looked like a warning symbol. Generally speaking, this exclamation mark could indicate a minor issue with the car, such as the brake system reminding you to check the brake pads or low brake fluid level, or the tire pressure monitoring system showing insufficient pressure in one of the tires. If it stays lit after starting the car instead of flashing briefly and then turning off, you should be even more alert. I remember one time my friend's car had this symbol, and he thought it was a minor issue and ignored it. A few days later, the brakes became less effective, and he almost got into an accident. Personally, I suggest that if you see it light up while driving, it's best to find a safe place to pull over and check the manual or quickly inspect the tires. If you can't figure it out, contact a repair shop immediately—don't compromise safe driving. After all, addressing minor car issues promptly can save you a lot of money and avoid risks, and developing a habit of regular car checks is also very important.
