What does an 'i' in the middle of a circle on the dashboard mean?
2 Answers
The 'i' in the middle of a circle on the dashboard is the indicator for the handbrake being engaged. If the car's handbrake is pulled up, a circle with an inverted 'i' will light up on the dashboard. The car dashboard is a device that reflects the working conditions of various vehicle systems. Common indicators include the fuel indicator, washer fluid indicator, electronic throttle indicator, front and rear fog light indicators, and warning lights. Different cars have different dashboards, but conventional dashboards generally include a speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, fuel gauge, and charging gauge. Modern car dashboards are equipped with various indicator or warning lights, such as coolant level warning lights, fuel level indicators, washer fluid level indicators, charging indicators, high/low beam indicators, transmission gear indicators, anti-lock braking system (ABS) indicators, traction control indicators, airbag warning lights, etc.
That circle with a small 'i' icon on the dashboard? I've seen this countless times after decades of driving—it's simply an information indicator light. It means there's a system message awaiting your attention, possibly a maintenance reminder, low tire pressure, fuel level alert, or battery issue. Always check your owner's manual immediately for specific trouble codes. Never delay—minor warnings can escalate into major failures if ignored. Safe driving relies on prevention; schedule regular comprehensive inspections at your service center to catch issues early. Before long trips, make it a habit to scan your instrument cluster—it prevents roadside surprises.