What does the circle with an exclamation mark in a car mean?
2 Answers
Red exclamation mark (specifically a circle with an exclamation mark inside), this represents a warning for the braking system, mainly indicating a malfunction in the braking system or low brake fluid level. Solution: Immediate inspection and repair of the braking system are required to avoid accidents. Apart from the red exclamation mark representing braking system faults, all other exclamation marks in a car are yellow, indicating general faults, automatic transmission faults, abnormal tire pressure, and lighting faults. Below is a detailed analysis of these four situations: General Fault: A triangle with an exclamation mark inside. If this symbol lights up, it indicates a fault in the car's general performance, components, or functions. Common issues include parking sensor faults, fuel cut-off system intervention or malfunction, external light faults, engine oil pressure sensor faults, etc. It is necessary to visit a 4S shop for inspection to identify the source of the fault. Automatic Transmission Fault: A yellow gear with an exclamation mark inside. This is the automatic transmission fault warning light, indicating a fault in the transmission or transmission lubricant below the normal range. Transmission fluid should be replaced promptly. Abnormal Tire Pressure: A horizontal line under a bracket with an exclamation mark in the middle. This represents the tire pressure monitoring warning light, which lights up when the car's tire pressure is too low. Check the car's tire pressure and restore it to the normal range. Lighting Fault: A yellow bulb with an exclamation mark. This is the lighting fault indicator, signaling a fault in one of the car's lights. Solution: Visit a 4S shop for inspection and repair as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can check yourself, focusing on commonly used bulbs such as turn signals, fog lights, and interior lights, to identify the problem.
That day I was driving long-distance on the highway when suddenly the exclamation mark light inside the circle lit up on the dashboard. At first, I thought it was a minor issue and didn’t pay much attention, but then I noticed the brake pedal felt softer than usual, which startled me. After pulling over and checking, I found the brake fluid was critically low—thankfully, no accident occurred. I went to the repair shop to top it up, and the mechanic mentioned it could be due to daily wear or leakage. Since then, I always check the warning lights before starting the car. If a light stays on and isn’t just a false alarm, I address it immediately. I recommend everyone develop this habit: lights on at startup are normal, but if they stay on while driving, don’t delay—it’s a matter of life and safety. Regularly checking fluid levels during maintenance can prevent problems before they arise.
