What does the dashboard (!) mean?
2 Answers
Dashboard (!) is the brake system fault light. When the brake system fault light is on, it represents: 1. It is normal for the light to come on for a few seconds after turning on the ignition switch; 2. The brake fluid level is too low or the brake fluid has deteriorated, and the light comes on during driving; 3. The brake system has malfunctioned; 4. The brake pads are severely worn or have failed. Common fault indicator lights include: 1. Tire pressure warning light, usually displayed as a yellow warning light, with an exclamation mark in the middle resembling a tire; 2. Oil indicator light, if the oil light is on when the vehicle is started, it may be due to insufficient oil pressure; 3. Washer fluid indicator light, indicating that the washer fluid is about to run out or has already run out.
After driving for so many years, I've encountered that exclamation mark warning light on the dashboard quite a few times. It basically means there's some issue with a vehicle system that requires your attention. The most common one is the low tire pressure alert, displayed as a tire-shaped symbol with an exclamation mark. The system will illuminate a yellow light when it detects insufficient air pressure, reminding you to check and inflate immediately. If not addressed promptly, driving at high speeds can significantly increase the risk of a tire blowout. It could also indicate a brake system malfunction, such as insufficient brake fluid or ABS issues, in which case you should stop immediately and have it checked by a professional. My advice is to pull over as soon as you see the exclamation light, consult the relevant section in your user manual to determine the exact cause, and never ignore it—safety is no small matter. If you've just driven through a puddle or rough road, it might be a sensor false alarm, but it's usually still worth taking seriously—don't take chances. Getting it inspected at a reputable shop promptly is the safest way to avoid major trouble.
