What does the exclamation mark in brackets on the car display mean?
3 Answers
A red exclamation mark (specifically in the form of an exclamation mark inside a circled bracket) indicates a warning for the braking system, mainly signaling either a braking system malfunction or low brake fluid level. Solution: Immediate inspection and repair of the braking system is required to avoid accidents. Apart from the red exclamation mark indicating a braking system fault, other exclamation marks on the car are yellow, representing general faults, automatic transmission faults, abnormal tire pressure, and lighting faults. Below is a detailed analysis of these four scenarios: General Fault: An exclamation mark inside a triangle indicates a general performance or component/function fault in the car. This could include parking sensor faults, fuel cutoff 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 is the automatic transmission fault warning light, indicating a transmission fault or transmission lubricant level below the normal range. Transmission fluid should be replaced promptly. Abnormal Tire Pressure: An exclamation mark with a line under the bracket represents the tire pressure monitoring warning light. This light turns on 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 is the lighting fault indicator, signaling a fault in the car's lights. Solution: Visit a 4S shop as soon as possible for inspection and repair, or conduct a self-check focusing on commonly used bulbs such as turn signals, fog lights, and interior lights to identify the problem.
Having driven for many years, if the dashboard shows that warning light with an exclamation mark inside parentheses, it usually indicates a tire pressure issue—either too low or too high. This is no trivial matter. Low tire pressure accelerates tire wear, increases fuel consumption, and, more dangerously, raises the risk of a blowout at high speeds while also making steering unstable. I once helped a neighbor with this issue—upon inspection, we found a nail had punctured one tire, causing a slow leak. Using a tire pressure gauge, we measured it at only 20 psi, far below the normal range of 25-35 psi. After promptly inflating it with a portable air pump, the warning light turned off. This problem is more common in cold weather due to thermal contraction lowering tire pressure. Make it a habit to check tire pressure monthly, especially before long trips, or install a tire pressure monitoring app for reminders. In short, if the light comes on, don’t hesitate—pull over safely and inspect. If you can’t resolve it yourself, head to a repair shop immediately to avoid bigger problems. Safe driving always comes first.
That light came on, and I told my friend it was most likely the tire pressure acting up. Abnormal tire pressure could be due to a leak, a damaged valve core, or a faulty sensor. My previous car had this issue before—winter mornings when starting the car, the light suddenly popped up, and after checking the manual, I realized it was the tire pressure warning. I suggest first getting a tire pressure gauge—either go to a gas station or buy a home-use one to measure the psi for each tire, which is usually listed on the door frame. If the pressure is too low, inflate it; if it's too high, release some air. For most car models, resetting it is simple—just drive for a few minutes or press a button to clear it. If the light stays on, it might be an internal circuit issue, requiring a professional repair. Don’t underestimate that little icon—ignoring it could damage the tires, cause misalignment, or affect braking. Adding air during regular maintenance reduces the chance of recurrence. Handle it calmly—no need to panic.
