What does the exclamation mark inside the brackets on the dashboard mean?
3 Answers
Red exclamation mark (specifically in the form of an exclamation mark inside a circled bracket) indicates a warning for the braking system, mainly due to braking system failure 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 representing braking system failure, all other exclamation marks on the 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: An exclamation mark inside a triangle indicates a fault in the car's general performance or components and functions. This could include parking sensor failure, fuel cut-off system intervention or failure, external light failure, engine oil pressure sensor failure, etc. It is necessary to visit a 4S shop for inspection to identify the source of the fault. Automatic Transmission Fault: An exclamation mark inside a yellow gear is the automatic transmission fault warning light, indicating a fault in the transmission or transmission lubricant below the normal range. Transmission oil should be replaced promptly. Abnormal Tire Pressure: An exclamation mark with a horizontal line below 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 exclamation mark is the lighting fault indicator, indicating 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 lighting, to identify the issue.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I can tell you that the exclamation mark inside the parentheses on the dashboard is actually the brake system warning light, indicating a potential issue with your braking system. There could be several reasons for this, such as a brake fluid leak or low level, malfunctioning ABS (anti-lock braking system), or the parking brake not being fully released. I remember one time when it lit up while I was driving on the highway—I immediately slowed down and pulled over because brake failure can be extremely dangerous! It turned out to be low brake fluid, which was easily fixed by topping it up at the repair shop. I strongly advise everyone not to ignore this warning and to make it a habit to check the brake fluid level regularly, typically every six months. Other dashboard lights, like the tire pressure warning light, look different, so don’t confuse them. Safety should always come first when driving—address any issues immediately and never risk continuing to drive with a problem.
I just got my driver's license not long ago, and as a new driver, I've also encountered the situation where the exclamation mark in brackets on the dashboard lights up, which was quite nerve-wracking. After checking, I learned it was the brake system warning light, indicating an issue with the brakes. Possible causes include insufficient brake fluid, the handbrake not being fully released, or a sensor malfunction. If it lights up while driving, quickly find a safe place to stop and check the handbrake position. In my case, it was a handbrake issue, and releasing it solved the problem. But if left unresolved, it could lead to brake failure and cause an accident, which is very dangerous. It's important to regularly check the user manual to understand the meanings of these warning lights. Additionally, buying a small device to test the battery and other components can make car maintenance much easier. In short, don't panic, take it step by step, and protecting yourself is the most important thing.
