What does the exclamation mark on the car dashboard indicate?
2 Answers
There are three scenarios when an exclamation mark appears on the car dashboard: 1. A yellow triangle with an exclamation mark in the middle, which is the traction control indicator (also known as the ground adhesion control system indicator). When this light illuminates, it reminds the driver to turn off the traction control system. 2. A yellow bracket with an exclamation mark in the middle, which is the tire pressure monitoring indicator. This light indicates insufficient tire pressure. 3. A yellow gear with an exclamation mark in the middle, which is the automatic transmission fault warning light. It indicates a transmission malfunction, transmission lubricant level below normal range, or the need for lubricant replacement. The dashboard is a rigid panel or structural component used to install instruments and related devices. It can be categorized by type into screen-type dashboards, frame-type dashboards, passage-type dashboards, and cabinet-type dashboards.
A while ago, the dashboard lit up with a yellow exclamation mark, which was really unsettling. Upon closer inspection, it was a tire pressure warning—the right rear tire had a slow leak from a nail puncture. I quickly found a tire shop to patch it up and adjusted all four tires to the standard pressure. The technician mentioned that tire pressure tends to drop in winter and recommended I keep a portable air pump handy. Another time, a red exclamation mark appeared, indicating a brake system warning—the brake fluid was below the minimum level. Different colors represent different levels of urgency: yellow means you can drive slowly to get it checked, while red requires immediate stopping. It’s advisable for car owners to keep the manual in the car and refer to it first when encountering warning lights to match the icons.