What does the kettle symbol on the dashboard mean?
2 Answers
The appearance of a kettle symbol on the dashboard indicates abnormal oil pressure or insufficient engine oil. Below is an introduction to oil pressure-related information: 1. The kettle symbol on the car dashboard is the engine oil pressure warning light, usually red, with a drop of water at the spout. This symbol indicates whether the oil pressure is normal. 2. When starting the car, the indicator lights on the dashboard will briefly illuminate. This is because the power has just been connected, and the vehicle's systems are checking for any issues. If no problems are found, all indicator lights on the dashboard will turn off, except for the handbrake indicator. 3. If the oil pressure warning light remains lit or flashes continuously after starting the vehicle and during normal driving, it indicates abnormal oil pressure or insufficient engine oil. In this case, you should pull over safely, check if the engine is low on oil, and seek professional assistance if you cannot resolve the issue yourself. Continuing to drive with this warning light on can cause severe damage to the car's engine.
That day, I had just driven out when I saw the teapot icon light up on the dashboard, which gave me a scare. This is the oil pressure warning light, simply put, it means there's either not enough engine oil or an issue with the oil pressure. Engine oil is the 'lifeblood' of the engine, responsible for lubrication and cooling. If the pressure is insufficient, the engine can overheat or even be destroyed. Common reasons might be forgetting to change the oil on time, a leak in the oil pan, or a faulty oil pump. A friend of mine experienced this—he stubbornly drove home, only to end up spending thousands on a major engine repair. So, once this light comes on, you must immediately stop to check the oil dipstick to see if the level is too low. You can top it up with the same type of oil as a temporary measure, but you should quickly head to a professional repair shop to address the root issue—don't compromise on safety. Paying attention to the oil condition during regular maintenance can save you a lot of trouble.
