What does the red exclamation mark on the car dashboard mean?
2 Answers
The red exclamation mark (specifically a circle with an exclamation mark inside parentheses) represents a warning for the braking system, mainly indicating a brake system malfunction or low brake fluid level. Solution: The braking system should be inspected and repaired immediately to avoid accidents. Apart from the red exclamation mark indicating a brake system fault, other exclamation marks on a car are yellow, representing general faults, automatic transmission faults, abnormal tire pressure, and lighting faults. Below is a detailed analysis of these four situations: General Fault: A triangle with an exclamation mark inside. If this symbol lights up, it indicates a general performance or component/function fault in the car. Common issues 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 inside. This is the automatic transmission fault warning light, indicating a transmission fault or transmission lubricant level below the normal range. The transmission oil should be replaced promptly. Abnormal Tire Pressure: A horizontal line under parentheses with an exclamation mark in the middle. This represents the tire pressure monitoring warning light, which lights up when the car's tire pressure is too low. The tire pressure should be checked and restored to the normal range. Lighting Fault: A yellow bulb with an exclamation mark. This is the lighting fault indicator, indicating a fault in the car's lights. Solution: Visit a 4S shop for inspection as soon as possible, or perform a self-check focusing on commonly used bulbs such as turn signals, fog lights, and interior lighting to identify the issue.
Last time I was driving, I saw a red exclamation mark light up on the dashboard, and my heart skipped a beat—I knew something was seriously wrong. That thing usually warns of major issues with the car, like low engine oil pressure, meaning there's not enough oil and the pressure can't build up, which could lead to engine damage. Or it could be a brake system failure, where the brakes might fail—how dangerous is that? I remember pulling over and checking the dipstick first—sure enough, the oil was below the warning line. I quickly added some spare oil and drove to the 4S shop for repairs. The mechanic said I was lucky to act in time, or the repairs would have cost a fortune. Now I've made it a habit to glance at the dashboard every time I get in the car to avoid trouble on the road. I suggest everyone take this warning seriously—if something goes wrong, pull over and check immediately. Safety first—don't try to save money by delaying.
