What does the red exclamation mark on the car mean?
2 Answers
Red exclamation mark (specifically a circle with an exclamation mark inside parentheses), this represents a warning for the braking system, mainly indicating a brake system malfunction or low brake fluid level. Solution: Immediate inspection and repair of the braking system are required to avoid accidents. Besides the red exclamation mark indicating a brake 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 situations: General Fault: A triangle with an exclamation mark inside. If this symbol lights up, it indicates a fault in the car's general performance, components, or functions. Main issues include parking sensor faults, fuel cut-off system intervention or faults, 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 fault in the transmission or transmission lubricant below the normal range. Transmission fluid 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. When the car's tire pressure is too low, this warning light will illuminate. Check the car's tire pressure and restore it 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 as soon as possible for inspection and repair. You can also check yourself, focusing on commonly used bulbs such as turn signals, fog lights, and interior lights to identify the issue.
As a mechanic who frequently helps friends with car repairs, I want to share the meaning of this red exclamation mark. It is typically a serious warning symbol on the car dashboard, indicating a braking system issue—most commonly the parking brake not being fully released. Sometimes, it could also mean low brake fluid levels or an ABS malfunction. Immediately pull over safely to check: first, see if the parking brake lever is loose. If that doesn’t resolve it, open the hood and inspect the brake fluid reservoir, topping it up with standard brake fluid if levels are low. However, if the light remains on, do not attempt to drive the car—this is a critical safety concern that could trigger more severe failures. For regular maintenance, it’s advisable to check the brake fluid every three months and replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid sudden warning light surprises. Developing a habit of glancing at the dashboard before each startup can help prevent trouble.
