What does the red exclamation mark on the dashboard mean?

[Katherine]

When a red exclamation mark appears on the car dashboard, it indicates a brake system failure. Possible causes of brake system failure include false alarms, excessively worn brake pads, insufficient brake fluid, or low brake fluid levels. Solutions for when the brake system warning light comes on are as follows: Severely worn brake pads: Brake pads come in two types—those with sensor wires and those without. For those with sensor wires, when the brake pads wear down to the limit, the sensor wire automatically completes the circuit, triggering the warning light. In this case, the brake pads need to be replaced. Low brake fluid or brake hydraulic fluid levels: Brake fluid plays a crucial role in the car's braking system. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the force applied is transmitted by the master cylinder piston through the brake fluid to the wheel brake cylinders, causing the brake pads to contact the wheels and stop the vehicle. Insufficient brake fluid can also lead to noticeably reduced braking power, and in severe cases, a complete loss of braking force. This issue can be resolved by promptly replenishing the brake fluid. Brake system oil leakage or false alarm: If the brake system warning light comes on while driving, slow down as much as possible, pull over to the side of the road, and then troubleshoot the cause of the issue.

[VonDakota]

A few days ago, I just fixed a car with this exact issue—a red exclamation mark flashing on the dashboard is an urgent warning, like the car screaming at you! Common scenarios include: the tire pressure monitoring system detecting a leak (pull over and check immediately), low brake fluid level or brake system failure (extremely dangerous), or low oil pressure (indicated by an exclamation mark with an oil can icon—shut off the engine right away). If the steering wheel feels heavy with the exclamation mark, it’s likely a power steering system malfunction. I’ve also encountered coolant temperature warnings. Honestly, if that red exclamation mark is lit, you shouldn’t keep driving—it’s like a fever in humans, signaling a serious problem. The right move is to stop immediately and call for help.

[StephanieLynn]

I experienced this last month - suddenly a red exclamation mark flashed on the dashboard while driving. It scared me wide awake! After slowing down and pulling over, I found a nail had punctured my right rear tire with serious pressure loss. Other common causes I remember: worn brake pads show an exclamation mark in brackets, improperly engaged handbrake displays a circled exclamation, while low coolant triggers a thermometer with exclamation. Each icon has distinct details - consulting the owner's manual is most reliable. Thinking back still gives me chills - it would've been dangerous if I hadn't stopped promptly on the highway.

[LaAlexander]

This warning light generally falls into three categories: A circular exclamation mark inside parentheses indicates a brake issue, possibly due to low fluid or worn pads; an oil can symbol means abnormal oil pressure; a standalone exclamation mark usually signals abnormal tire pressure. One winter when temperatures dropped suddenly, all four tires on my car triggered warnings simultaneously - adding some air resolved it. But never ignore a flashing red exclamation mark! I remember a friend last year who drove two kilometers regardless, ultimately burning out the master brake cylinder and spending over 8,000 yuan on replacement.