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What does the red exclamation mark on the dashboard mean?

2 Answers

Katherine

07/24/25 2:16pm

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.

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VonDakota

08/11/25 8:06am

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.

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