What does the red exclamation mark on the vehicle dashboard 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 malfunction in the braking system or low brake fluid level. Solution: Immediate inspection and repair of the braking system is required to avoid accidents. Apart from the red exclamation mark indicating braking system failure, 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 and function fault in the car. Main issues include parking sensor failure, fuel cut-off system intervention or malfunction, external light failure, engine oil pressure sensor failure, 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 level below the normal range. 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. 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, or conduct a self-check, focusing on commonly used bulbs such as turn signals, fog lights, and interior lighting to identify the problem.
Never ignore that red exclamation mark on the dashboard – as someone who's been driving for over a decade, this is the warning light I fear most. Eight times out of ten, it means either the handbrake isn't fully released or the brake fluid is low – once when this light came on during highway driving, I immediately pulled over to check, only to find the brake fluid reservoir level critically low. However, it could also indicate insufficient engine oil pressure; continuing to drive in this condition could cause engine seizure within minutes. If the brake pedal feels spongy or the oil pressure warning light comes on simultaneously, you must stop immediately and call for a tow truck. This red warning is far more serious than yellow indicators – neglecting it could easily lead to thousands in repair costs.
