What does the snowflake light on the vehicle dashboard indicate?
4 Answers
When the snowflake light illuminates on the vehicle dashboard, it indicates that the outdoor temperature is relatively low, serving as a reminder to the driver that there may be frost on the road. If frost is present on the road surface, tire grip will deteriorate, requiring the driver to exercise caution while driving. The vehicle's onboard computer display can show the external temperature, a function achieved through a temperature sensor fixed on the front bumper. If the snowflake symbol lights up on the dashboard during winter, the driver should reduce speed, maintain a sufficient safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and avoid emergency braking. On frosty roads, emergency braking in such conditions can easily cause the vehicle to skid and lose control.
I've been driving for twenty years, and the snowflake light on the dashboard comes on every winter. To put it simply, this light is the car's thermometer warning you: it's about to freeze outside! It reliably lights up when the temperature drops to around 4 degrees. Southerners might not take it seriously, but up here in the north, we need to stay sharp when driving in snow. I remember last year when I was taking my kid to school—the snowflake light had just come on, and as I turned a corner, the steering wheel felt loose, so I immediately slowed down to 40 mph. Frost on the rearview mirror? Turn on the defroster. Braking distance? Leave at least twice as much space as usual—I nearly rear-ended someone once because I forgot that. If the windows fog up, turning on the AC for dehumidification works best. Don’t complain about the cold; safety comes first.
I see this snowflake warning light every day during my commute - when it illuminates, it means the road surface could ice over at any moment. Last week after my night shift at -2°C, the light suddenly started flashing, so I immediately switched the heater to defrost mode. I'd recommend turning off the auto start-stop function in these conditions, because each time the engine restarts after stopping, it affects tire traction. Also pay attention to tire pressure - if it drops below 2.0 bar, inflate immediately, otherwise the risk of skidding increases several times over. It's best to slow down before passing under bridges, as standing water freezes fastest in those areas. I always keep an ice scraper and small blanket in my car - last winter I assisted three inexperienced drivers who'd skidded off the road.
Don't panic if you're a new driver, the snowflake light doesn't indicate a car malfunction. I got scared by this light when I bought my car last year, but the 4S store staff later explained it's a life-saving reminder: an ice warning when the outside temperature drops below 4°C. The most important thing at this time is to control your speed, and remember to turn the steering wheel slowly when making turns, as sudden turns can easily cause the car to skid. Be extra careful when passing large trucks, as the snow mist they kick up can instantly obscure your view of the road. Once during light snow, both the snowflake and ESP lights on the dashboard lit up simultaneously, and I learned that when these two lights alarm together, it indicates the road is particularly slippery. When using the air conditioning, press the internal/external circulation switch to the internal position to prevent moisture from entering and causing frost on the windshield.
