What does the snowflake symbol on a car indicate?

[McSienna]

The snowflake symbol appearing on a car: 1. The outdoor temperature is too low. The snowflake light on the dashboard will be yellow when the temperature is between 0 to 4 degrees Celsius, and red when below 0 degrees. This is an indicator light and does not affect the normal use of the vehicle; 2. The car's outdoor temperature sensor is damaged. The sensor collects incorrect outdoor temperature information, which is transmitted to the dashboard and displayed. Whether the collected temperature is lower or higher than the actual temperature, the snowflake light at this time is a fault light; 3. There is an issue with the car's wiring or control system. Although the outdoor temperature sensor collects the correct outdoor temperature information, problems during transmission and feedback cause the temperature displayed on the dashboard to not match the actual temperature. At this time, the dashboard will also light up the snowflake symbol, which is a fault light.

[StWeston]

Seeing a snowflake symbol on your car's dashboard usually means the outside temperature is too low, below freezing, and the system automatically lights it up to warn you of potential icy roads or frost risks. This isn't a malfunction but a safety reminder, especially common in the morning or during winter. I remember once when I was driving and it lit up, I immediately slowed down and turned on the defroster to ensure clear visibility through the windshield. I recommend paying attention to this while driving, especially in slippery weather, adjusting your speed and maintaining distance. If the symbol appears frequently in normal temperatures, it might indicate an issue with the temperature sensor, but don't panic—most of the time, it's just a friendly reminder. During routine maintenance, checking the cleanliness of the external sensor can help reduce false alerts.

[VanSavannah]

The snowflake symbol illuminates primarily because the vehicle's external temperature sensor detects low temperatures, activating the warning when it drops below, say, 3 degrees. This system is ingeniously designed, using a thermistor to monitor ambient temperature in real-time, preventing freezing hazards. I believe drivers should understand it's not a malfunction but a helpful signal, and I would immediately engage the front defrost mode and drive cautiously. If the light frequently comes on without reason, it might indicate sensor aging or moisture in the wiring, but don't rush to repair—first check if the instrument settings allow adjustment of the warning threshold. Most new cars have menu options to set the temperature point, avoiding frequent distractions while driving.

[MacJulianna]

The snowflake icon on the car display indicates low temperatures with possible icing. When I see it while driving, I slow down and use the heater. This is a normal phenomenon that requires no action, but it serves as a reminder to be cautious of slipping hazards.