What does the snowflake symbol on the car dashboard mean?
2 Answers
The snowflake symbol appearing on the car dashboard indicates that the outside temperature has dropped below 4 degrees Celsius. Typically, this serves as a warning indicator, commonly seen in vehicles operating in cold northern regions. When there's moisture on road surfaces or bridges under normal driving conditions, ice formation may occur. Premium vehicles usually display the snowflake warning below 4°C to indicate freezing conditions, alerting drivers to operate their vehicles safely. An orange snowflake warning light activates when ambient temperatures range between 1 to 4 degrees, while a red indicator illuminates when temperatures fall below 0 degrees.
Last time I was driving, I also encountered the snowflake icon on the dashboard. It doesn't mean the car is going to snow, but rather it's warning you that the outside temperature has dropped to 4°C or lower, making the road prone to icing. Having driven for over ten years, I remember seeing this icon on rural roads and knowing it's time to slow down—otherwise, wheel slippage can be dangerous. New drivers shouldn't panic when they see it; try gently applying the brakes and avoid sharp turns. I recommend checking if your tires are worn—bald tires can easily lose control on ice. Also, the sensor at the front of the car might be blocked by dirt, so keeping it clean can reduce false alarms. Before heading out in winter, check the weather forecast, and warming up the car for two minutes beforehand can protect the engine. Safe driving is the most important thing—don't ignore this little reminder.
