What does the snowflake symbol on the dashboard mean?
3 Answers
The snowflake symbol on the dashboard indicates that the outdoor temperature is below zero degrees, warning of potential road icing. When a vehicle operates in environments with outdoor temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius, the outdoor temperature sensor measures the temperature and transmits this data to the control system via wiring. The control system then relays this information to the dashboard, which illuminates the snowflake warning light to alert the driver. The dashboard is a device that reflects the working conditions of various vehicle systems. Common dashboard instruments include the speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, fuel gauge, and charging gauge. The cleaning steps for the car dashboard are: 1. Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe away surface dust and stains; 2. Clean gaps with toothpicks or cotton swabs wrapped in cloth or paper towels; 3. Remove stubborn stains by dampening a soft cloth with tap water.
I also noticed that little snowflake icon on my dashboard a couple of days ago while driving, so I immediately asked my mechanic. He said it's a warning that the outside temperature has dropped below 4°C, meaning the road might be icy and slippery. We need to be extra careful when driving, especially in the mornings when frost is likely. I've been leaving five minutes earlier recently, driving slower and turning the steering wheel more gently. I heard about someone who ignored this warning and ended up hitting the guardrail when they couldn't brake in time going downhill. It's best to switch to winter tires in cold weather and keep a snow shovel in the trunk. If the snowflake icon keeps flashing after temperatures rise, you should get the temperature sensor checked—there might be water in the wiring or a loose connection.
I see this snowflake symbol every winter, which is essentially a low-temperature warning. The vehicle detects the risk of road icing through a temperature sensor near the front bumper and illuminates the yellow snowflake to alert the driver. Whenever I see it, I usually turn on the defrost function to preheat the windshield, otherwise driving with impaired visibility can be extremely dangerous. Last time I drove back to my hometown on mountain roads, I made sure to keep a longer distance from the car in front when this symbol was lit. Actually, many cars come with complementary features; some high-end models even automatically activate seat heating, which is quite practical. It's advisable to check tire pressure and brake pads before winter and have a technician test the sensor sensitivity while you're at it.
