What does the (!) symbol on the car dashboard mean?

[Griffin]

Car dashboard (!) represents the brake system warning light. The brake system warning light indicates: 1. Some vehicles illuminate this light for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on, then it turns off after starting the engine; 2. Low brake fluid level or deteriorated brake fluid, which may illuminate during driving; 3. Malfunction in the brake system; 4. ABS failure may also trigger this light; 5. Severely worn or failed brake pads can cause this warning light to illuminate. This warning light is easily confused with the parking brake indicator. The parking brake light appears when the handbrake is engaged while driving, symbolized by a 'P' in the middle, whereas the brake system warning light features an exclamation mark and indicates issues with the braking system. When the brake system warning light appears, it's necessary to check for brake pad wear, brake failure, deteriorated or low brake fluid level, ABS failure, and other related issues.

[OColeman]

I've been driving for over a decade, and that exclamation mark symbol appearing on the dashboard is definitely not a good sign—it usually indicates an issue with the brake system. I remember once during a long trip when the light came on, and it scared me so much that I immediately pulled over to check. It could be that the handbrake wasn't fully released, the brake fluid was too low, or there was a wiring problem. The worst-case scenario is an actual brake system failure, where the brakes stop working while driving—that's no joke and could easily lead to a rear-end collision. I quickly found a service area to top up the brake fluid. If the light stayed on, I knew I'd have to head straight to the repair shop. It's important to develop the habit of glancing at the dashboard before starting the car to catch small issues before they become big problems. Safety first—never skip inspection time to avoid trouble.

[DelFinley]

This dashboard exclamation mark is definitely a safety alarm. Every time I see it, I break out in a sweat because it means there might be a problem with the brakes. Just imagine how dangerous it would be if the brakes suddenly failed while driving on the highway—minor scratches at best, serious injuries or fatalities at worst. I would immediately slow down and pull over to check if the handbrake is properly released or if the brake fluid reservoir level is low. If the light stays on after simple adjustments, don't push your luck—call a tow truck and head to a professional repair shop right away. It's also important to keep a warning triangle in the car to alert other drivers not to get too close. Remember, never ignore any warning lights—life is more precious than time.

[OAndrew]

Seeing that exclamation mark on the dashboard, it's likely a brake system warning, such as the handbrake not being released or insufficient brake fluid. I'd first pull over to check if the handbrake lever is fully lowered, then pop the hood to inspect the brake fluid reservoir's level line - topping it up if it's low. If the light remains on, don't attempt DIY fixes as it could be a sensor or circuit issue; I'd recommend driving straight to the nearest repair shop. Simple self-checks can handle minor issues, but brake repairs should be left to professionals - it's not worth risking safety to save a few hundred bucks. Driving safety comes first.