The squiggly lines icon on your car's dashboard typically means one of two things: either your vehicle's traction control system is actively working to prevent wheel spin, or there is a fault in the system itself. This symbol, which looks like a car with wavy lines underneath or behind it, is a standard indicator for electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS).
What is Traction Control?
Traction control is a safety feature that helps prevent your drive wheels from spinning uncontrollably on slippery surfaces like ice, snow, or wet roads. When the system's sensors detect a wheel is losing grip (spinning faster than the others), it automatically applies brakes to that specific wheel and/or reduces engine power to help you regain traction.
Active System vs. System Fault
The key is to observe the behavior of the light.
- Light Illuminates Briefly and Turns Off: If the light flashes for a few seconds while you're driving, especially during acceleration on a loose surface, it's a normal indicator. It's simply telling you the system is actively intervening to maintain grip. This is a good sign.
- Light Stays On Steadily: If the light remains on continuously, it signals a malfunction. A fault has been detected within the traction control or stability control system. While the car is still drivable, this important safety feature is disabled. You should have the system diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible.
| Scenario | Light Behavior | What It Means | Recommended Action |
|---|
| Normal Operation | Flashes intermittently | TCS/ESC is actively working to prevent wheel spin. | Continue driving with caution; the system is functioning as designed. |
| System Fault | Stays on steadily | A problem has been detected; TCS/ESC is disabled. | Drive with extra care, especially in poor weather, and schedule a service appointment. |
| System Manually Turned Off | Stays on steadily | The driver has intentionally deactivated the system. | The system can usually be reactivated with a button marked "TCS" or "ESC." |
| Related ABS Fault | Illuminates with the ABS light | A problem with the wheel speed sensors (shared with ABS) is likely. | Immediate service is recommended as both braking and stability systems are affected. |
If the light is on steadily, the first thing to check is if you accidentally pressed the traction control button, usually marked with the same icon. If not, it's a sign to visit a professional.
