Common Car Dashboard Symbols and Meanings
August 1st, 2020 by Fix Auto USA
You may notice as soon as an indicator light appears on your car’s dashboard that you know that there is a problem with your vehicle. Thankfully, if you understand what a car dashboard symbol means, you can respond to the alert — and correct any issues that otherwise hinder your vehicle’s performance.
Car Alert Symbols: Here’s What You Need to Know
Automakers use car alert symbols to warn car owners about any vehicle issues. The symbols shine bright on your car’s dashboard, and they illuminate only if a vehicle problem has been detected.
If you notice a car warning light or indicator, you should take the alert seriously. Remember, the longer a warning goes undiagnosed and untreated, the more likely it becomes that a vehicle issue will linger and escalate. On the other hand, if you know why a car warning light or indicator is active, you can take the proper steps to address the issue right away.
5 Common Car Dashboard Symbols and Meanings
Common car alert symbols include:
1. Exclamation Point
If you notice an exclamation point on the dashboard, it likely means there is an issue with your car’s brakes, tire pressure, or gearbox. A car alert symbol that consists of an exclamation point in the middle of a circle may activate when your vehicle’s handbrake is on. Comparatively, a car alert symbol that looks like an exclamation point sitting in the middle of a tire often indicates that the pressure of one or more of your vehicle’s tires is low. And if you notice a car alert symbol that contains an exclamation point in the center of a gear, you may be dealing with a faulty gearbox.
2. Temperature
A thermometer symbol on the dashboard reveals an issue with the temperature of your car’s transmission or engine. If your transmission or engine surpasses a normal level, it may be unsafe to continue to drive your vehicle. At this point, you may want to pull your car over to the side of the road to a safe spot, which may help you cool your vehicle’s transmission or engine.
3. Battery
When a battery symbol appears on the dashboard, your car may be due for a battery change. The battery charge warning light usually appears if the battery’s charging system malfunctions. Or, the light may indicate that there is an issue with your car’s alternator.
4. Fuel Pump
A fuel pump indicator light will turn on if your car is running low on fuel. Along with the indicator light, you may notice that your car’s fuel gauge is approaching empty. At this time, you should refuel your car as soon as you can.
5. Car with Doors Open
An indicator light that consists of a car with its cars open will appear any time the key is in the ignition, and one or more of your vehicle’s doors are ajar. If you notice this indicator light is still active after you and your passengers close the vehicle’s doors, you may need to reopen and close one or more doors to ensure they are shut properly.
What to Do If Car Alert Symbols Do Not Disappear
Car alert symbols can help you take care of your vehicle and ensure it runs correctly for an extended period of time. They range in terms of severity, and you should try to learn as much about them as you can. That way, if a car alert symbol appears, you will know what to do to address the issue before it escalates.
If an indicator light turns on in your car, don’t panic. Instead, consult with your car owner’s manual, which will provide full details about what a car symbol means.
In some instances, you may be able to correct a car alert symbol in seconds. But, if you take steps to address a car alert symbol and an indicator light remains active, you should bring your vehicle to a certified mechanic. This ensures that an automotive professional can inspect your car, uncover the root cause of a car alert symbol, and correct any issues.
Choose Fix Auto for Collision Repairs
In addition to correcting car alert symbols that linger on your car’s dashboard, you may require exterior vehicle repairs. At Fix Auto, we offer comprehensive collision repairs performed by courteous, knowledgeable auto technicians. To learn more or to request an appointment, please contact us online or call us today at 800.INFO.FIX.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto North Scottsdale, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing Maricopa County.
