What do the warning symbols flashing on your car’s dashboard actually mean?
Drivers around the world will understand the terrible feeling one feels when a warning light comes on on the dashboard.
Some of the symbols you see in the car are fairly simple, while others continue to cause confusion for many.
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What do each symbol on my car dashboard mean?
First of all, not every symbol that appears on a car’s dashboard is a warning light.
Some symbols indicate vehicle features, mechanical problems and safety features.
So how do you know when your car is trying to alert you?
It is important to know that the colors of the symbols are important.
Green or blue lights show you that everything is working properly.
Orange or yellow lights indicate that your vehicle will soon need repairs or service.
However, when a red light comes on, it usually means you should take action immediately.
A study by HPI found that 59 percent of drivers have difficulty seeing what all the warning lights on their dashboard are indicating.
Worryingly, 96 percent were unable to identify a common brake light, potentially putting them in danger.
As self-driving cars become more of a reality and in-car technology continues to increase, it’s even more important to keep your vehicle in good condition.
In most cases, if an icon suddenly lights up on your dashboard, it’s a good idea to take a look at it.
It’s important to understand exactly what your car is trying to say and what you can do about it. Here you will find everything you need to know and what each warning symbol means.
But remember: not every car has the same symbols, they vary from vehicle to vehicle.
Here is a list of some symbols you may see on your car.
1. Indicator for operating the clutch
2. Indicator for operating the brake pedal
3. Steering wheel blocked
4. High beam switched on
5. Low tire pressure
6. Parking lights on
7. Headlight, taillight and signal lamp problems
8. Problems with brake lights
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9. Winter mode
10. Info display
11. The diesel additional heater
12. Ice warning
13. Startup system problems
14. The key is not in the car
15. Key battery weak
16. Warning distance to another car
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17. Maintenance warning light
18. Adaptive cornering lights switched on
19. Headlight angle adjustment
20. Variable rear spoiler problems
21. Problems deploying the electric roof
22. The front airbag is switched off
23. The handbrake is on
24. Fog lights on
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25. Power steering problems
26. Rear fog light switched on
27. Low windshield fluid level
28. Worn brake pads
29. Cruise control is activated
30. Signal indicators
31. Problem with light sensor or rain sensor
32. Water in fuel filter
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33. Airbag switched off
34. Mechanical problem or electrical fault
35. Low beam switched on
36. The dirty air filter needs to be replaced
37. Parking sensors switched on
38. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Problems
39. Mistake – Disconnecting the connector from the trailer
40. Air suspension problems
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41. Warning about leaving the lane when the lane departure warning system is active
42. Problems with the catalytic converter
43. Seat belt warning
44. Warning parking light
45. Alternator or battery problems
46. ECO mode activated
47. Hill descent assistant switched on
48. Cooling system problems
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49. Problem with ABS
50. Fuel filter problems
51. Open the door
52. Open the hood
53. Fuel tank on reserve, the tank needs to be filled
54. Automatic transmission problems
55. Speed limiter is active
56. Suspension problems
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57. Windshield defroster
58. Electronic stability program (ESP) is switched off
59. Open the trunk
60. Low oil pressure
61. The automatic windshield wiper
62. Engine problems or hazards
63. Rain sensor
64. Rear window defroster
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