The Meanings Behind These Symbols On Your Car's Dashboard

#1 Actions to understand and take when warning light appears…

When something goes wrong with your car or if a feature you should know about gets activated, a signal funnels through the electrical system and into the dashboard. A warning light is an indication of a possible problem do not ignore it as it may be expensive or an inexpensive easy fix. Modern vehicles are fitted with electronics and sensors to monitor how your vehicle is behaving and to let you know when there is a problem. Warning lights are normally red and orange..

Red means act immediately and stop the car phone your automotive specialist for professional advice.

Orange light means the vehicle management system has detected a fault it may be possible to continue however seek out automotive specialist advice to diagnose the problem as soon as possible.

PLEASE NOTE.. NOT ALL CARS WARNING SYMBOLS LOOK EXACTLY THE SAME.

#2 ENGINE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT

What it looks like: A pirate ship with its sails down as if to say, "I'm just a normal boat, no pirates here."

What it means: Your engine is too hot, friend. You need coolant. You may have a leak in the hoses or the coolant is not getting to the engine. Stop driving, pull over and shut your engine off. Open the hood and check the radiator and heater hoses, radiator and engine for coolant leaks.

#3 TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT

What it looks like: A Buckingham Palace guard telling you the field goal is GOOD!

What it means: The pressure in one or more of your tires is too low and needs to be attended to. The Low Tyre Pressure Warning Light will come on if any tire on your vehicle is 25 percent or more under inflated. Driving on a low tire can be dangerous because it increases the risk of a blowout.

#4 OIL PRESSURE WARNING

What it looks like: You're about to get three wishes.

What it means: Your engine is running low on oil, or there is a problem with your car's oil pressure system. Every engine needs a minimum amount of oil pressure in order to function. An engine has dozens of precision metallic parts, revolving thousands of times per minute. All of these parts need to be constantly bathed in a pressurized show of oil.

#5 TRACTION CONTROL

What it looks like: Cthulhu wearing a fedora.

What it means: The car's traction control system is engaged. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go. Braking is automatically applied to wheels individually, such as the outer front wheel to counter oversteer or the inner rear wheel to counter understeer.

#6 ENGINE WARNING

What it looks like: Yellow submarine, a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine.

What it means: It can blink on for a number of reasons. One of the most vital signals of an improperly functioning vehicle is the check engine light and when illuminated, it alerts the driver to a variety of existing potential problems. Some common malfunctions that can cause the check engine light to illuminate include a faulty oxygen sensor, mass air flow sensor, or spark plugs and wires. If the light flashes, the condition is more critical and must be checked immediately to prevent severe damage, which may include catalytic converter damage.

#7 ANTILOCK BRAKE WARNING

What it looks like: The cover of a fitness magazine.

What it means: There is an issue with your anti-lock brake system that needs to be diagnosed and fixed. Anti-locking Brakes (ABS) light also comes on when there is a fault in the brake system or the computer detects a fault in the ABS operation.

#8 AUTOMATIC SHIFT LOCK OR ENGINE START INDICATOR

What it looks like: The bat signal, if Bruce Wayne had been traumatized in a shoe closet instead of a bat cave as a child.

What it means: You need to engage the brake, either to start your car's ignition or to get it out of neutral. This helps unsticking the ABS system or the lag in your transmission.

#9 BATTERY ALERT

What it looks like: Math lego.

What it means: The car's charging system is short of power. You are running solely on battery. It is an indicator of when your car's engine is not getting enough power. This can be a result of a malfunctioning alternator, loose alternator belt or problem with battery cable or connection. If battery is older than 2 years it may need replacement.

#10 FUEL INDICATOR SYMBOL

What it looks like: A snake-infested ATM.

What it means: You are running low on fuel. Fun fact: The symbol on the fuel gauge also has an arrow next to itthis indicates which side of the car has the gas cap. No more gas station three-point turns in rental cars ever again.

#11 SEATBELT REMINDER LIGHT

What it looks like: James Carville wearing a bandolier.

What it means: Buckle your seatbelt, please. This light comes with a non stop hazzard sound, and is irritating enough to make you buckle up!

#12 AIRBAG INDICATOR

What it looks like: A man wearing a tie, shaking his fist at you as he falls down. Why did you push him?

What it means: There may be an issue with one or more of your car's airbags, or the airbag system in general. It can also be a warning that an airbag is turned off, and it needs to be turned on. The vehicle may be driven while the warning light is on, but the air bag safety system may not work when the light indicates a fault. It can only be diagnosed by a tech.

#13 FOG LAMP INDICATOR

What it looks like: A jellyfish leaping through a waterfall.

What it means: Your fog lights are on. Duh!

#14 SECURITY LIGHT

What it looks like: They put a boot on your car and your car is also covered in icicles. This has been the worst winter ever.

What it means: You may need a key with the proper transponder in order to trigger the ignition. Or, there is something else wrong with your car's anti-theft system. It will also let you know by making a terrifying alarm. In any event, a proper ket turn will reset the alarms and system.

#15 TRACTION CONTROL MALFUNCTION

What it looks like: Pyramid on the dollar bill...or is that what the Illuminati wants you to think it looks like???????????

What it means: There is an issue with your anti-skid system, and it may be shut off completely. Electronic Stability Program detects, prevents and recovers the vehicle from skids. It helps the driver from losing control on slippery roads or due to driver error. The warning Light may come on while the system is active. If the light stays on it has picked up a fault and will need diagnostic equipment to diagnose the fault.

#16 WASHER FLUID INDICATOR

What it looks like: A conductor's point of view, tapping her music stand and preparing to lead an orchestra consisting of two candy canes that are stuck together.

What it means: The washer fluid level is low. Please fill that up when you get a chance.

#17 POWER STEERING ISSUES

What it looks like: A funky steering wheel and exclamation point.

What it means: This light indicates that your vehicle's power steering fluid levels are low or that there is a fault in the system. The steering wheel looks slightly different depending on the model of car or truck. If the light turns on, the fluid levels need to be checked and topped up if low. If the light remains illuminated after the fluid is filled or comes back on down the road, then the vehicle needs to be inspected by a technician.

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