Car Tips and Tricks
Decoding the car dashboard and symbols
When an unknown symbol lights up on the car dashboard, the first thought is that it's not a good thing. However, all of them are warnings, and they don’t always indicate something serious. Therefore, it is essential to know the meaning of each one to act in the best possible way. Xtracars tells you everything you need to know about car dashboard and symbols. Let's start with the basics.
What is the purpose of the car dashboard and its symbols?
The car dashboard and the symbols that compose it play a key role in the communication between the car and the driver. Located behind the steering wheel, the instrument cluster provides the driver with important information about the car's condition.
This panel includes warning lights and information lights. Usually depicted with green or blue symbols, the information lights refer to the car's normal operation. These are the headlights or turn signals.
Warning lights are represented by colors that indicate the severity of the problem:
- Yellow or orange: this means that you can still drive, but you should check the problem as soon as possible;
- Red: in some cases, you should act immediately and if possible stop the car safely to solve the problem.
Check out some of the lights you should pay more attention to:
Yellow or Orange Lights
- Engine symbol: This can indicate a problem with emissions or the engine itself. If the light does not flash, you can continue your journey and check it out at a workshop.
- Particulate Filter (Diesel) Symbol: The particulate filter may be clogged. To try to regenerate it, drive for 15-20 minutes at higher revs (above 2,500 rpm).
- Stability control symbol (ESP): if the light remains on, it may indicate a malfunction. If it flashes, it is operating normally.
- Fuel symbol: means that the tank is almost empty. You should refuel as soon as possible to avoid running out of gas.
- Tyre pressure symbol: There are one or more tyres that may be under-inflated. It is important to check as soon as possible and adjust the pressure to avoid more serious problems.
Red Lights
- Oil symbol: You must stop the car immediately. Check the oil level and refill if necessary. If the light stays on, seek assistance.
- Engine temperature symbol: stop the car and allow it to cool down. It could be a serious problem or just a lack of coolant.
- Battery symbol: This may mean that the alternator is not charging the battery. What can happen is that the car won’t start. To avoid risks, try not to turn it off.
- Handbrake symbol: If the handbrake is loose and the light persists, there may be a problem with the car's braking system.
- Airbag symbol: the presence of this light on the car dashboard indicates that the airbags may not operate in the event of an accident. Go to a workshop, don't put your safety at risk in the event of an accident.
- ABS symbol: the brakes work but without the anti-lock system. Drive carefully and seek assistance as soon as possible.
These are just some of the symbols that may appear on your dashboard and may vary depending on the model and year of the car.
An unforeseen subscription
The dashboard and its symbols are not there by chance, ignoring them can result in costly breakdowns and put your safety on the road at risk. With a car subscription, you don’t have to worry about these issues.
By choosing a monthly subscription rental, you only enjoy it, we take care of the maintenance. If one of the dashboard lights comes on, don't worry, follow the safety instructions and the problem will be dealt with at no extra cost. In addition, by adding the complementary product TOP Roadside Assistance to your booking you guarantee an even smoother trip without unpleasant surprises.
At Xtracars, you’re not just subscribing to a car—you’re securing a worry-free driving experience with greater safety and convenience.. Discover today the freedom of Xtracars subscription by rental and drive peace of mind.
