15 Common Car symbols and Its Meanings

Have you identified all the symbols displayed on your car's dashboard? The more sophisticated a vehicle becomes, the more symbols will be present for you to understand as a driver.

Did you know that based on research conducted by Britannia Rescue in 2013, 98% of drivers are unaware of the warning symbols in their cars? Many are still confused with the warning signs such as air pressure in the tire and the non-functional air bag sign.

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With that being said, the symbols shown on the surface of the dashboard are not universal and can sometimes be specific to a particular car model. For instance, a Mercedes Benz E class comprised 41 symbols whereas a Volvo S40 only consisted of 21 symbols.

But there are still some car symbols that are more standardized and are commonly used in most cars to this day. As a law-abiding citizen, one must be able to identify each of these symbols knowing that there is something wrong with their vehicle.

Here we would like to share with you the top 15 common symbols that are commonly found in most vehicles.

1. Car Door

One of the doors is not closed shut. Check your car doors.

2. Fuel In The Tank

This might just be the symbol that most of you know. It is an indication that the fuel in your car is close to depletion. Please go to the nearest pump station to get your car fueled up.

3. Car Battery

If this sign light up, it means that the battery charge is depleting. Reduce the power usage of batteries like the a/c, lights, and radio. Take it to a mechanic for further checkup. In some cases, it can also be the alternator that is causing this issue.

4. Seat Belt

This sign is an indication to tell you to put on the seat belt. Remember, safety first!

5. EMS Warning (Engine Management System)

If the EMS signal suddenly lights up while you are driving, immediately take it to the nearest mechanic. This could perhaps be due to sensor problems, wiring systems or even something that is much more serious.

6. Hand Brake

Some cars might denote it as the letter P in replacement of the exclamation mark. Bear in mind that you have to lower the hand brake first before starting your journey. You definitely don't want that brake pad to wear out too soon.

7. Hazard Lights

This light should only be used to inform other incoming drivers that your car is at a stop (since your vehicle is considered a hazard here).

Never ever drive with this light on especially during heavy rain or typhoon. Do you know that this action will endanger the drivers around even more as they thought that your car is slowing down or at a stop? This is especially dangerous once you make a turn.

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8. Turning Signal

Before making a turn or changing your lane, be sure to give the proper signal turn. You definitely don't want to confuse other drivers when making the wrong call with the wrong signal direction.

9. Main Beam Headlights

This symbol will commonly be blue in color on the face of the dashboard. One needs to use it wisely as it can definitely blind the other drivers on the other side of the road as they pass you.

Only use it when necessary like in really dark areas where streetlights are not in existence or you are passing by creepy woods.

10. Engine Temperature

If this light turn on all of a sudden, it is an indicator that your engine is too hot. If you are driving at the time, make sure to stop at a safe place as soon as possible and check the water or engine oil.

Perhaps there is also a leak in the radiator.

11. Engine Oil

When the engine oil signal comes up, this means that the level of oil in your engine is really low. Please take it to the nearest mechanic to check for any leaking, if present.

12. ABS (Advanced Braking System)

This is more focused on vehicles equipped with ABS. Be sure to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible if this light up while you are driving. It means that your ABS has been deactivated and needs to be check-up.

13. Air Flow

The airflow set has various different symbols that can be utilized. Look at the direction of the airflow to choose the best settings for you.

14. Demister

This light indicates that the demister is operating at the moment. This is definitely helpful to get rid of the mist on your windscreen while you drive on the road. It is the best tool during winter of course.

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15. Air Bag

This light will only light up to warn you of the airbag malfunction(if your car is equipped with the safety airbags). Immediately take your vehicle to the mechanic as you definitely don't want to get involved in an accident when this signal lights up.

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