All signs on the dashboard of a car can be divided into three main groups:

Informational - Such icons on the car panel notify the driver about the operation of certain systems or indicate a separate operating mode of one of the components.

Warning - These signs on the dashboard notify the driver of any non-critical problems or malfunctions, and also inform that consumables, such as windshield washer fluid, are running low.

Requiring an immediate response - The most important signs on the car dashboard. Their correct decoding can save you from serious problems. Such indicators cannot be ignored.

All symbols on the dashboard have different color markings, which also need to be navigated.

The main task of the signs on the dashboard is to warn the driver. Therefore, depending on their importance, the color also changes. This differentiation makes each icon on the dashboard similar to individual sections of a traffic light.

Green or blue. These shades have information icons on the car panel that do not attract attention and in the background notify the driver that certain systems are activated and working. For example, that the low beam (green) or high beam (blue) is on.

Yellow or orange color. It means that the car either has some kind of malfunction or requires maintenance. In most cases, such warning signs on the car dashboard do not imply an immediate reaction from the driver, but indicate that the car will need to be worked on soon.

Red color. If the indicators on the dashboard have a red tint, it means that you need to take some action urgently. What exactly - will be revealed by the decoding of the icons on the dashboard, which is worth studying in advance.

Usually, if the icon on the dashboard lights up red, it means that it is unsafe to continue driving the car and it is better to stop. If the icons on the dashboard are not only red but also blinking, this is a notification of a critical breakdown, in which it is strictly forbidden to continue driving.

Yellow signs in the car on the dashboard in most cases allow you to continue driving, but indicate the need to exercise increased caution. The meaning of the icons on the car dashboard in this case is approximately the same, even for models from different manufacturers.

1. Yellow light bulb with an exclamation mark - one of the external lighting bulbs has burned out.

2. Yellow image of the engine and/or the inscription CHECK (CHECK ENGINE) - problems with the engine that require diagnostics.

3. Yellow image of an engine with an arrow pointing down - engine power is decreasing.

4. Yellow image of a tank or canister with a fan - low coolant level.

5. A yellow man with a seat belt and/or the inscription SIDE AIRBAG OFF - the front passenger airbag is disabled or not working.

6. Yellow RSCA OFF sign - side airbags are disabled or not working.

7. Yellow tire with an exclamation mark - the tire pressure is low (less than 25% of the nominal). If the drop is greater, the icon may turn red.

8. Yellow icon of a “sliding” vehicle and/or the inscription VDC OFF, DSC OFF, VCS OFF — the electronic stabilization system is disabled.

9. A yellow icon of a “sliding” car and the inscription ABS or the same inscription in a circle with brackets indicate problems with the anti-lock braking system.

10. Yellow triangle with an exclamation mark - other problems with the vehicle systems.

11. Yellow car axle and levers - problems with the car's transmission.

12. The yellow circle with a boot and brackets around it is a reminder to press the brake pedal when shifting the automatic transmission into R or D mode.

13. A yellow circle with an exclamation mark and yellow brackets around it indicates problems with the brake force distribution system.

14. A yellow circle with a lightning bolt and yellow brackets around it - problems with the electronic parking brake.

15. Yellow icon with four wheels and/or the inscription 4×2 - the drive on one axle is engaged in a four-wheel drive vehicle.

16. 16. Yellow icon with four wheels and/or the inscription 4×4 AUTO — automatic connection of all-wheel drive.

17. 17. Yellow inscription 4×4 LOW or 4LO — the low range in the transmission is engaged.

18. 18. Yellow inscription 4×4 HIGH or 4HI — the overdrive range in the transmission is engaged.

19. Yellow inscription AWD LOCK or LOCK - differential lock is engaged.

20. Yellow charging column and wire with plug - the battery of the electric vehicle or hybrid is discharged.

21. Yellow fuel pump - low fuel level in the tank.

22. Yellow GAS sign - low gas level in a vehicle with gas fuel.

23. A windshield with a fountain drawn with dotted lines means the windshield washer fluid level is low.

These symbols on the car dashboard are of critical importance. With them, the car dashboard notifies about serious problems. Therefore, all drivers need to know what the icons on the dashboard mean if they are red.

1. A red exclamation mark in a circle or the inscription Brake - problems with the brake system or the handbrake is on.

2. Red circle with waves and red brackets around it - low brake fluid level.

3. Red circle with the letter P and red brackets around it - the handbrake is on.

4. Red steering wheel with an exclamation mark - problems with the power steering.

5. Red oil can and/or Oil sign - low engine oil level, low engine oil pressure or problems with the oil sensor.

6. Red battery - low battery charge or problems with its charging, problems with the generator.

7. Red lightning in the battery - the battery of an electric vehicle or hybrid is critically discharged.

8. Red thermometer - engine overheating or problems with the temperature sensor.

9. Red airbag, SRS and/or Airbag sign - problems with airbags.

10. A red gear with an exclamation mark indicates problems with the automatic transmission.

11. Red AT or A/T Oil Temp inscriptions - automatic transmission overheating.

12. Red triangle with a car - dangerous approach to the car in front.

13. Red car with arrows above it - opening/closing of the roof on a convertible.

14. Red car with open doors - the doors or trunk lid are not closed.

15. Red car with open hood - the hood is not closed.

16. Red man with a seat belt - the driver or passengers are not wearing a seat belt.

17. Red car with a key - problems with the immobilizer or alarm.

18. Red key with an exclamation mark - problem with the keyless entry system.

19. Red triangle with an exclamation mark (usually accompanied by a sound signal) - other malfunctions or open car doors.