If this warning light comes on on your car’s dashboard, you are strongly advised to pull over.
Green, orange, red. These are not only the colors of traffic lights but also those most commonly found on a car dashboard. In this age of everything electronic, the indicator lights grow like hot cakes behind the steering wheel to give the driver maximum information on the state of his vehicle. Engine, headlights, battery, fuel gauge…all the main elements are entitled to their little symbol. The different indicator lights all have a use but not the same importance. Hence their color.
If a red light has ever come on during one of your journeys, you have probably experienced a major moment of stress. Especially since many motorists do not know the meaning of all these little logos drawn on the dashboard, which does not fail to increase anxiety. Not all of these witnesses have the same importance. When the battery light comes on, it is often too late. But apart from not being able to restart your car – of course it’s not fun – you don’t risk much. This is not the case for all symbols. Particularly the one with an exclamation point inside a circle itself surrounded by parentheses. Does it mean anything to you?
On certain car models, this light comes on in the same location as the handbrake light. This warning light is used to alert the driver of a problem with the braking system. It’s never very reassuring when you’re driving, but it’s better to know. Most of the time, it indicates that the brake fluid level is too low. This is a signal to be taken very seriously because it can be synonymous with deterioration of the brake pads. When the light is red, your car’s brakes may already be no longer working as they should. Worrying, right?
To avoid danger, it is strongly recommended to quickly go to a garage. A professional will be able to check the condition of the brakes and change the pads if necessary, although most often adding fluid is enough. This also allows you to check whether the brake fluid reservoir is not leaking. As on the road (lights, prohibition signs, etc.), the red on the dashboard should particularly attract your attention. Red lights indicate a major malfunction on the vehicle. When one of them lights up, it alerts the driver of a possible danger and encourages them to go to a mechanic as soon as possible. It is also recommended to turn off the engine when this happens, even if it means finishing your journey on foot or calling a tow truck.