Car Control Panel: Decoding the Dashboard Icons

If a red indicator starts flashing on the road and you don't understand what it means, the "internal panic mode" is definitely activated. What happened to the car, should I stop or keep going? Deciphering the icons on the dashboard is not as difficult as it seems. Icons are the language the car communicates when it wants to "say" something important. You need to understand this language if you have car leasing or drive your own car.

What is a dashboard

The controls are similar in all cars. This is done so that drivers can navigate without problems if long-term car rental is issued, while they do not have their own or the car is being repaired.

The dashboard is like an information center with up-to-date information about your car. It shows all the important parameters: from the fuel level to the engine condition. By highlighting a certain icon, the system wants to draw your attention to certain information.

Indicators, decoding of icons on the dashboard and types of signals

The icons can be of different colors and indicate different events. Green, yellow or red have their own meaning. The signals can be divided into 3 types: warning, information, emergency. You need to react to all of them. The largest icons on the dashboard are the speedometer and tachometer, which indicates the engine speed. Specific icons:

1. Battery. Especially important for those who rent electric cars, but important in all versions. Indicates problems with charging or that the battery is overloaded.
2. Fuel level. The mission of the icon is to inform you that the tank will soon be empty. If the indicator flashes, it's time to refuel.
3. Brake system light. It lights up every time you start the car to let you know that the system is normal and you can drive.
4. Washer. Lights up, warning that the fluid is running low. Top it up to the norm - and the light will go out.
5. Light. Flashes if one of the external lamps has failed and you need to urgently take care of the headlights.

These are the main meanings of the icons on the dashboard, but each car has its own signals that make driving easier and more comfortable: cruise control indicator, speed limit, lane assist, and others. 

General icons and safety

They also need to be distinguished if you want to drive safely and confidently. Understanding the indicators helps you understand when you can deal with the problem yourself, and when it is better to go to a service station. Main icons: 

• tire pressure;
• engine check;
• oil level;
• position relative to the lane.

The panel with indicators was created not only for the comfort of those behind the wheel. The road is is a safety responsibility. Each icon on the dashboard provides important information about the car's condition so that you can monitor events, protect yourself, passengers and pedestrians, and learn about problems in advance.