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About This Quiz
As we're sure you already know, the dashboard is the control panel in a vehicle that is located just behind the steering wheel. It displays the controls necessary for a vehicle's smooth running and operation.
Now, you may also know that not all vehicles have the same dashboard. The differentiating factors are the age of the vehicle, whether it takes gas or diesel, how many features the vehicle has and whether it's energy efficient. Despite this, there are always a few that all vehicles have, such as low fuel, brake warnings and service required. If you want to prove your auto knowledge, do it by taking this dashboard symbols quiz.Â
Back in the day, all dashboards needed to show were oil pressure and the speed and fuel levels. The word "dashboard" was first used not to describe a car, but a wooden barrier in a horse-drawn carriage. They've come a long way, and now show an array of things not limited to a tachometer, turn indicators and other basics. At the very least, you should know that anything flashing red means bad stuff, but we're going to test you beyond that!
So if you think you've got what it takes to ace this quiz, give it a go and display what you've got!Â
Youtube by Tutoriale AUTO
Know what this symbol is trying to say?
The charging system is short of power.
A door is open.
Connected to the door switches, this light tells when a door is open, and in some vehicles, it even indicates which door.
The traction control system is engaged.
There is an issue with the anti-skid system.
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Know what this symbol is trying to say?
Your cell phone is not connected to Bluetooth.
The pressure in your tires is too low.
Something is up with the battery.
Also known as the "charging alert," this light is an indication that the vehicle's car battery voltage is lower than normal. A decrease in charge can result in the vehicle quickly losing all electrical power.
You need to engage the brake.
Youtube via Mopar
Any idea what this symbol is trying to tell you?
There may be an issue with your airbags.
There is something else wrong with the anti-theft system.
There's water in the fuel filter.
This lesser -known symbol on the dashboard indicates that water or another contaminant may be in your fuel. Diesel engines are equipped with fuel filters which separate water from fuel. This light may signify a need to change this filter.
The washer fluid level is low.
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What does this symbol mean if it appears on your dashboard?
The turn signal is on.
Do not be the person who fails to signal a turn! These germane little arrows show in which direction you have opted to turn. We have all signaled left when we meant right or vice versa, and these arrows help to swiftly correct that.
Buckle your seatbelt.
Your engine is too hot.
The washer fluid level is low.
Youtube via TRS6
What should you know when this symbol appears?
You need to engage the brake.
A particular liquid is low.
This light's function serves to tell you that the fluid used to clean your windscreen is running low and needs to be refilled.
The oil life has expired.
The charging system is short of power.
Youtube by Tutoriale AUTO
Do you know the name of this symbol?
Parking brake light
This red or orange light tells that the emergency brake is engaged. If this light appears with a wrench beneath it, then attention from an auto mechanic is necessary.
Battery alert
Tire pressure warning
Airbag indicator
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Youtube via DashboardSymbols.com
What is the name of this symbol?
It's raining.
It's a stability control indicator.
This aids in stability and traction. When a loss of control is detected, steering and braking are taken over from the driver. If this feature is shown as "off," it could be that the driver has pressed the button to deactivate the feature. If this is not the case, then there could be a problem with the function itself.
It's a seatbelt reminder.
It's an airbag indicator.
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Can you match this symbol to its meaning?
The pressure in your tires is too low.
There is an issue with your anti-lock brake system.
Something may be overheating.
This light can either come in the form of a little thermometer image or words such as "temp" or "engine overheating." Whatever its form, it is one of the most significant lights. This is an indication that your coolant level is either inadequate or that the water/coolant ratio is off.
The charging system is short of power.
Youtube by Tutoriale AUTO
What message is this symbol trying to transmit?
Buckle your seatbelt.
That your fuel levels are low.
You can't cruise if you don't have the juice! This reminder tells you the level of your fuel tank and may even have an alarm which tells you when you are running dangerously low.
There may be an issue with your airbags.
Your fog lights are on.
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Youtube via Mercedes-Benz USA
What message is this symbol trying to transmit?
Your fog lights are on.
It tells you when you're too close to another vehicle.
This feature is the cure for tailgating, as it informs the driver when they are too close to the vehicle in front of them. It also gives notice of stationary objects within the automobile's path.
The gas cap is not tightened properly.
There may be an issue with your airbags.
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What is the name of this symbol?
Fog light front
These are wavy lines that intercept straight ones and face the right. They indicate light is passing through a fog and only shows up when your front fog lights are on.
Seatbelt reminder
Tire pressure warning
Battery alert
Wiki Commons by IFCAR
Can you match this symbol to its meaning?
The pressure in your tires is too low.
There's a problem with the motor.
This feature tells drivers that the engine either has a problem or needs to be serviced. It should be checked immediately, as problems can arise. You can either take your car into your mechanic or check the error yourself with an OBD2 code reader.
Your engine is too hot.
There is an issue with your anti-lock brake system.
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Youtube via IIHS
Any idea what this symbol means?
The traction control system is engaged.
Buckle your seatbelt.
There is an issue with the anti-skid system.
There's an obstruction that you probably can't see from your position.
Just as the name suggests, this function tells when there is an obstruction and tells which side it is on. It is a huge addition to the "mirrors, signal, blind spot" mantra that we all learned as driving students.
Youtube via Ford UK
What is this dashboard icon telling you?
You need to engage the brake.
There may be an issue with your airbags.
Your engine is running low on oil.
That there's a problem with your automated light system.
In addition to being able to respond to rain, some vehicles are also equipped with the ability to manipulate headlights and wipers in response to the sun and rain. If this light comes up on your dash, it indicates that there is a problem with the automated system, but changes can still be made manually.
Youtube via World Driving
Do you know what this dash symbol stands for?
Airbag indicator
Antilock brake warning
Headlight range control
No one likes being dazzled by an oncoming vehicle; this safety feature helps to adjust the angle of headlights as one moves through various terrains and roadways.
Oil pressure warning
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What should you be aware of if this symbol appears?
The oil life has expired.
The charging system is not functioning properly.
That tire pressure is low.
This monitors the pressure of tires and informs the driver when one — or any or all — of them have fallen below par.
The washer fluid level is low.
Youtube by Tutoriale AUTO
What should you be aware of if this symbol appears?
Your engine is too hot.
The oil pressure is low.
This bright red light on your dashboard is definitely not one to be ignored. Seeing it can mean that key bearings and friction surfaces are not being properly lubricated. If it appears while you are driving, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and investigate the cause.
The traction control system is engaged.
There is something else wrong with the anti-theft system.
Youtube via CarQuestions
What should you be aware of if this symbol shows up?
The oil life has expired.
There is an issue with the anti-skid system.
The washer fluid level is low.
There's an exterior light fault.
Modern cars have even more illuminated areas than before, from the license plate to tail lights; this symbols showing up means that you need to begin a search for the bulb that isn't getting enough voltage.
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Youtube by Tutoriale AUTO
What does this dashboard symbol mean?
Your engine is too hot.
There is an issue with your anti-lock brake system.
Your seat belt not on.
The seatbelt light is sometimes accompanied by a repetitive chime to remind the driver and occupants to buckle up.
Your engine is running low on oil.
Youtube by Tutoriale AUTO
Can you figure out what this symbol means?
You can break while swerving.
Another aid to driving safety is the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) system. This allows the driver to apply maximum brakes while also steering — for instance, when swerving to avoid a possible collision with a person. If the ABS warning shows up, this needs to be checked immediately.
The pressure in your tires is too low.
You windshield wiper fluid is low.
Your engine is running low on oil.
Youtube via Ray Whyte
What is this symbol telling you?
There is an issue with the anti-skid system.
Your engine is running low on oil.
There is an issue with your anti-lock brake system.
The trunk is open
This is a safety feature that lets users know that the rear storage compartment of the vehicle is not properly closed.
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Youtube via Ford UK
What does this dashboard symbol mean?
You need to engage the brake.
There is an issue with your anti-lock brake system.
Cruise Control
Also known as the Automatic Speed Limiter (ASL), this pops up as a green light and comes on when this setting is engaged. It utilizes the cruise control settings to maintain a particular speed limit which is usually also displayed.
Your engine is running low on oil.
Youtube via YouCar
What does this symbol mean if it appears on your dashboard?
It helps the driver stay more alert when it's dark.
This feature helps motorists to be more alert to what or who is on the road with them when it is dark.
The charging system is not functioning properly.
The washer fluid level is low.
The transmission is operating at higher than normal temperature.
Youtube via Connection Center
Can you guess the meaning of this dashboard symbol?
Oil pressure warning
Antilock brake warning
Seatbelt reminder
Parking assist
This usually is present in green on the dash to let you know that it is activated. Once in action, the system will assess the area around the vehicle to assist smoother and quicker parking. If the symbol is amber or flashing, then a fault with the system has been detected and will be deactivated until rectified.
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Youtube via IIHS
What is the meaning of this symbol?
Buckle your seatbelt.
There is an issue with your anti-lock brake system.
Your engine is too hot.
That you're slipping out of your lane.
One of the best safety functions is this little monitor that lets the driver know when they are veering off of their lane. The system monitors the road markings and the vehicle's position in relation to them and alerts the driver once they are moving too far away from them.
Youtube via worsethanchiggers
What is this symbol warning you about?
The airbags have been deactivated.
Regardless of the cause, if this light comes on, then it means that your airbag won't deploy should it ever be needed.
The pressure in your tires is too low.
Buckle your seatbelt.
The transmission is operating at higher than normal temperature.
Youtube via Briansmobile1
What is this dashboard icon telling you?
The gas cap is not tightened properly.
Your engine is running low on oil.
Frost needs to be removed from your back window.
This button, which is identified as a rectangle with curved arrows running through it, activates a light on your dash to let you know when air from the vehicle's vent is being redirected to the back windows to remove the fog that has accumulated on them.
The washer fluid level is low.
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Youtube via AmericasDriversEd
Can you figure out what this symbol indicates?
Traction control
Auto windscreen wiping
The future is here with wipers that know when to come on and just how fast to swish around. This light means that the setting is activated.
Tire pressure warning
Battery alert
Youtube via Enhanced Auto
What's the meaning behind this dashboard symbol?
The gas cap is not tightened properly.
Your engine is running low on oil.
There's traffic.
As if driving a modern vehicle was not already fun; this little dashboard necessity lets us know that traffic is backed up and that it will serve as an assistant.
The charging system is short of power.
Youtube by Tutoriale AUTO
Know what this symbol stands for?
Oil pressure warning
Traction control
Check the engine
This isn't the most helpful of lights, but it is one of the most feared. It tells you that something isn't working properly, motor-wise, and you should get to a professional sooner than later.
Fog lamp indicator
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Youtube by Tutoriale AUTO
Any idea what this symbol means?
There is an issue with the vehicle's traction control.
Your engine is too hot.
The gas cap is not tightened properly.
A certain speed is being maintained.
This setting is like the autopilot of the vehicle. You choose a speed to drive at, and once cruise control is activated, that speed is maintained until you brake. The symbol simply means that it is activated.
Youtube by Tutoriale AUTO
Know what this symbol stands for?
Traction control
Press brake pedal
This tells drivers of automatic vehicles that they need to press the brake pedal to shift out of "park."
Seatbelt reminder
Fog lamp indicator
Youtube via Ford UK
What is the meaning of this symbol?
That there's an issue with the rain sensor.
Usually attached to the windscreen, these sensors are able to detect rain and sun as well as a decrease in visibility and make changes, such as turning the headlights on or off. Should there be an issue with this function, the symbol will be illuminated on the dashboard.
The traction control system is engaged.
Your fog lights are on.
There is an issue with the anti-skid system.
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Can you identify this symbol?
Something is off with your brakes.
If this red light comes on and remains on, it means that there is an issue with the braking system. It most commonly means that brakes need to be serviced soon or it can be a more urgent issue. If the light is flashing, it could mean that brake fluid levels are running low.
You need to engage the brake.
The pressure in your tires is too low.
There is something else wrong with the anti-theft system.
Youtube via mr-fix
What's the meaning behind this dashboard symbol?
Service reminder
This nifty little feature reminds modern car drivers to have their vehicles checked. With the age of increasing information to retain, one can easily miss the next scheduled vehicle servicing, but fear not; technology always has the solution!
Oil pressure warning
Seatbelt reminder
Antilock brake warning
Youtube via BMWUSA
What is this symbol warning you about?
Your vehicle's ABS is on while going downhill.
If the hill decent control light is on, then you know that your vehicle's ABS is monitoring the speed at which your vehicle goes downhill and is automatically applying the brakes as needed.
Your fog lights are on.
The traction control system is engaged.
There is an issue with the anti-skid system.
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Youtube via Car Is The Game
What is this symbol telling you?
The oil life has expired.
No one can turn your vehicle's wheel without the key.
With motor vehicular theft becoming more common, manufacturers have drivers covered with this feature. It is activated whenever someone attempts to shift the wheel without the key in the ignition.
Your engine is too hot.
There is something else wrong with the anti-theft system.
Youtube via Richard Smith
Can you identify this symbol?
Your fog lights are on.
The pressure in your tires is too low.
There may be an issue with your airbags.
Icy roads may be ahead
This light shows up as amber at a certain atmospheric temperature and then becomes red as it gets cooler. This warns the driver of the possibility of icy roads.
Youtube via Feynmanfan
What should you know when this symbol appears?
There's something wrong with the EV system.
If one drives a hybrid vehicle, this is equivalent to the "check engine" light. It is more than likely a problem that involves any of the parts responsible for mobility.
You need to engage the brake.
Your fog lights are on.
The charging system is not functioning properly.
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Youtube via Holden
Any idea what this symbol is trying to tell you?
You need to engage the brake.
The charging system is short of power.
Your engine is running low on oil.
There's something in the diesel filter.
Driving a diesel vehicle means that there is a lot of soot and other waste matter being created, and these can cause respiratory illnesses. Should this warning light come on, it could mean that the filter is blocked. The good news is that this is fixed by simply driving consistently over 40 mph for about 10 minutes.
Youtube via Amazing Road TV
Do you know what this dash symbol stands for?
You need to engage the brake.
The traction control system is engaged.
The brake pads need to be changed.
Yet another awesome reminder for servicing; this feature lets you know when your brake pads and discs have put in their time and need to be replaced.
The charging system is short of power.
You Got:
/41
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