Pictures are universal and much quicker to read – which is why the warning lights on your vehicle’s instrument panel are depicted as ambiguous icons instead of words. While it might make sense to the engineer, warning lights can often be difficult for the layman to decipher. “What does that little light mean?”
What do those little lights mean?
Auto repair shops field questions like this every day, and according to a survey taken by Insurance.com, there’s definitely some confusion surrounding the meaning of warning lights. In 2013, the website polled 2000 drivers 18 years and older, asking to identify several different vehicle warning lights.
These are the percentages of incorrect answers. Managing Editor of Insurance.com, Michelle Magna commented on the survey,
What do those little lights mean?
Auto repair shops field questions like this every day, and according to a survey taken by Insurance.com, there’s definitely some confusion surrounding the meaning of warning lights. In 2013, the website polled 2000 drivers 18 years and older, asking to identify several different vehicle warning lights.
- TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring) - 49%
- Brake System Warning - 46%
- Cruise Control activated - 42%
- Fog Lights, or beams - 40%
- Electrical System problem warning - 24%
- Engine Temperature warning - 17%
These are the percentages of incorrect answers. Managing Editor of Insurance.com, Michelle Magna commented on the survey,
“One has to question the effectiveness of warning lights, especially in cases where well over a third of drivers can’t guess what they mean. Despite all the advances in car technology, mysterious warning lights persist. Maybe it’s time to do something revolutionary, like use words instead of icons.”
So what can we, as drivers, do to combat all this warning light confusion? Why, read the owner manual of course! The meaning behind the warning lights may still appear vague, but by familiarizing yourself with the instrument panel, you’ll be prepared if and when those little icons decide to light up. Check your vehicle’s owner manual for a section on the instrument panel and warning lights.
You can also ask one of our technicians at Canyon Automotive Repair & Service to sit with you and explain any warning light, and we will be glad to help. Bring us your car, or call the shop today at 928-282-4424 to schedule an appointment.
You can also ask one of our technicians at Canyon Automotive Repair & Service to sit with you and explain any warning light, and we will be glad to help. Bring us your car, or call the shop today at 928-282-4424 to schedule an appointment.
