Modern dashboards are filled with warning lights that go far beyond the basics. While most drivers can recognize a check engine or low fuel symbol, some alerts are less obvious—and just as important. From odd shapes to symbols that look nothing like car parts, these lights can leave you guessing. Knowing what they mean can help you avoid unnecessary stress or catch a problem before it worsens.
A Flat Tire Light That Looks Like a Horseshoe
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) icon looks like a flat tire with an exclamation point inside it—but many people mistake it for a cup or bowl. If you see this light, one or more of your tires is likely low on pressure.
Driving with underinflated tires can cause poor handling, reduced fuel economy, and premature wear. In some cases, it could even lead to a blowout. Check your tire pressures and add air if needed. If the light stays on even after that, you could have a faulty sensor or a slow leak.
The Fishhook or Skid Marks – Stability Control
If you see a car with squiggly lines behind it, that’s your Electronic Stability Control (ESC) light. It often flickers during slippery driving or hard cornering—indicating the system is actively adjusting brake force or engine power to maintain control.
If it stays on permanently, it could mean your ESC system has been disabled, or a sensor has failed. While you can still drive, your car won’t have full traction assistance, which is especially risky in wet or icy conditions.
Exclamation Points in Triangles or Circles
Some vehicles have general warning lights that aren’t tied to a specific issue. A triangle with an exclamation point or a red circle with one usually means there’s a problem that needs attention, but not necessarily an emergency.
You’ll often see these alongside a message on your vehicle’s information screen, pointing to a specific issue like low washer fluid, an open door, or a burned-out bulb. If there’s no message, it’s best to consult the owner’s manual or have the car scanned at European Auto Motors.
The Headlight with Arrows
If your car has adaptive or auto-leveling headlights, you might see a dashboard light that looks like a headlamp with arrows or slashes. This means the headlight leveling system isn’t working properly, and your lights may not be aimed correctly.
It’s especially important to fix this if you drive at night often, since headlights that point too low reduce visibility—and those that point too high can blind other drivers.
Why It Pays to Investigate the Strange Lights
It’s easy to ignore a warning light that doesn’t match the familiar icons. But unusual lights are often tied to newer vehicle features—and ignoring them might mean missing an important message about your car’s performance or safety systems.
Some lights are purely informational, while others point to mechanical or electronic problems. And because warning lights don’t always come with symptoms, they might be your only sign that something’s wrong under the surface.
If a mystery light appears, the best move is to have the car scanned. We use diagnostic tools that communicate with your car’s onboard systems and pull detailed fault codes, making it easier to locate the problem and fix it quickly.
Whether it’s a quirky icon or a system malfunction, European Auto Motors in Doral, FL, will get to the bottom of it and recommend the right fix. Book your appointment today.