What do the stickers on cars mean? Detailed interpretation of signs. Part 1

Modern cars are equipped with a lot of electronics. To enable timely monitoring and diagnostics, each device is connected to a panel with signal indicators. Each icon has a unique meaning, ensuring there is no confusion while driving. The designation of the icons on the instrument panel is different for each car, which is explained by the difference in the designs of the on-board systems.

The difficulty is that there can be a large number of icons on a modern machine. The following is a description of each symbol separately.

Designations


SymbolsModern cars are equipped with a lot of electronics.
To enable timely monitoring and diagnostics, each device is connected to a panel with signal indicators. Each icon has a unique meaning, ensuring there is no confusion while driving. The designation of the icons on the instrument panel is different for each car, which is explained by the difference in the designs of the on-board systems. The difficulty is that there can be a large number of icons on a modern machine.
The following is a description of each symbol separately.

Car icons and their names. What do brand logos mean?

As you know, correct naming solves many problems in business today. The name of the company or brand must necessarily correspond to consumer expectations.

This rule also works in the automotive world, where many customers choose one or another car brand for its sonorous name.

Sound European brands

In Europe, car icons and their names have received the most important place. While Americans can take liberties in naming, this is unacceptable for a European corporation.

Among the most resonant and interesting European brands, it is worth noting the following:

Audi.

Four closed rings signify the eternal partnership of the four companies that created the brand (Audi, Horch, Wanderer and DKW). The name is of Latin origin. Loosely translated, the word means “listen” or “listen.” The creators acted quite shrewdly - it’s really nice to listen to the current engines of the corporation.

BMW.

The brand icon was based on the Bavarian flag. Some etymologists interpret this image as a symbol of a rotating airplane propeller. And the name is an abbreviation of the name of the plant - Bayerische MotorenWerke.

Buick.

The British luxury car manufacturer proudly displays three coats of arms on its grille, symbolizing the coat of arms of the Scottish Buick family that founded the company.

Citroen.

The French corporation was founded at the beginning of the last century by Andre Citroen, whose name it bears to this day. And the emblem of the corporation's cars reflects the first great achievement of French engineering - the teeth of the chevron wheel.

Ferrari.

The Italian company was also named after the founder. And the concern’s emblem is based on a badge received by the founder as an inheritance from his father, a legendary military pilot. On the fuselage of the plane that his father piloted was a black horse standing on its hind legs.

Mercedes.

The legend of the name of this German brand is known to everyone. Emil Jellinek, who bought Daimler-Benz in 1900, named the plant after his beloved daughter. The three-pointed star, which has become a legend, has a simpler origin. She was depicted in one of the postcards by Daimler, one of the founders of the company. Today, the three rays of the star are interpreted as follows: “On land, on water and in the air.”

Volkswagen.

“People's car” translated from German took its emblem from the two letters of the name - VW. The intricacy of these letters in the logo has formed a world-famous brand.

Japanese brands - ascetic and simple

The Japanese have never been known for their creative thinking in marketing. Everything is simple and clear to them. Car brands and their badges have also adopted this principle. World-famous Japanese brands have become legends in the automotive market, thanks to the quality that each name carries.

Among the many brands, we note the following:

Infinity.

The very name of the company, which is translated from English as “infinity” or “limitlessness,” hints at the corporation’s great aspirations. The simple emblem actually depicts a road leading to infinity.

Lexus.

Toyota spent a long time looking for a suitable name for its luxury brand. The word “Lexus” turned out to be just a pleasant consonance that is associated with luxury life (luxury). And the logo is so simple that it would be difficult to come up with a simpler one.

Mazda.

This Japanese concern has the most intricate emblem of all Japanese cars. One legend says that chrome wings in a circle mean flight to success, another calls the emblem a symbol of the sun. The company claims that the logo is based on the letter M. Over the many years of evolution, the logo has changed more than once, and its latest edition was published at the end of the last century.

Mitsubishi.

The name is translated from Japanese. The designers skillfully reflected this in symbolism, combining the corporation’s logo with the family coat of arms of the company’s founder, Kayota Iwasaki.

Toyota.

The most famous Japanese automobile brand was named after one of the founders, Toyoda. The corporation's logo is quite simple - it symbolizes the universe, combining three rings from different angles. This is one of the few three-dimensional emblems in the automotive world.

Nissan.

The circle at the base of this company's logo symbolizes the sun, and the rectangle in which the brand name is inscribed symbolizes the sky. The Japanese etymology of the logo is complex, because the sun symbolizes such a broad concept as sincerity.

Acura.

Honda's elite division has a two-digit logo. Firstly, the letter A is clearly readable in the icon, as the first letter of the brand name. Secondly, you can see the slightly tilted letter H (the first letter of the Honda brand). The icon also symbolizes a road in which the driver will not have any problems.

Honda.

Everything here is extremely simple. The company is named after the founder, and the first letter of the brand name is placed in the logo. Simple and Japanese.

Russian car brands – lack of creativity

Russian car brands are quite simple in their names. However, car logos have an interesting history. Of particular interest is the history of the following logos:

Lada.

The badge appeared back in 1970, when the Russian automobile plant, in collaboration with the Italian Fiat, designed the VAZ 2101. Many parts for the first cars were supplied from the Italian plant, in particular the radiator grille. The latter turned out to be without an emblem, because Fiat was not the developer of the car. Then, in a great hurry, the legendary “rook” appeared, which to this day adorns the cars of the Volzhsky plant. By the way, the letter “B” is also read in the icon, as the first letter of the name of the city and, accordingly, the company.

GAS.

The logo of the Gorky Automobile Plant is based on the coat of arms of the city of Nizhny Novgorod, where the company's main facilities are located. The proudly striding deer has remained virtually unchanged since its creation.

ZAZ.

The logo of the Ukrainian automobile plant from Zaporozhye is quite simple. Since 2000, all cars of this company have been decorated with a chrome oval with two ascending lines. The Ukrainians probably hinted at the symbol of the road, although the exact origin of this logo is unknown.

American icons - a symbol of success and leadership

Americans tend to come up with intricate names with dozens of interpretations and draw equally intricate logos. Among American automobile brands, it is worth remembering the following.

Cadillac.

The modern logo of the American elite company was based on the coat of arms of the 18th century French military man, Antoine Cadillac. He founded the city of Detroit, where most of the brand's businesses are located. Today the logo has been greatly simplified, but its origins can still be recognized.

Chevrolet.

Another brainchild of General Motors Corporation got its logo from the well-known bow tie. In America, this sign symbolizes wealth and aristocratic affiliation. In the USA, Chevrolet cars belong to one of the most expensive classes.

Dodge.

The logo with a red ram was invented by the creator of the automobile concern himself. The fact is that in the American market Dodge is represented by trucks and pickups, which explains the strange choice of an animal for the emblem. The idea running through the company’s advertising slogans is: “Dodge is as stubborn as a ram.”

Lincoln.

The Lincoln Corporation logo consists of compass arrows pointing to the four cardinal directions. So the company wanted to show that it intends to achieve popularity in all countries of the world. To some extent, she succeeded.

Ford.

The logo of this ancient brand is perhaps the most unpretentious in the American automotive world. The inscription "Ford" on a blue background. The logo has undergone virtually no changes since 1926, when it was drawn by the company's designers.

Chinese logos – simplicity does not hinder success

In China, logos and naming traditionally do not receive as much attention as in other countries. However, Chinese-made cars are becoming increasingly popular, and their quality is approaching European standards. Therefore, it would be dishonest to omit eastern manufacturers from our rating.

We will talk about the following emblems:

BYD.

One of the most popular Chinese brands in Eastern Europe became famous for copying its logo from the BMW badge. The same flowers, the same inscription and even the first letter is the same. I must admit, the Chinese badge looks much simpler and cheaper than the German one.

Chery.

Contrary to many people's belief that the Chinese misspelled the English word "cherry", the name of a popular Chinese brand comes from a Chinese word that means "prosperity". The logo is the letter A surrounded on both sides by the letters C. This is an abbreviation for Chery Automobile Corporation.

Geely.

The manufacturer does not comment on the decoding of its logo, but one thing is clear: we have already seen this somewhere. The logo is not authentic, although it has been successfully promoting the brand’s cars for many years.

Great Wall.

Translated from English, the brand name means “Great Wall”, with a hint of the most famous Chinese landmark. The brand icon combines the first two letters of the name – G and W.

Lifan.

Roughly translated from the Chinese brand, it’s called: “Going with full sails.” The logo confirms this translation - three sailboats that are rapidly sailing towards the success of a large Chinese corporation.

We could continue to describe the stories of the creation and development of brands for a long time, but it is worth noting that car icons and their names have shaped the attitude of buyers for years. No matter how simple a Honda or Lexus badge may be, everyone associates it with quality.

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What icons are there and what do they mean?

Badges
Some motorists have always been embarrassed to ask what the car signs that light up on the board mean. Initially, you need to figure out what groups pointers and symbols are divided into.

  1. Informational – notifies the car owner about the activation of external devices. They are usually green or blue in color.
  2. Warning - indicate that failures or breakdowns have been detected in the system that require verification. The main color is orange or yellow.
  3. Emergency. If the red indicator lights up, this indicates that there are critical errors in the device and immediate repair is required.

The groups are further divided into subcategories indicating part of the on-board network. The icons have clarifications in the form of pictures corresponding to the part. There are also letter indices here - the encryption is the same for all cars and is responsible for one circuit.

Note! In 90% of modern cars, when the ignition is turned on, all the indicators on the dashboard light up and go out after 10 seconds. You need to pay attention only to those lamps that are constantly on.

Icon catalog

The complete list of existing icons is most conveniently expressed in a table.

AppearanceDecoding
The presence of such a thermometer indicates that an insufficient or excessive temperature of the coolant in the head radiator has been detected. If the icons are blinking, the lines may be damaged or a fluid leak has been detected.
A red watering can indicates a critical drop in pressure inside the engine lubrication system.
The voltage in the vehicle's on-board network has dropped significantly. The battery needs to be charged or replaced. Indirectly indicates a malfunction of the generator or its wiring.
If the red triangle lights up, this indicates that the car is trying to attract the driver’s attention. Usually illuminated in conjunction with other indicators.
Failure of the electronic stabilization unit of the machine. It may also light up when the system is not working properly.
If the car with a key is on, it can also be installed in the form of a green key - the sign indicates that the immobilizer is activated.
A lock in the background of the car - a critical failure or an error has been detected - the breakdown of the standard anti-theft system.
Installed only on automatic transmission. A red gear sign indicates overheating or a unit error. Additionally, it may be accompanied by a sound signal.
The wrench indicator always indicates individual types of breakdowns. The exact value must be found in the vehicle's service manual.
In 90% of cases it is installed exclusively on modern high-power racing cars. Indicates overheating of the chassis devices. Indirectly indicates the likelihood of loss of control.
An indicator with a picture of a steering wheel indicates that there may be a leak in the power steering housing or a failure of the electric power steering.
The handbrake lever is raised. If the icon is on, you need to remove the car from the handbrake to start driving.
Critical drop in brake fluid level. To continue driving, you need to perform a full diagnostic of the device and add fluid to the tank.
A car with skid marks (the indicator looks like a “slippery road” road sign) indicates that the anti-lock brake system is engaged or faulty.
Critical wear of brake pads. When the symbol lights up, you need to quickly go to a service station for service.
May also be accompanied by the inscription break. Indicates a malfunction or disconnection of the anti-lock brake system.
The brake force distribution device is broken, if the option is present on the vehicle.
Lightning indicated in yellow. Mounted only on modern foreign cars - this indicates a failure or damage to the electronic parking brake control system.
Mounted exclusively on cars with automatic transmission. Indicates the need to hold the brakes to unlock the automatic transmission speed selector
The output from the wheel pressure sensors indicates a drop in pressure inside the tires by more than 25% of the nominal value.
Limitation of power supply to the engine. A yellow indicator indicates the need for an urgent engine check.
The red oil can icon indicates a drop in the oil level in the crankcase.
Airbag failure. If the indicator blinks, this indicates a violation in the blocks responsible for the correct operation of the unit.
The front passenger airbag is deactivated.
If it lights up only when the ignition is turned on, there is nothing terrible. If a fire occurs while driving, it indicates overheating of the automatic transmission components.
The presence of checks on the tidy indicates the need to check the engine - there may be a violation of the internal components of the internal combustion engine.
Engine power has decreased critically. You can remove it by restarting the engine after 10 seconds of inactivity. In turbocharged internal combustion engines, it may indirectly indicate turbine failure.
Malfunctions of the on-board network or electronic systems.
Lambda probe - malfunction or severe blockage. It is necessary to clean or replace the part with a new one.
Indicates a breakdown or overheating of the catalyst.
It is necessary to check that the gas tank is closed correctly. The funnel is located on the side where the fuel tank is located.
An information pointer appears on the board simultaneously with display signals. The purpose of the sign is to inform the driver that there are problems.
A serious error has appeared on the display. The icon shown in the photo indicates the need to read the user manual to resolve the problem.
A leak has been detected in the engine cooling system.
Indirectly indicates an increase in engine temperature. Lights up simultaneously with checks or other indicators. Depending on the type of car, the indicators differ, but the meaning is the same.
Damage or incorrect operation of the electronic throttle units.
The icon has a characteristic meaning. The lamp indicates a malfunction or disconnection of the remote tracking system.
In some cars, it indicates the need to evacuate the car - a critical breakdown has been detected.
The second meaning is that it is necessary to carry out scheduled maintenance.
Reminder to the driver about the need to change the oil and perform maintenance.
The air filter on the intake system is broken or the element is clogged - replacement is required.
It has three meanings depending on the design of the car. May indicate malfunctions of the traction control system, stabilizers, and electronic differential locks.
4x4 system activated. The second meaning is that diagnostics of the chassis is required.
The emergency brake assist device is disabled or damaged.
The on-board computer detected that the car was slipping and activated the directional stability modules. In other versions, there may additionally be a drawn snowflake here.
The image of the key and skid marks means that the above system is disabled or disabled. In this case, the car drives normally without the involvement of electronic components.
The four pointers have different purposes. The first and third indicate the absence of an electronic key inside the car. The second and fourth for his presence.
The battery of the electronic keys is worn out; you need to replace the battery immediately.
The option of assistance when starting on snow is included. Additionally, it makes it possible to dose the amount of fuel.
Found on trucks such as Photon Ollin and more “advanced”. The driver is asked to take a break or rest. In Europe, there is a fine for neglecting the indicator.
It acts as part of cruise control and indicates a dangerous approach to a leading vehicle.
Used for trucks, indicates the inclusion of the trailer mode.
Autopilot on the car is turned on. When flashing, the car moves out of the lane; if the lamp is constantly on, a system failure of the program or mechanical damage has been detected.
Stop/start mode failure. Electronic units do not work correctly.
On all-wheel drive models, it indicates that the rear axle is engaged exclusively.
Same with automatic 4x4 connection in a car.
The center differential is locked.
Likewise for the rear axle.
4x4 is activated, all wheels are in forced rotation mode.
Breakage of the all-wheel drive clutch or breakdown, failure in the internal components of the chassis.
Attention! The car is on the handbrake or a breakdown has been detected, depending on the design of the car.
On electric models, it indicates that a problem has been detected in the high-voltage network.
Malfunction of electronic on-board systems.
The high-voltage battery is discharged and requires charging.
Can be used for electric forklift or modern cars. The device requires recharging.
Indicator of critical reduction in engine power. Possible turbocharger failure.
Malfunction of the horn or similar sound warning devices.
A yellow spiral indicates that the glow plugs are in warm-up mode (for diesel engines only).
If the diesel particulate filter is OK, the indicators should not light up. The presence of icons indicates a blockage or breakdown of the system.
Dry catalyst - too little water for a successful cleaning reaction.
The exhaust cleaning system is faulty and requires repair.
Three indicators with the same meaning.
They can be made in the form of a gas station with drops or in the form of a float chamber. They indicate the need to flush the fuel system or the presence of water in it. Additionally, it can signal the need to replace filters.
There is a minimum amount of fuel left in the fuel tank. You need to stop at a gas station. A similar icon is present on the 2109 dashboard produced by VAZ.

Prohibition signs

Prohibition signs introduce or remove certain traffic restrictions.

3.1 “Entry is prohibited.”

Entry of all vehicles in this direction is prohibited.

3.2 “Movement is prohibited.”

All vehicles are prohibited.

3.3 “The movement of motor vehicles is prohibited.”

3.4 “Truck traffic is prohibited.”

The movement of trucks and vehicle combinations with a permissible maximum weight of more than 3.5 tons (if the weight is not indicated on the sign) or with a permissible maximum weight more than indicated on the sign, as well as tractors and self-propelled vehicles is prohibited.

Sign 3.4 does not prohibit the movement of trucks intended for the transport of people, vehicles of federal postal organizations having a white diagonal stripe on the side surface on a blue background, as well as trucks without a trailer with a permissible maximum weight of not more than 26 tons that serve enterprises located in the designated area. In these cases, vehicles must enter and exit the designated area at the intersection closest to their destination.

3.5 “Motorcycles are prohibited.”

3.6 “Movement of tractors is prohibited.”

The movement of tractors and self-propelled vehicles is prohibited.

3.7 “Moving with a trailer is prohibited.”

It is prohibited to drive trucks and tractors with trailers of any type, as well as tow motor vehicles.

3.8 “The movement of horse-drawn carts is prohibited.”

The movement of horse-drawn carts (sleighs), riding and pack animals, as well as the passage of livestock is prohibited.

3.9 “Bicycles are prohibited.”

Bicycles and mopeds are prohibited.

3.10 “Pedestrian traffic is prohibited.”

3.11 “Weight limitation”.

The movement of vehicles, including combinations of vehicles, the total actual weight of which is greater than that indicated on the sign, is prohibited.

3.12 “Limitation of mass per vehicle axle.”

It is prohibited to drive vehicles whose actual weight on any axle exceeds that indicated on the sign.

3.13 "Height limitation".

The movement of vehicles whose overall height (with or without cargo) is greater than that indicated on the sign is prohibited.

3.14 "Width limitation".

It is prohibited to drive vehicles whose overall width (laden or unladen) is greater than that indicated on the sign.

3.15 "Length limitation".

The movement of vehicles (vehicle trains) whose overall length (with or without cargo) is greater than that indicated on the sign is prohibited.

3.16 “Minimum distance limitation.”

It is prohibited to drive vehicles with a distance between them less than that indicated on the sign.

3.17.1 “Customs”.

It is prohibited to travel without stopping at a customs office (checkpoint).

3.17.2 "Danger".

The further movement of all vehicles without exception is prohibited due to a traffic accident, accident, fire or other danger.

3.17.3 "Control".

Driving through checkpoints without stopping is prohibited.

3.18.1 “Right turns are prohibited.”

3.18.2 “Left turns are prohibited.”

3.19 “Turning is prohibited.”

3.20 “Overtaking is prohibited.”

It is prohibited to overtake all vehicles except slow-moving vehicles, horse-drawn carts, bicycles, mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without sidecars.

3.21 “End of the no-overtaking zone.”

3.22 “Overtaking by trucks is prohibited.”

It is prohibited for trucks with a permissible maximum weight of more than 3.5 tons to overtake all vehicles.

3.23 “End of the no-overtaking zone for trucks.”

3.24 “Maximum speed limit.”

It is prohibited to drive at a speed (km/h) exceeding that indicated on the sign.

3.25 “End of maximum speed limit zone.”

3.26 “Sound signal is prohibited.”

It is prohibited to use sound signals, except in cases where the signal is given to prevent a traffic accident.

3.27 “Stopping is prohibited.”

Stopping and parking of vehicles is prohibited.

3.28 “Parking is prohibited.”

Parking of vehicles is prohibited.

3.29 “Parking is prohibited on odd days of the month.”

3.30 “Parking is prohibited on even days of the month.”

When signs 3.29 and 3.30 are used simultaneously on opposite sides of the roadway, parking is permitted on both sides of the roadway from 19:00 to 21:00 (rearrangement time).

3.31 “End of the zone of all restrictions.”

Designation of the end of the coverage area simultaneously for several signs from the following: 3.16, 3.20, 3.22, 3.24, 3.26 - 3.30.

Decoding symbols

Modern cars have a large number of symbols and abbreviations that are responsible for individual networks. The full transcript is more readable in table form.

IndicatorDecoding
The indicator indicates that the unit for automatically activating external illuminators is turned on.
The symbol indicates that the adaptive headlight control system is disabled. If the lamp blinks, an error has been detected in the network.
The autopilot system is activated and road markings are monitored.
Duplicates the above system, indicating that the machine is moving to the side.
Malfunction of the start/stop device - the car may not stall at traffic lights.
All-wheel drive mode is activated in normal mode.
Likewise with downshifting (for SUVs).
LOCK – the center differential is turned on, forced drive to all 4 wheels is activated.
It may also look like a green M. The sign indicates that the fuel economy mode is turned on (one or more cylinders are turned off).
Four-wheel drive malfunction.
Mismatch in diameters of front and rear wheels on all-wheel drive.
Overheating of the center differential. It may also indicate a breakdown or breakage of the drive.
Severe overheating of the oil in the rear axle. You need to stop and wait for the lubricant to cool.
Active Steering is enabled.
Problems in the above module.
Driving mode with increased gear ratio is activated. On an automatic, the car starts moving in 2nd gear.
Malfunction of the continuously variable transmission drive. In normal mode, it lights up briefly when the ignition is turned on.
Damage to variable speed steering.
Indicators for switching driving modes.
Typically used in modern cars such as Mercedes W164. When one of the indicators is turned on, the engine and suspension settings may change.
The forced delay mode for gear shifting is enabled on automatic transmissions. Allows you to rev the engine as much as possible and is used when overtaking.
Depending on the design of the machine, it may be round in shape and have an exclamation mark. In some trim levels, the exclamation mark lights up separately. The indicator indicates activation of the handbrake and fluid leakage from the lines.
A lubricant leak has been detected from the engine crankcase. There is an urgent need to stop and make up for the loss.
TPMS alert indicates pressure loss.
The ABS device is not working correctly. You must be careful when driving. Also, the ABS icon may indicate a puncture in one of the vehicle’s wheels.
The ESP device is an electronic stability control system designed to assist the driver. When the indicator turns on, the side needs to be checked.
The indicator is found on modern foreign cars. The block helps keep the car in turns. If the EPC fires, you should drive the vehicle with extreme caution - the device is turned off. Similarly, it can be indicated as EPS, but there is no fundamental difference.
Electronic brake force distribution device. EBD helps the driver maintain direction during emergency braking. If the indicator is on, the unit is faulty.
Depending on the manufacturer, they indicate a breakdown of the traction control system.
The electronic kinetic suspension control module is faulty.
They duplicate the meaning of the above picture with the difference in the principle of breakdown. The icon indicates that the device is turned off.
The automatic braking device when approaching a vehicle in front is disabled or broken. Cleaning the external sensors often helps.
The module of electronic assistants when driving the car is broken. The car is controlled normally, but only with the help of mechanics.
It can also be made in the shape of a snowflake. Indicates that driver assistance modes are activated on slippery roads.
Indicator of the position of the car body above the road surface. The option is mounted exclusively on vehicles with air suspension.
Failures were detected in the running parts of the vehicle.
PSA square indicator may indicate a power steering malfunction or the need to change the filled fluid.
Disabling overdrive on an automatic transmission.
The engine needs to be checked. The EPC system can forcefully reduce the power of the power plant.

Who needs a “novice driver” sign?

Paragraph 8 of the appendices to the Road Traffic Rules for the approval of vehicles for use on the road tells us that various identification marks must be installed on vehicles. For example: spikes, deaf or novice driver, doctor, disabled person.

The novice driver sign looks like a yellow square with an exclamation point drawn in the center and is attached to the rear window of any vehicle except:

  1. Motorcycle;
  2. Tractors;
  3. Self-propelled machine.

The reason for installing the young driver sign is clear from its name: the sticker must be present on the car of inexperienced drivers. According to the rules, a novice driver is considered to be a person who received his license less than 2 years ago.

Please note the description of the sign: a black exclamation mark on a yellow background. Many people hang the wrong stickers:

  1. The white triangle with an exclamation point is a road sign called "other hazards." It may mean that there is some kind of threat on the road ahead, for example, a cliff or fog. But such a sign is not suitable for a novice driver.
  2. Triangle with the letter "U". It can only be used on training vehicles, for example in a driving school. Once you have received your driver's license, you are no longer a student and such a sticker will be out of place.

The designation “novice driver” was introduced by the rules so that more experienced road users understand that the driver is a person who has very little experience in driving a car. Such drivers can behave unpredictably on the road: change lanes without making sure that their maneuver is safe; confusing the gas and brake pedals; stall at an intersection.

Having seen the warning sign of an inexperienced driver, a normal person will try to support an inexperienced colleague who is experiencing difficulties in a difficult situation. For example, it will help him change lanes by reducing speed, or even stop, giving the newcomer the opportunity to change lanes.

Although, of course, there are people who quickly forgot that they were once also inexperienced and bad drivers. Such drivers become irritated at the sight of an exclamation mark and often cut off newcomers and honk at them. It is because of such boors on the road that novice drivers often remove the identification mark from the car window before the required two-year period.

Decoding the tidy indicators

A separate group of pointers that carry a notification value should be highlighted. Lamps that do not warn of a breakdown, they mean the activation of individual elements and units of the car. A complete breakdown of the indicator lights on the dashboard looks like this.

PointerMeaning
Lights up on the dashboard when the daytime running lights (dimensions) are turned on. Found on most modern and classic cars.
Mainly used on trucks and signals the activation of trailer driving mode.
Types of cruise control indicators. If the lamp blinks, this indicates a malfunction in the system.
On modern cars, it indicates activation of the brake system. To unlock, you need to press the gas pedal once.
The sport mode of the suspension and engine is activated.
A similar sign indicates a comfortable rhythm of movement.
The indicator lights only red, indicating that the battery is not charging. If the light blinks, then the problem may be hidden in the generator.
Warning indicators that external lighting devices are not working correctly. The lamp may have burned out or the headlight may have broken.
The blue indicator lights up continuously when the headlights are in high beam mode. When the low beam headlights are turned on, the signal goes out.
The work of the rear feet is impaired.
The side lights are activated.
Front fog lamp activation indicator.
Same for the rear foglights.
It can also be duplicated by the simultaneous blinking of the turn signals, indicating the activation of the alarm system.
Normal operating mode of the parking module.
The above unit is faulty or critically damaged.
Information type signs are mounted mainly on SUVs. Additionally, they can be duplicated by angle degree indicators on the on-board computer display.
Indicators for off/on the hill start assist system.
If a signal appears on the dashboard, it means that the oil pressure inside the engine crankcase is too low. The sign is relatively new; on classics it can be in the form of an ordinary red lamp.
Indicator from built-in tire pressure sensors. Causes of failure: punctures or progressive drop in tire inflation.
The vehicle is driving in economy mode. For some models, one or more cylinders turn off at this moment.
Has a similar meaning.

What does the sign Ш on a car mean? Just about simple things

It’s not difficult to guess what the sign Ш on a car means. In a nutshell, this is a sign about equipping wheels with studs. In addition to the traffic rules on the roads, there is a clause that states that the sign in question is intended to be installed on a vehicle equipped with studded tires. It alerts drivers behind that they need to maintain a minimum distance due to the shortened braking distance. The sign is made in the form of a triangle with a red border, the center of which is made with the letter Ш in black. Each side is made at least 20 cm long, and the outline of the border is taken in proportion to 1/10 of this size. When and how is it used? What does the sign Ш on a car mean and its purpose will be discussed below. It is glued to the rear window using a product that has spikes on the tires. Point number 8 of the main nominations on the admission of vehicles to travel and the duties of officials to maintain traffic safety states that vehicles with wheels equipped with spikes must be equipped with a similar sign. As a penalty, an administrative penalty in the amount of five hundred rubles is provided. However, the main set of traffic rules does not include a provision on the absence of “Ш”, as a technical or other violation that affects safety. The cost of this sign is about 100 rubles. It is usually glued on in the fall, and removed when changing tires to the summer version. The attribute allows you to notify drivers about a shortened braking distance, and can also be useful in some cases during an accident, as evidence of innocence. In fact, this trifle, which seems at first glance, allows you to somehow discipline drivers and be more attentive. Article on the topic: “How to stick a sticker on a car, on glass, and also how to remove them.” Is use required? The absence of the sign in question does not result in any penalties under the law. The maximum that a traffic police officer can do is make a verbal recommendation. But, in some court cases, the absence of the “Ш” sign led to the driver of the car driving in front being found guilty of colliding with the vehicle behind. The traffic rules specifically state that the driver of a car is required to check and ensure that the vehicle is in good technical condition before driving. Movement is prohibited if the following defects are present:

  • Problems with the steering and braking system;
  • Inoperative headlights and side lights;
  • Driver's side window cleaner not working.

If these problems occur during transportation, the driver is obliged to eliminate them or proceed to the destination in compliance with all safety precautions. Consequently, penalties applied for the absence of the sign in question are illegal. Examples To clearly find out how installing the “Ш” sign can influence the court’s decision in the event of an accident, use the following examples. A driver in Izhevsk inadvertently hit the car in front, which was equipped with studded tires. There was no “Sh” attribute on it. As a result, the obvious violator focused attention on the absence of a warning sign about a shortened braking distance. The court found the owner of the first car guilty. A similar situation occurred in the capital during frosts. The Lada driver suddenly braked in front of a cat running across the road. The Volga driving behind crashed into the rear of the VAZ. Well versed in knowledge of traffic rules, the GAZ driver was able to prove that the accident was caused by the driver of the Zhiguli, since the braking distance was calculated, implying the presence of non-studded tires, due to the absence of the “Ш” sign. The court agreed with his opinion and found the driver of the car in front to be at fault for the accident. Features: If a vehicle equipped with studded tires undergoes a technical inspection in the winter, a ticket may not be issued if the sign in question is missing. Drivers of vehicles with less than 2 years of driving experience may additionally be advised to wear a “!” sign sticker in winter. If the traffic police inspector nevertheless issues a fine specifically for the absence of the “Sh” attribute, the driver has the right to appeal his decision in court. However, you will have to spend a lot of time and effort going to various authorities. Experienced drivers advise not to be lazy and purchase this information sticker. Judging by the reviews of drivers, studs on the wheels do not always contribute to a quick stop. The weight of the car and the condition of the road play a decisive role in the braking distance. However, on obvious ice, studded tires stop much faster. Article on the topic: “Which is better, studded or non-studded winter tires.” Motorists, knowing what the sign Ш on the car means, should think about maintaining the proper distance. At the same time, the driver of a car shod with spikes should also not lose vigilance. It must be remembered that following traffic rules at any time of the year allows you to protect yourself and others. AutoFlit.ru

Error codes

A group of errors is highlighted separately. Codes exist for timely detection and elimination of breakdowns. When you turn on the ignition, three or four-digit numbers supported by alphabetic abbreviations may appear on the instrument display.

Service equipment is usually used for detailed reading and decoding of errors. The technician, using a computer with a special program, can determine what each symbol means and where to look for a breakdown.

It is impossible to decipher the designations for different cars in one article; each car model has a unique set of combinations that are not duplicated by analogues.

Who should put an exclamation mark on a car?

According to statistics, approximately 5% of beginners decide not to drive again after their first independent drive on city roads. The remaining 95% do not immediately, but successfully master the necessary safe driving skills. Adaptation occurs in different ways. For some drivers, a month behind the wheel is enough, for others it takes years. The need to use an exclamation mark is not affected by the abilities of beginners.

Without exception, all motorists with less than 2 years of driving experience are required to warn about their presence on the road and stick an exclamation mark on a visible place of the car (clause 8 of the “Basic provisions for the admission of a vehicle to operation”).

The icons on the dashboard do not go out: what to do?

Typically, the indicators light up briefly when the ignition is turned on and should go out after 3-7 seconds. If the lamps continue to burn, this indicates a breakdown has been detected.

Depending on the decoding of the pointer, it is necessary to completely examine the device circuit for short circuits, breakdowns or failures. If you cannot detect the fault yourself, you will need to show the car to specialists.

Dashboard

Fine for not having an exclamation mark on a car

Not all novice drivers are sympathetic to such a road hazard warning system as an exclamation mark. The desire to quickly get rid of the bright mark or not use the sticker at all is understandable. Many people simply do not want to advertise their inexperience, but such actions are punishable.

Previously, there were no fines for the absence of warning symbols. This was not regulated by the rules, so car owners voluntarily decided whether they needed a sign on the glass or could do without it. The situation changed in April 2021, when a new clause was added to the Code of Administrative Offenses (Article 12.5 Part 1), obliging drivers to install a warning sign. His absence is regarded as an administrative offense.

When checking documents, the traffic police inspector has the right to issue a warning to eliminate the violation or issue a fine for the absence of an exclamation mark on the car in the amount of 500 rubles. The punishment can be applied repeatedly until the sticker appears on the glass. Larger financial penalties are provided for persistent violators. The most severe punishment for repeatedly missing an exclamation mark on a car is deprivation of a driver’s license for 3 months.

Additional systems

Additional indicators are not responsible for the performance of the head equipment. When the indicators light up, the car can continue to move without negative consequences for the mechanism.

AppearanceDecoding
Requirement to fasten seat belts. Accompanied by a sound signal.
This warning indicates the need to check the tightness of the hoods and doors.
It is necessary to replenish the washer fluid supply - the tank level is almost or completely depleted.
Heated rear window works
The fuel tank is empty - refueling is required.
Used on new foreign cars. The system of automatic switching between the far and near operating modes of the head optics is turned on.
The device for automatically changing the tilt of the optics does not work correctly or is broken.
The above system is disabled.
The DRL device is operating normally.
On modern foreign cars with manual transmission it flashes when you need to upshift. The option can be configured.
A device for facilitating access to the car interior. Exclusively tall SUVs are equipped. During normal operation of the device, the car squats, which ensures comfortable seating for passengers.

Are the signs different for diesel and gasoline engines?

Due to the similarity of designs, the dashboard icons of diesel and gasoline cars are 90% similar to each other. The only difference is the specific indicators responsible for the diesel power unit.

AppearanceMeaning
Warming up the spark plugs. The icon is activated when the ignition is activated. The engine can be started after the indicator disappears.
Two signs have the same meaning. When they appear, it is necessary to replace or clean the particulate filter.
The emissions in the exhaust cleaning device have been exceeded.
A fuel system failure has been detected. At the same time, the motor may be acting up. Usually the reason lies in air-filled lines and clogged fuel filters.
Water got into the diesel engine.
The timing belt needs to be replaced or tightened.

Hybrid car indicators

More advanced hybrids have a complex motor design. A large number of electronics and specific devices have been introduced here. The panel indicators are similarly different.

DesignationDecoding
The main battery is in the process of charging. After the container is filled, the lamp goes out.
Two icons with identical meaning. The signals indicate that the hybrid motor has been switched to electric traction mode.
Both icons indicate that the car is in good working order and ready to move.
A critical motor or electrical failure has been detected.
There is a breakdown on board, you need to show the car to a mechanic.
Battery charging error. On some models it indicates a lack of charge for the engine batteries.

Where to put identification marks according to the law?

Now let's talk about where to put the novice driver sign and where to put the spikes sticker. So, almost any of them is glued to the body or glass so that cars passing behind can take into account certain characteristics of the car owner and the vehicle. There are no clear requirements on which part of the rear window the sticker should be located in.

The exceptions among the identification plates considered are the designations “road train” and “disabled person”. In the first case, the driver is required to install the designation on the roof of the vehicle, and in the second - on the windshield both in front and behind the car. It is important that vehicles transporting adults and children with disabilities must have a removable “disabled person” sign.

Car body and hood photo

Security systems

Security systems are displayed on the dashboard in a separate group. Mostly these indicators indicate a violation of the vehicle’s security system. If signals are detected on the dashboard, it is strictly unacceptable to continue driving until the breakdown is eliminated.

IndexMeaning
Both signs indicate a malfunction of the airbag actuators.
The front passenger airbag is disabled.
Switchable passive protection module. If the picture shows OFF, the airbag is faulty.
The side curtains are disabled. Typically, lamps are typical for tall SUVs. If the car is driving on a flat road, you need to check the system.
The pre-emergency safety unit is not working correctly.
The lubricant in the automatic transmission unit is overheated. Movement is not recommended until the module cools down.
The electronics in the automatic transmission are acting up.
The lamp is typical for all-wheel drive vehicles with automatic transmissions. A flashing lamp indicates that the transmission is locked in the parking position.
The ABS design is faulty. The car continues to move, but without the help of electronics.
When the start-stop system is operating, it indicates normal engine operation.
Responsible for the above circuit, indicates an error or breakdown.
The gas tank cap is not closed.
The vehicle tracking system is disabled or malfunctioning.
It is required to perform scheduled maintenance of the vehicle.
The night vision device does not work. It may also indicate burnout of infrared sensors.

The complete list of icons and indicators is constantly updated. Due to the introduction of new equipment in cars. The electrical design of the car is being improved, which leads to the appearance of new indicators.

Let's sum it up

The “novice driver” sign must be present on the rear elements of a car driven by a driver who received his license less than 24 months ago. Operating a vehicle without the described sign is prohibited; the violator faces a warning or a fine. In addition, he will not be able to pass a technical inspection, and therefore receive a compulsory motor liability insurance policy. At the end of two years, the sign can be removed or left for personal peace of mind - there is no punishment for this in modern legislation. Replacing the “novice driver” sign with the “training vehicle” sign (the letter “y” in a triangle with a red border), or with a “kettle”, “shoe”, etc. illegal.

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