17 March 2023 , 09:07
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Even those who have been driving for years still get caught out by little-known road signs or symbols, as many obscure rules have left people scratching their heads. It's not just the roadside jargon that's leaving people baffled, however, as certain features inside your vehicle go unnoticed too.
You may get into your car every day without giving all the symbols you see around your dashboard a second thought. Knowing the basics in your motor is enough to get you from A to B, but have you ever stopped to think what the squiggly line on your dashboard actually means?
People have been left gobsmacked at discovering the true meaning behind the strange symbol, and knowing what to do when it lights up could save you thousands of pounds.
80% of people don't know what the symbol means (Stock Image) (Getty Images)Cars have a squiggly line on the dashboard that is there to warn you when the engine is overheating - so you can take the appropriate next steps when you see it lit up.
People on social media have been so baffled by the symbol that they've been asking exactly what it is.
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Someone wrote: "What does the symbol that looks like a thermometer/tree in water mean in a car?", followed by a confused emoji.
Another joked they were going to "ignore" the squiggly line that was on their dashboard, as they didn't want any more "unexpected bills this month."
Someone responded to this tweet, commenting: "Squiggly line behind a car symbol is traction, no worries. Squiggly line under a thermometer symbol you need to check your coolant ASAP."
The light looks like a thermometer and has wavy lines underneath it.
The Sun reported that a survey by ATS Euromaster found 80% of drivers had no idea what the purpose of the symbol was.
You need to know what it means though, as it warns you that the engine temperature is getting too high - and indicates your car is running low on engine coolant. If you continue to drive, your engine could overheat and it could become very costly if your engine becomes damaged.
If you notice the light, pull over at the nearest safe spot then let the engine cool down. Check the coolant level and see if you need to add more.
If the problem isn't resolved by this, you may need to be towed to a garage.
Did you know what this symbol meant? Let us know in the comments.