If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t know too much about car fluid icons and what they mean. You might see an indicator light or warning light on your dashboard and not know what it means.
In this post, we will explain what each of the typical car fluid icons means, what are warning lights and what is not, how to check the levels of each fluid, and what they mean for you and the safety and reliability of your car. Ultimately, knowing what these icons mean can help you stay safe on the road and avoid costly repairs!
Clutch Fluid
Clutch fluid icon warning lights are a little less well-known than some of the other indicators on your car dashboard, but it’s just as important to check! This icon might look like a gear shift with a small reservoir on top, or it could depict a clutch, usually round. If you don’t know, a clutch is a mechanical device in a vehicle that engages and disengages power transmission, from a drive shaft to a driven shaft.
In most cars, the clutch fluid reservoir should be filled to the “full” line, and you should never let it get below the “min” line. Low clutch fluid can cause your car to slip out of gear, so it’s essential to keep an eye on this level and refill as needed.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid icon warning lights are probably the most recognisable car fluid icons. This icon usually looks like a brake pedal with a small reservoir on top or a circle with an exclamation mark in the centre. If you experience a brake fluid or brake warning light appearing on your car’s dashboard, it’s wise to pull over when safe and carry out some essential inspections.
The brake fluid reservoir should be filled to the “full” line, and you should never let it get below the “min” line. Low brake fluid can cause your brakes to fail, so it’s important to check this level regularly and refill it as needed.
Oil Refill Dipstick
The engine oil refill dipstick light can be found in some cars and means that there are low engine oil levels in the car. If you experience an oil refill dipstick light appearing on your car’s dashboard, it’s best to pull over when it’s safe to do so.
It’s important not to ignore this warning because it’s there for a good reason – so don’t put off getting them checked until later.
Engine Oil
The engine oil icon is also reasonably easy to recognise – it usually looks like an oil can with drops of oil spilling out. Your engine needs engine oil to run correctly, so it’s hugely important to keep an eye on this fluid level and refill as needed. You should fill up your engine oil when the level falls below the “min” line on the icon.
Engine Coolant
A radiator represents the engine coolant icon with water spilling out. This fluid helps keep your engine from overheating, so it’s essential to check the level of this fluid and refill as needed. The radiator should be filled to the “full” line on the icon, and you should never let it get below the “min” line.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid icon looks like a steering wheel with two arrows pointing at each other. This fluid is used to help turn your wheels, and it’s critical for the power steering system to operate effectively, so you must keep an eye on this level and refill as needed. The reservoir should be filled to the “full” line on the icon and never get below the “min” line.
Windshield Washer Fluid
The windshield wiper fluid icon is pretty self-explanatory – it looks like a squirt bottle with blue liquid inside. You should fill up your windshield wiper fluid when the level falls below the “min” line on the icon (or if you haven’t replaced your blades in over 12 months, go ahead and do that too!).
By now, hopefully, you have a better understanding of what all those car fluid icons mean. Keep an eye on these levels and refill when needed to help keep your car running smoothly. And don’t forget, if you’re ever unsure about what something means or how to check it, always consult your car’s owner’s manual!
It would be best if you also were sure to get regular maintenance checks performed by a qualified mechanic – this is the best way to catch any potential problems before they turn into expensive repairs. The experts at Sutherland Automotive can definitely help you out! Make an online booking today.
