The modern car is a complex electronic complex, where each of the car-panel It performs a strictly defined function. For a beginner who first found himself behind the wheel of a new model, the abundance of icons can be a real test, because the standardization of symbols does not always cover all the nuances of the design of a particular manufacturer. Understanding what is responsible for one or another switcherIt is critical not only for comfort but also for traffic safety.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the main groups of symbols that occur in the salons of most of the motor-carFrom budget sedans to premium crossovers. Knowing the location and purpose of the controls allows the driver not to be distracted from the road in search of the desired function in the media menu or to the touch. We will look at lighting, climate control, active safety and support features that often remain a mystery.
Lighting and light-signalling systems
The first thing a driver encounters after starting the engine is the lighting control unit. It is usually located to the left of the steering column or on the "drum". The central place here is occupied brightness-regulator dashboard and switch of position lights. The symbol depicting two beams diverging in sides usually indicates the inclusion of dimensions, which is necessary to indicate the car at dusk.
Special attention should be paid to the management of the headlight. A pictogram in the form of a headlamp with downward lines means the switching on of the passing beam. If the lines are horizontal and have a green shade of the symbol, we are talking about the far beam.
- 💡 Fogheads: are indicated by the symbol of the headlight, the rays of which are crossed out by a wavy line (front - green, behind - yellow or orange).
- 🔦 Autolight: The “Auto” icon or the headlight image with the letter A inside activates the light sensors.
- 🅿️ Parking light: The symbol "P" inside or next to the headlight includes light on one side of the car.
It's a special role. headlight, allowing you to change the angle of inclination of the light beam depending on the load of the trunk. Ignoring this setting when fully loading the car can blind oncoming drivers, even if you have a regular halogen, let alone a halogen. xenon or LED optics.
Climate installation and heating
The comfort zone in the car is regulated by a climate control or air conditioning unit. Here, the most recognizable symbol is a snowflake that activates the compressor. air-conditioner. However, in addition to cooling, there are many features to work with cabin temperature and air quality.
The key element is the air recirculation button, indicated by the arrow walking in a circle inside the car's silhouette. When activated, the air intake from the street is blocked, and the cabin drives the internal volume through the filter. This is useful when driving behind a truck or entering a tunnel, but can cause the glass to fog due to increased humidity.
Why do the windows get foggy when the heating is on?
Fogging often occurs due to temperature differences and high humidity inside the cabin. If only warm air is included without air conditioning, moisture will not be removed. Optimal mode - the air conditioner on (for dehumidification) and warm air directed at the glass.
The heating system also has its own unique designations. If the heating of the windshield is recognizable by the characteristic curved arrows, then the heating of the rear window and side mirrors is marked with a rectangle with ascending lines. In some luxury model there are separate buttons for heating the resting zone of wipers or even windshield throughout the area.
| Symbol | Function | Feature of the work |
|---|---|---|
| ❄️ Snowflake | Air conditioning (A/C) | Drys and cools the air. |
| 🔄 The shooter in the circle | Recycling | Blocks the air intake from the outside |
| 🌬️ Weir. | Fan | Regulate the force of airflow |
| 🌡️ The city hall | Temperature. | Blue is cold, Red is warm. |
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the recycling regime on for a long time in winter. This will lead to rapid fogging of the glass and an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide, which causes drowsiness of the driver.
Active safety and driver assistance systems
Modern. motor-car They are equipped with dozens of electronic assistants, the buttons for which are often located next to the gearbox lever or on the center console. One of the most important is the system. ESP (or ESC, DSC, VSA depending on the brand) - stabilization of exchange rate stability. The switch off button of this system usually has an image of a car with wagging tire tracks.
Another critical element. ABS. Although it does not have a separate switch on, the corresponding indicator lights up on the instrument panel when a malfunction occurs. However, there may be a button to turn off the climbing assistance systems or traction control (TCS) that use the same sensors. Their forced shutdown may be required if the vehicle is stuck in snow or mud.
- 🚗📉 Hill Descent Control: Descent from the mountain, activates automatic braking on steep slopes.
- 🅿️📡 Park Assist: Parking radar, on / off sound tracking sensors.
- 🚦 Lane Assist: The holding in the band often has a separate sensitivity switch.
It is important to distinguish between systems that are constantly operating and those that require activation. For example, brake-system It is usually active at all times, but may have a sensitivity setting in the menu. But the button to disable the traction control is needed by the driver for splitting in deep snow, when the wheels should be towed.
If you are stuck in deep snow, try to turn off the stabilization system (ESP) and the traction control system for a short time. This will allow the wheels to tow, warming the tire and raking snow, which will help to get out of the snowdrift.
Windscreen wipers and washers management
The wiper control unit is traditionally located on the right steering switch. It is important not to confuse the working modes, especially in heavy rain. The designations are often made in the form of a drop of water or a symbol of a windshield with an arc.
Regime. INT Intermittent means the intermittent work of janitors. In this mode, a pause regulator is often available, allowing you to adjust the frequency of strokes to the intensity of the rain. Many modern motor-car This mode is replaced by an automatic one, where the rain sensor decides when to turn on the wipers.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the function of washing the headlights, if it is provided with a complete set. It can be activated by prolonged pressing on the lever of the windshield washer or by a separate button. Using this feature without the headlight on is often blocked by electronics to save the pump life.
⚠️ Attention: Never turn on the windshield washer if it is very icy. A sharp temperature drop from the liquid can lead to a crack of glass, and the work of wipers on the ice will burn the drive motor.
Multimedia and on-board computer
Central to the interior is the screen of the multimedia system. Although the basic functions are now sensory, physical button-up For volume, switching and switching sources are often saved for convenience. The symbol “M” or “Menu” opens the main menu, and the “CAR” or car image displays the technical condition.
Through the interface of the onboard computer, the driver gets access to data on fuel consumption, mileage, tire pressure and oil residue. Navigation on these menus is carried out by buttons on the steering wheel or by a washer controller on the center console. In some cases model There are buttons “Home”, “Back” and “Option”, duplicate functions of the smartphone.
☑️ Check before the long road through the car menu
The audio system also has its own designations. Equalizer, balance, fader (front/back distribution) – all this is hidden in the submenu of “Sound” or “Audio”. For quick setup, presets (Pop, Rock, Jazz) are often provided, accessible through a separate button or menu.
Additional functions and service buttons
At the bottom of the panel or in the driver's knee area are often less used but important buttons. Among them are alarm A red triangle that should be easily accessible. Also here may be a button to open the trunk, a hatch of the gas tank or adjust the position of the steering column.
The button deserves special attention. Start/Stop engine. Depending on the algorithm of work, it may require pressing with simultaneous brake pressing or just a brief press to turn on the ignition. Nearby is often the “Eco” button for economical mode or “Sport” for aggressive driving, changing the response of the gas pedal.
- 🔋 12V: socket for connecting additional devices (video recorder, compressor).
- 📶 Connect: Controlling phone-to-car communication (Bluetooth, Android Auto)
- ⚙️ Settings: General settings of the car and the interface.
Knowing the location of the alarm button and opening the central lock is critical in an emergency situation where every second counts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the yellow exclamation point mean in a circle?
This symbol usually indicates a malfunction in the braking system (low level of brake fluid, wear of the pads) or an activated parking brake (handle). If the handrail is lowered, and it burns - immediately contact the service.
Why do you need an “A” button in a circle with an arrow?
This is a control button for the Start-Stop system, which silences the engine at traffic lights to save fuel. Pressing it disables (disables) automatic jamming of the engine at stops.
Why is the central lock button not working?
If the button stopped responding, the fuse of the central lock chain may have burned out, the contact in the button itself has gone away, or there has been a failure in the comfort unit. Also check if the feature from the car’s settings menu is blocked.
Can I drive with an ESP Off button on fire?
If you did not press the switch button yourself, and the indicator is on, this means that the stabilization system is malfunctioning. You can drive, but you should be careful in corners and on slippery roads, as electronics will not help when skidding.
Where can I find the heated steering wheel designation?
On most cars, the heated steering icon looks like a steering wheel with three wavy lines inside or next to it. The button can be on the steering wheel, on the torpedo or be displayed in the climate setting menu on the screen.