Modern car dashboard lights are meant to inform us about the vehicle’s condition, but some symbols baffle drivers. One symbol, often mistaken for a sailboat, can light up unexpectedly and confuse them.
A smooth drive requires monitoring speed, fuel, and those dashboard symbols. An ATS Euromaster survey shows 16% of drivers ignore these signs, and a staggering 80% of car owners don’t know what a key dashboard symbol means.
We know common warning signs like low fuel, flat tires, and the check – engine light. But when a strange icon like a boat with wavy lines shows up, most drivers are puzzled.
Recently, a driver posted a dashboard image on X, asking for help decoding this icon. The post quickly got millions of views.
Online users made funny guesses like the car being in “sailing mode,” warning of pirates, or shifting to yacht mode. Some joked about raising masts or Vikings approaching.
But these creative guesses were off.
This symbol isn’t about sea adventures. It’s the engine coolant warning light. Shown as a thermometer above wavy lines, it means your engine is overheating. When it lights up, it’s like your car saying, “I’m too hot!”
The light can be amber, meaning low coolant level, or red, indicating it’s below the minimum or the engine is overheating.
Ignoring this light can cause costly repairs or even require a new engine.
If you see the engine coolant warning light, don’t ignore it. Here’s how to handle it to avoid major damage.
Knowing your dashboard lights isn’t just following rules; it’s a practical way to avoid stress and save money. Ignoring the engine coolant warning can lead to unwanted repair costs and poor vehicle performance.
So, next time the mysterious “boat” symbol appears, remember, it’s your car asking to cool down, not a sign of a nautical adventure.
Do you know what the so – called sailboat light on your dashboard means? Share your thoughts in the comments. And pass this info on to others who might need it!