Wondering what that snowflake symbol on your dashboard means? It doesn't mean you need repairs urgently but it is important.
What That Snowflake Dashboard Symbol Is Trying To Tell You
Seeing warning lights on your dashboard is unsettling, and doubly so if it’s a symbol you’re unfamiliar with. If you’ve recently moved to somewhere with a colder climate or gotten a newer car that has more indicator lights than you’re used to, you may start seeing a new light that you’re unfamiliar with: the snowflake symbol on your dashboard.
While it is an important indicator light that is warning you about an issue, you can breathe easy. It’s not a sign that there’s a problem with your vehicle. So thankfully you’re not on the hook for expensive and unexpected repairs. Rather, the light is giving you a heads up about potentially dangerous conditions outside the car so that you can take the appropriate steps to drive safely.
What Does the Snowflake Symbol Indicate?
According to Subaru’s Vehicle Resources, when the car’s sensors indicate that “the outside temperature becomes 37°F (3°C) or less, the icy road surface warning screen interrupts to inform the driver that the road surface may be frozen.” This warning light will stay on until “the outside temperature has increased to 41°F (5°C) or higher.”
Frozen roads can be dangerously slick, and drivers are at a higher risk of accidents when driving in these conditions. The snowflake indicator light is there to alert you to potential dangers and prepare you to handle them on your drive. It’s not a foolproof warning method; the roads may still be icy even if the symbol isn’t on. But it’s one more guardrail in your car to keep you safe as you drive.
What Do I Do if the Snowflake Symbol Lights Up?
First and foremost, you should always pay close attention to the road. Warning lights are a guide to help you know what to look out for but you should also trust your senses. If it’s cold enough that the snowflake symbol is lighting up on your dashboard, assume the roads are icy. Exercise extra caution when you drive, if you have to drive at all. Practice defensive driving; be on the lookout for other drivers so that you can maintain a safe distance.
If you’ve recently moved to an area with a colder climate, brush up on your state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines for driving in the snow and ice. Make sure you’re familiar with the extra precautions you need to take.
Source
Vehicle Resources, Subaru.
Winter Driving, State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
