Dashboard Icons: Winking Kitty?? Battery Alert Indicator?

Illustration by waiChing

The team was out the other day and one of our writer thinks that it's so cute that her car has a cute kitty winking icon that flashes but thinks that it's a bad omen since the car refuses to start two days later. It took us a while to figure it out but once we did, we technically laugh till our tummy hurts. Turns out, the winking kitty icon is the Battery Charge Alert Indicator. Now you cannot un-see it can you? In general, most of the indicator would light up during the start of the engine but will extinguish once the engine has started. One should start worrying when the indicator still persist while driving. Without further ado, we present to you, the basic Indicators on Dashboards as per our writer's description.

Bouncing Balloon a.k.a Brake System Alert Indicator
This indicator normally lights up when the handbrake is applied and should extinguish once the handbrake is release. However if the light persist it indicates a problem with the car braking system. The first step to this is to check the level of the brake fluid. If it is at the correct level, sought for mechanical assistance. 

Double Propeller Chopper a.k.a Engine Alert Indicator
Like the name suggest, this indicates a fault with one of the car system system. It would need a specialize tool to diagnose it. If you can still drive the car, it is best to get it to the nearest mechanic as soon as possible.

Winking Kitty a.k.a Battery Charge Alert Indicator
The indicator normally indicates that the battery is not charging. The problem may vary from a dead battery to a faulty alternator or even a corroded connection on the battery terminals.

Car on Winding Road a.k.a Traction Control Indicator
This indicates that the vehicle's traction control/ anti-skid or electronic stability system is in used. It will normally extinguish itself once the tyre has regained grip/traction with the road.

Petrol Tank a.k.a Low Fuel Indicator
To be honest, this should be known to all drivers. When this indicator flashes, please make your way to the nearest petrol station for fuel. 

Sail Boat a.k.a Engine Temperature Indicator
If this indicator ever illuminate, pull over soonest possible as this indicates that your car's engine is overheating and may cause fatal damage to the engine. Before you pop up the hood and open the pressure cap of the engine coolant, make sure the engine has cooled down first or else risk the possibility of hot water/coolant splashing out. It is possible that there is a blockage or leakage in the radiator, faulty thermostat and even perhaps insufficient coolant in the cooling system. But then again, it could be a faulty/inefficient radiator fan.

Coil Spring a.k.a Glow Plug Indicator
This mostly indicates a faulty glow plug or damaged wiring/fuse. But this indicator only appear if your engine runs on diesel. 

Moon Sighting a.k.a Faulty Airbag Indicator
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) or more commonly known as the air bag warning light would normally indicates that the airbag has been deactivated or the system is faulty.

Horse Shoe Alert a.k.a Tyre Pressure Alert Indicator
The indicator will illuminate when the tyre pressure monitoring system detects that the pressure has reduce by 25%. This indicator might light on more frequently in the colder weather as the temperature becomes colder, lowering the tyre pressure. Either that or you have a puncture in your tyre.

Watering Can a.k.a Engine Oil Indicator
Check the engine oil level if this indicator lights up. Insufficient engine oil will cause damage to the engine. Alternatively it could also indicates that engine has low oil pressure.

Bouncing ABS Ball a.k.a Anti Lock Brake System Alert Indicator
The ABS, short for the Anti-Lock Braking System indicator will light up if the system is faulty. Best to sought professional help as soon as possible.

Kidnapped Person a.k.a Seat belt Alert Indicator
Along with the indicator, an audible alarm would normally accompany when the driver attempts to drive without fastening the seat belt. Fortunately, this can be solved by simply having the driver put on the safety belt.

In short, if the indicator persist, it is never a good news. Do bring your car to your trusted mechanic as soon as possible to avoid being stranded or worst, causing further damage to the car. 

Changing your flat tyre

Illustration by waiChing

Women or not, every car owner in their thirties should be able to change their car tyre as we believe that this lesson is covered in one of the chapters in the public driving lessons (at least in Malaysia). In case it has been a long time, let us refresh your memory with the above infographic. If you were too busy ogling the attractive instructor when they were running through the syllables (why else would you be distracted?), the lug wrench, jack and spare tyres are normally located in the car boot. 

But if it turns out to be too much of a hassle, just remember to opt for roadside assistance coverage the next time you renew your insurance. That way, all you have to do is to call in and play Candy Crush as you wait in the air-conditioned car. Unless, you get a flat at midnight, on a stray highway and a shadow seems to be lurking in the near distance. In which case, good luck.