A few little-known dashboard symbols can help drivers make better use of their vehicle's controls.
Every driver knows how to turn the headlights on and which lighting mode to use in different conditions. However, not everyone understands every symbol on the instrument panel. Here are a few "hidden" dashboard icons that can help drivers get more out of their vehicle.
There are two very similar semicircle-shaped symbols, each with several horizontal lines crossed by a wavy vertical line. One symbol has straight horizontal lines and points to the right. The other has angled lines and points to the left.
The first indicates the rear fog lights, while the second indicates the front fog lights. These symbols can be found on the headlight control switch and on the instrument panel.
This is a simple icon showing arrows moving in a circle or arrows passing through the windshield. The symbol can appear both on a control button and on the vehicle's instrument panel.
It indicates the vehicle's ventilation and air conditioning system. A button with this symbol activates cabin air recirculation. When this mode is on, the system does not draw outside air into the vehicle.
It's hard to find a driver who doesn't recognize the fuel pump symbol on the instrument panel. Even children are familiar with this icon. However, this simple symbol has a little secret of its own.
Not everyone knows what the small arrow next to it means. The answer is simple: it shows which side of the vehicle the fuel filler door is on.