What does dash light with car and squiggly lines mean?

In most modern vehicles, the symbol of a car with squiggly lines behind it is the Traction Control / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) indicator. It can signal either that the system is actively helping you stay on the road or that there is a fault or that the system has been turned off, depending on the light’s behavior and the vehicle model.

What the icon signals

The dashboard icon for stability and traction control is widely used across brands to convey how your car handles grip and skidding. Here’s how to read it in typical situations.

Symbol basics

• The icon usually depicts a side view of a car with squiggly lines behind or beneath it, representing loss of traction and the system’s corrective action.


• Color is commonly amber/orange; some cars display accompanying text such as ESC or TC to indicate the feature involved.

Understanding these cues helps you know when you’re seeing routine system activity or a potential issue that may require attention.

Interpreting light behavior: flashing vs steady

• Flashing light: The traction control/ESC is actively intervening to prevent wheel spin or loss of control on slippery surfaces. This is usually normal during slick conditions.


• Steady amber light: The system may be turned off (by a switch) or there could be a fault in the system. Some vehicles show an accompanying "OFF" indicator when it’s intentionally disabled.

Because brands differ, always check your owner's manual for your specific model’s symbol and behavior.

What to do if you see the light

When the icon appears while you’re driving, follow these general steps to stay safe and determine whether action is needed.

• If the light is flashing: ease off the accelerator, avoid abrupt steering or braking, and drive with extra caution. The system is working to maintain traction and control.


• If the light is steady amber (without an explicit OFF indication): this could indicate a fault or that the system has been turned off; plan a diagnostic check if it persists after restarting the engine.


• If the light shows “OFF” or similar text: traction control/ESC has been manually disabled; you can re-enable it if conditions permit, but consult the manual if uncertain.

Drive cautiously, especially in wet or icy conditions, and seek service if the warning persists after a restart or if you notice unstable handling.

When to seek professional help

Traction control and electronic stability control are safety features designed to help you maintain grip and steerability. A persistent warning warrants a check to prevent loss of control in adverse conditions.

• Check the owner’s manual for your specific model’s meaning and any brand-specific indicators.


• If the warning persists after restarting the car, schedule a diagnostic with a dealership or qualified mechanic; the fault could involve sensors, wiring, or the control module.


• If handling feels unstable or unpredictable, stop in a safe location and seek assistance promptly.

Addressing issues promptly helps ensure the stability control system remains ready to assist in challenging road conditions.

Summary

The dash light showing a car with squiggly lines is the Traction Control / Electronic Stability Control indicator. A flashing light means the system is actively correcting wheel slip; a steady light can indicate a fault or that the system has been turned off. Always refer to your owner's manual for model-specific details and seek service if the warning persists or you’re unsure how to respond.

What does the light with a car and skid marks mean?

The car with skid marks light means the traction control system is actively working to prevent wheelspin due to slippery conditions like rain or ice. If the light flashes while you're driving, it indicates the system is engaged and helping maintain stability. However, if the light stays on continuously, it usually signifies a problem, such as a malfunctioning sensor or that the traction control system has been turned off.
 
When the light is flashing

• What it means: The system is detecting a loss of traction and is applying the brakes or adjusting engine power to help you stay in control. 
• What to do: Stay calm, keep a steady speed, and avoid sudden movements. Drive cautiously, especially on wet, icy, or gravelly roads. 

When the light is solid (stays on)

• What it means: There may be a malfunction in the traction control system or a related system like ABS. It can also simply mean the system has been manually turned off. 
• What to do:
  • Check if you or someone else accidentally turned the system off. 
  • If the light is still on after restarting the car, there might be an issue with a sensor or another component. 
  • If the light doesn't go away, it's best to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic, especially because it can be linked to the anti-lock brake system (ABS), which is a critical safety feature. 

What does it mean when the car symbol is with squiggly lines?

When you see the symbol of a car with squiggly lines behind it become illuminated, and likely flashing, it indicates that your vehicle stability assist program is engaged. The exception would be if the symbol has OFF underneath it, which means your vehicle stability assist system has been turned off.

Can I still drive my car with the traction control light on?

While your car is typically safe to drive with the traction control light on, you should not drive it under certain conditions. If the traction control light, anti-lock braking system light, and red brake-warning light illuminate, your entire braking system may be affected.

Is it good to drive with traction control on or off?

Keep traction control on for almost all driving situations for safety, especially in rain, snow, or on icy roads. Turn it off only when you are stuck in deep snow, mud, or sand, as this allows the wheels to spin freely to help you rock the vehicle out of the situation.
 
This video explains when to turn off traction control: 1mAutoJeff ReviewsYouTube · Mar 19, 2023
When to keep traction control ON

• Normal driving: It's on by default to provide a consistent level of safety. 
• Slippery conditions: It helps you maintain traction and avoid skids, slides, and hydroplaning on wet, icy, or snowy roads. 
• Safety: It's a safety feature that corrects for loss of traction automatically, making it safer for most everyday driving. 

When to turn traction control OFF

• Stuck in snow, mud, or sand: Turning it off allows your wheels to spin, which is necessary to "rock" the vehicle back and forth and gain momentum to get unstuck. 
• Going up a steep, slippery hill: Traction control can reduce engine power and apply the brakes, which may make it harder to get up a steep hill. Turning it off can give you more power and freedom to get up the hill. 

This video explains how to turn off the traction control button: 1mToyotaJeff ReviewsYouTube · Oct 31, 2018