Modern cars are designed with advanced features to provide maximum safety, stability, and performance on the road. Therefore, almost all advanced cars have stability and traction control systems which help you to go smoothly and safely on all types of roads. In case of any problem with one or both systems, A swerving car light on the dashboard becomes on.
The car swerving light on the dashboard is an icon of a car with squiggly lines light. It simply turns on when you accelerate your car during rainy weather and indicates that your system is working properly. However, the continuous appearance of the traction control light on the dashboard during normal conditions is a sign of something bad or abnormal with your TCS or ECS and you need to see the nearest mechanic to fix the issue.
Causes of Swerving Car Lights On
Modern cars have automatic stability and traction control systems that have speed sensors. When the car tire starts losing its connection with the road or slipping, TCS comes on and stimulates the power transfer from slipping tires to stable ones. This power transfer helps you to drive safely on wet and snowy roads.
In some cases, TCS or some of its parts failed to function properly which resulted in turning on the icon of a car with wavy lines on the dashboard. Causes of turning on swerving car symbols vary from situation to situation and you can easily detect them. For example, the blinking of the swerving car light indicates the issue with wheel speed sensors while the constant on light shows the deactivation of the TCL.
To know more, you can explore the following major causes of swerving car lights.
Bad Wheel Speed Sensors
Wheel speed sensors play a crucial role in controlling the traction and stability of the vehicle. They are present on each wheel and align with both traction and engine control systems. They are responsible to track the wheel’s rotating speed and ensure safe driving on all types of roads.
Damaged or worn-out speed sensors failed to detect unusual changes in tire rotation and notify the traction control system. It results in losing traction and turning on the swerving car light.
Severe Road Conditions
Slick road conditions can also result in continuous blinking or turning on the swerving sign on the dashboard. It usually happens due to extreme snowfall and extremely bad roads where your traction system fails to control the situation.
The best solution to avoid this issue is replacing current car tires with branded winter or off-road tires.
Faulty Steering Rack
The steering rack is one of the most important parts of the car’s power steering system. It is connected to the steering wheel and responsible for rotating it at a suitable speed by receiving high-pressure hydraulic fluid.
When it becomes damaged over time or accumulates dust and debris, it fails to perform its function properly which is crucial to ensure smooth traction of the car. It results in losing traction and turning on the TC light on the dashboard.
Poor Programming
Another culprit behind the swerving car light is the programming issues due to manufacturing errors or oversight. However, it can also be damaged over time.
Reprogramming the traction control system can solve this issue. It can’t be done manually or only a professional mechanic can fix it properly.
Affected Braking System
If the anti-lock braking system light and brake warning lights are also on with the swerving car light, it’s a clear sign of trouble. The entire braking system of your car is damaged and you are strictly advised to not drive the car in such circumstances.
Call a professional mechanic to tow your vehicle to the service station to get rid of this problem safely.
How To Fix It?
- If you are continuously experiencing the issue of turning on the sign of a car with wavy lines, during driving in normal conditions, don’t panic. Simply park your vehicle in a safe place and restart it. Your TCS light turns on when you restart and turns off automatically after a while.
- If restarting the car does not solve the issue, you need to see a professional mechanic immediately. They have experience and tools to inspect or detect the root cause of the problem. Therefore, they can fix it more effectively.
- Regular inspection of the steering, braking, engine, and traction control system is the best solution to avoid such issues. It will not only stabilize the traction but will also add to the overall performance of the vehicle.
Bottom Line
We hope this guide will help you in understanding the significance of the car symbol with wavy lines, its causes, and possible solutions. So, now you can better take care of your car’s traction control system and enjoy safe driving even during harsh weather or on wet roads.
Read More: Exclamation Mark on Dashboard
Last Updated on May 22, 2023 by admin
Mac is an Automotive enthusiast. He owns up to 15 vehicles. He deals with Auto problems and shows his skill to Car owners who are seeking any type of Car help.
