Our Mini symbols page update is finished

Mini Symbols

Our Mini symbols page update is finished. We added 24 warning symbols and indicators to a page in the process, which now total 93.

Unfortunately, of the 24 additions, a full two thirds of them, or 16, are brand new to our collection. They include four new active cruise control images, six assisted driving symbols and an unusual bad weather indicator.

That last one is seen here to the right. It features a somewhat typical low beam headlight symbol with the addition of a rain cloud and some rain drops.

Rather than being a warning of bad weather, it is an active system that ensures “optimized illumination of the roadway in poor visibility, such as fog or rain”. Bad weather lighting works to distribute the low beams in a way that adapts to the visibility. Pretty smart, particularly if it works well.

Further despite the implications the symbol is shown in green.

This brings us to another oddity, which is the use of gray for a seat belt reminder (right). All other manufacturers use the color red for this job and have done so for over fifty years.

Finally, we have to talk about assisted driving. This is the beginning of self driving in the Mini world and proceeds to overkill with six new images ranging from red right through to gray scale. The problem, if you will, is that there are two images used to prod the driver to make contact with the steering wheel. Note that the first mention of the yellow/amber/orange symbol in the manual tells the driver not to grab the wheel. This is properly contradicted at the next mention.

In addition, even though the two shown above would already tell the driver the system is on, four other symbols are used to indicate this in one form or another. The red indicator will flash warning that the system is about to disengage. In yellow/amber/orange, the system is warning of a lane crossing, which will shake the wheel. The green indicator says the system is functioning and keeping the vehicle in its lane. In gray, the system is on standby and ready.

We can take some solace in that Mini did not add a dizzying number of drive mode indicators, which every other manufacturer have been hell bent on doing.

Regardless, it remains a frustration to have to add so many new symbols when there are already versions that could be used. We continue to encourage all manufacturers to recycle existing symbols and not add more burden to their drivers.

Cars are changing, and among those changes is the growing number of symbols and indicators that will invariably show up on your dashboard or instrument panel. Every year, new features are added to vehicles, each of which is accompanied by a new symbol or symbols and likely a new acronym. or abbreviation

At DashboardSymbols.com, our aim is to help you understand what is happening to your vehicle at the first sign of trouble — a new warning light illuminated on your instrument panel. Its all here on this website. Our first intention is to bring the latest technologies down to earth and understandable for everyday drivers.

Our dashboard symbols page covering Mini indicators, and its over 90 entries, can be seen here.

——————————————————————-

The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Disclaimer and Privacy Policy