iPhone feature that decodes your car’s dashboard means you’ll never be confused again when warning symbols start flashing

You know that panic feeling when the alarming red and orange symbols light up on your car's dashboard? It's bad enough as it is, but it's even worse if you don't even know what the symbols mean.

Luckily, technology has come to the rescue before you need to call a mechanic.

Apple introduced a feature in iOS 17 that means iPhone users will never be confused looking at their car dashboard again.

Here's how to do it.

iPhones have a Visual Look Up feature to detect symbols / Sutthiwat Srikhrueadam / Getty

Apple users can simply take a photo of any warning lights or symbols that appear on their dashboard. You do need to make sure that the photo of the symbols is clear especially as the glare from the dashboard's glass panel can interfere with the feature working correctly.

Tom's Guide recommends 'taking a few photos, tapping and adjusting the focus and exposure a little each time so you have a selection to use.'

Then, users can swipe up on the captured photo or tap the 'i' button. Among the photo details, you can tap the 'Look Up Auto Symbol' option.

The Visual Look Up tool does exactly what you think it does. It will instantly identify the warning lights/symbols in the picture so you'll instantly know what the problem is.

Sometimes, the iPhone will automatically identify them as 'auto symbols', and the 'i' button will be replaced by a steering wheel icon.

However, don't fret if it's not straight away, it can take a short while for the iPhone to provide the information.

What's more, this handy feature can also identify things like plant and animal species, as well as laundry codes - it's like Google Translate for symbols!

iPhones will automatically identify the symbol and provide the information needed / Luis Alvarez / Getty

One thing to remember with tools such as these is to take them with a pinch of salt.

According to one case by Tom's Guide, the tool mistakenly identified a motorcycle's warning for its door being left open.

If you are in doubt, you can always refer to the owner's manual.

With Apple always welcoming its users' suggestive improvements, iPhone users can tap to report any issues if the feature has mistaken something.

Android users also have a similar feature too, though not quite so integrated.

Instead, Android users can use Google Lens to identify objects either from the live camera or pictures in their gallery. Additionally, there are plenty of third-party Dashboard Warning Lights apps available that identify symbols and explain what they mean.