Is the SVS warning light in a car serious?
2 Answers
Car displaying SVS is serious. If accompanied by signs such as increased combustion chamber temperature and engine oil pressure warning light, continuing to drive may likely lead to accelerated engine wear, resulting in premature engine damage. Meaning of the car SVS light: The car SVS light is similar to the engine fault light. When the SVS indicator illuminates, it indicates that the engine control unit has detected an erroneous signal from a sensor or that it has exceeded the usage standard. When the ignition switch is turned on, the car SVS indicator light will illuminate for an automatic check and will automatically turn off after a few seconds, allowing the vehicle to be driven normally. Solutions for when the car SVS light is on: Check whether other equipment in the car is showing abnormalities, such as the water temperature gauge or engine oil pressure warning light. If only the SVS light is on and the engine can still be started, drive cautiously, control the speed, and promptly take the car to a repair shop for inspection.
The SVS light coming on is indeed not something to take lightly. I've encountered it a few times in over a decade of driving. It usually indicates the vehicle needs inspection—it could be low oil level, sensor malfunction, or minor issues. If ignored and you keep driving, the hidden dangers may escalate, such as causing engine overheating or sudden stalling, which would be dangerous on highways. Last time my light came on, I immediately went to a repair shop and they diagnosed it as a software error—just needed a free reset. Developing regular maintenance habits is crucial to prevent SVS issues from escalating into major repair costs. Addressing small problems early is always better than paying big bucks later.