What does 'service' mean in a car?
2 Answers
In a car, 'service' is a maintenance reminder function set by the manufacturer to alert the owner to perform necessary maintenance. After maintenance is completed, the service reminder light needs to be reset following a specific procedure to turn it off. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. Modern car maintenance mainly includes the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, and power steering system. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the car clean, ensure normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life.
When the 'Service' indicator lights up on your car's dashboard, it means the system has detected that maintenance is required. This is similar to your phone prompting for a system update—it's an automatic reminder calculated based on either the mileage driven or the time elapsed since your last service. The last time I saw this light, I had just hit 8,000 kilometers, and after changing the engine oil and filter at the dealership, the warning disappeared. Nowadays, many cars can even display specific maintenance items needed, such as brake fluid replacement or cabin air filter changes. The worst thing is when some drivers ignore the warning light and keep driving—my neighbor's engine seized because they overlooked this reminder and went 20,000 kilometers without an oil change. Remember, regular maintenance isn't just the dealership trying to make money; it genuinely extends the life of your beloved car.
