What does 'service' mean on a car?
3 Answers
Service on a car indicates that the vehicle needs maintenance. When the car has traveled a certain distance, a service indicator or a small wrench symbol will appear on the dashboard to remind the user that the car requires inspection or replacement of some worn parts. The car dashboard is equipped with various indicator or warning lights, such as coolant level warning light, fuel level indicator, washer fluid level indicator, charging indicator, high/low beam indicator, transmission gear indicator, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) warning light, traction control indicator, airbag warning light, etc.
When I first bought my car, I didn’t understand what the ‘service’ light on the dashboard meant either. It’s actually the car reminding you that it’s time for maintenance, just like your phone prompts you for a system update after prolonged use. Most car models calculate this automatically based on mileage—for example, the light comes on at 10,000 kilometers. That’s when you need to visit a 4S shop or auto repair shop for basic maintenance, like changing the engine oil and filter, checking brake pads, and so on. Once, I delayed it by 500 kilometers, and the mechanic told me the brake fluid was almost discolored. Now, I always book an appointment two weeks in advance, so I can take my kids out on weekends without worry. Regular maintenance really helps avoid unnecessary expenses—last week, my neighbor spent over 8,000 yuan on a major engine repair.
Last week, I drove my father-in-law's car and noticed the service light was on, almost thinking the car was broken. After checking the owner's manual, I realized it's a maintenance reminder system set by the manufacturer, which automatically alerts based on mileage and time calculated by the onboard computer. For regular family cars, the light typically comes on after driving 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, depending on the model. I remember the first time I encountered it, I drove straight to the repair shop, and the mechanic said it was just routine minor maintenance. Now, I've learned to check the manual myself and understand that maintenance includes tasks like engine oil changes, tire rotation, and air filter cleaning. The light is quite user-friendly, as it can be reset using a special tool or a specific button combination. After the last maintenance, I successfully reset it myself following an online tutorial.
