What does the off indicator on the car mean?
2 Answers
When the off indicator is displayed on the car, it means that the vehicle's Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is either turned off or malfunctioning. If the light remains constantly illuminated, it indicates a fault in the ESP system, and the car should be taken to a 4S shop for repair as soon as possible. The off light on the car mainly refers to the ESP off, which is an active safety device in the vehicle. This system is usually enabled by default. How the off system works: When the speed difference between the left and right wheels exceeds the threshold set by the computer, the computer will determine that the vehicle is experiencing a skid or tailspin. It will then take appropriate actions, such as applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing the engine's output torque, to control and prevent the vehicle from skidding or spinning.
Seeing 'off' displayed on the car generally indicates that a certain system or function has been turned off. For example, if the air conditioning control panel shows 'off,' it means the AC is not running; if the engine start-stop system on the dashboard displays 'off,' it means the auto start-stop function is disabled. Usually, this happens when you manually press a button to turn it off—like the time I found the start-stop feature too annoying while driving and purposely turned it off, so it kept showing 'off.' However, if 'off' appears unexpectedly, there might be an issue. For instance, turning off the stability control system increases safety risks, especially in rainy or snowy conditions where skidding is more likely. It's advisable to check the vehicle manual to confirm which system is affected. If 'off' appears without manual operation, visit a repair shop promptly to check the electrical system, as minor faults could disrupt your trip. Paying attention to these small details while driving and developing good habits can save a lot of hassle. In most cases, there’s no need to panic—just drive safely.
