What does the SS indicator on the car dashboard mean?
2 Answers
The SS indicator on the car dashboard is the auto start-stop light. When the auto start-stop light is illuminated, it indicates that the vehicle's auto start-stop function is activated. If there is no auto start-stop indicator light, it means the auto start-stop function is deactivated. The auto start-stop function is enabled by default and activates every time the vehicle is started. Some vehicle models support turning off the auto start-stop function, while others do not. The engine auto start-stop system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a temporary stop (such as at a red light) and restarts the engine when it's time to move forward again.
A few days ago, an 'SS' light suddenly appeared on my car's dashboard. At first, I thought it was a serious issue, but after some thought, I figured it out. In most cars, 'SS' stands for Sport Shift mode, meaning the transmission switches to a more sporty shifting pattern—shifting points are delayed, engine RPM increases, and the car feels more powerful, especially useful for overtaking or climbing hills. However, driving in this mode regularly increases fuel consumption, and excessively high RPMs may cause engine overheating and wear. I recommend observing the light's behavior: if it's steadily lit, it just means the mode is active and normal; but if it flashes or stays on continuously, there might be a fault, such as a sensor issue or wiring damage, requiring a prompt visit to the repair shop. New car owners, in particular, should be cautious to avoid accidentally activating sport mode in unnecessary scenarios, reducing unnecessary wear and safety risks.
