What does the symbol with a plus and minus sign on the car mean?
3 Answers
A symbol with a plus and minus sign is the battery indicator light, which is used to display the battery's usage status. When you turn the ignition key and the vehicle begins its self-check, this indicator light will illuminate. Below are specific details: 1. Indicator light on: If the light remains on after the car is started or while driving, it indicates that the generator's output voltage is lower than the battery voltage, the generator is not working, or there is a fault in the power supply circuit. In this case, the vehicle is running on battery power, and you should promptly take it to a repair shop to inspect the generator and charging circuit. 2. Reasons for the indicator light turning on: (1) Loose generator belt. (2) Loose battery terminals. (3) Circuit fault. (4) Battery fault. (5) Poor engine charging.
When I first learned to drive, I often noticed the plus and minus signs on the dashboard. Actually, those are common button symbols for car air conditioning control. Pressing the 'plus' button makes the AC blow warmer air to increase the temperature, while the 'minus' button lowers the temperature or reduces the airflow for a cooler effect. Especially in cars with automatic climate control, you can manually fine-tune the settings after pressing AUTO. Remember to clean the AC filter regularly to prevent dust buildup that could affect its performance. If the buttons respond slowly, it might be due to wiring contact issues, and you should have it checked at a repair shop. Nowadays, many car models integrate these controls into the central touchscreen to simplify operation, but I still prefer the intuitive feel of physical buttons since they don’t distract me while driving.
I often test vehicles at the racetrack, where the plus and minus symbols are most commonly seen on the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The plus sign indicates an upshift, which increases engine RPM and speed, while the minus sign is for downshifting to enhance torque, suitable for cornering or climbing hills. It's super convenient and quick to use in manual mode without touching the gear lever, but be careful not to shift too frequently to avoid wearing out the transmission. Beginners should practice on open roads to get familiar with the feel and avoid trying this in congested areas for safety, as the vehicle's lifespan and driving pleasure are closely related.
