Former Wheeler Dealers star angered at ‘dumbest | Tech News

Ex-Wheeler Dealers presenter Edd China has called out the “dumbest thing on modern cars” as he called on manufacturers to ditch a simple feature. 

The former host of the classic car restoration series posted an image of an oil warning light which had popped up on his dashboard. 

However, the message read that the engine oil level was “not available”  with no information on how much was left in the sump. 

Instead, the message simply told motorists to press ‘OK’ to clear the message with no further details given.

Edd suggested that firms could “save money on electronic dipsticks” and rely on a more traditional method to check their oil levels.

Edd posted on X: “Perhaps the dumbest thing on modern cars…perhaps just save money on electronic dipsticks and use a thin bit of metal or even a splinter of wood (like a stick) that you can physically dip the level of your oil rather than just not know until the engine explodes!!”

Social media users appeared to agree with Edd with many fans not happy with the amount of electronic gauges on vehicles. 

X user @DaveStapleton1 said: “There are many things on modern cars which only add weight & complexity. Yes tyre pressure sensors, I’m talking about you!”

@NikWard4 commented: “Just done an oil change on my mum’s mini countryman, can’t check it has the correct amount in without driving it for half an hour then parking it, madness.”

@_Khelan__ remarked: “Modern cars are far too complicated and a lot of it is just technology for the sake of technology and it’s just one more thing to go wrong. 

“People should be taught basic maintenance instead of stuff they’ll never use once they pass their test.”

As well as the inconvenience, some individuals suggested electronic systems made oil changes more confusing.

@Tai_Kamiya posted: “As a person who does oil changes for a living, I HATE running into electronic oil level systems; because no two system is the same way to check them!”

Motorists may be able to quickly diagnose low oil levels without checking their dipstick with a series of simple warning signs. 

Signs that a car engine is getting damaged from oil include rattling or grinding noises, exhaust smoke and sluggish acceleration. 

A vehicle which struggles to start or the emergence of engine warning lights is also a cause for concern.