BYD Seagull Low-Speed Warning Sound: Not a Motor Noise

BYD Seagull low-speed warning sound: hearing AVAS isn't a mechanical motor noise

Scope: China-mainland 2026 Seagull; official website file 260317; PDF pp. 265–266, "Low-speed warning sound AVAS"

First work out who the sound is for

The manual describes the low-speed warning sound system, which alerts nearby pedestrians when the car is moving slowly. It is not the same source as drive motor, tyre or chassis mechanical noise. So hearing a continuous warning sound outside the car at low speed is not direct evidence that a motor bearing has failed; it needs to be understood alongside where the sound comes from, when it occurs and the car's configuration. ^[1]

That doesn't mean every sound can be ignored

The presence of a normal warning sound does not mean rubbing, metallic knocking or a clear change in noise can be ignored. Owners should record whether the sound occurs when moving forwards, reversing or stationary, and whether it comes with warnings, changes in handling or a collision, then let the workshop tell them apart. Don't disconnect the speaker yourself to test it, as this may weaken the warning to pedestrians. ^[1]

Maintain the function rather than chasing silence

The manual stresses that the warning sound needs to be on when pedestrians may be around the car. If you suspect it has stopped working, contact a workshop; this article gives no on-road listening tests or steps for switching it off. Don't treat switching off the warning sound as a fix for an unusual noise, and certainly don't drive with it silenced to prove the car is running normally. ^[1]

Sources

[Source 1] BYD China official website: 2026 Seagull Owner's Manual (in Chinese) (public PDF on the official website)
https://www.byd.com/material/domestic-official/user-manual/ocean/2026%E6%AC%BE%E6%B5%B7%E9%B8%A5%E7%94%A8%E6%88%B7%E6%89%8B%E5%86%8C260317.pdf
Verified: 2026-10-03; page publication date not confirmed.

This article contains information-organising suggestions from the editorial team; it is not a manufacturer repair procedure.