What does a wrench on the car dashboard mean?
2 Answers
A wrench on the car dashboard is a maintenance reminder light. When the vehicle exceeds the set mileage for regular maintenance without being serviced, the wrench warning symbol will flash within 5 seconds of turning on the ignition, displaying the exceeded predetermined maintenance mileage. After 5 seconds, it returns to the normal state, with the maintenance indicator remaining lit. The first maintenance for a new car is crucial, primarily involving an oil change. Normally, maintenance can be done at 3,000 kilometers, but it must be performed by 5,000 kilometers. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. Modern car maintenance mainly includes the maintenance of the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, and more.
The first time I saw that little wrench icon on the dashboard, I panicked thinking my car was about to break down. Later I learned it's just reminding me that maintenance is due. Most modern vehicles have this feature, indicating the car is approaching its scheduled service interval for things like oil changes or air filter inspections. If ignored for too long, it can lead to increased engine wear and higher fuel consumption. I made this mistake myself once by delaying service for over a month - the oil had turned completely black, and the mechanic warned me how damaging this is to the engine. I recommend checking your owner's manual immediately, which specifies the maintenance intervals (typically every 5,000 or 10,000 kilometers). Always monitor your dashboard warnings and schedule service promptly when the light appears - maintaining proper vehicle condition is actually the most cost-effective strategy. Never attempt to reset it yourself either; while some models allow manual resetting, improper operation may cause errors.
