What does a wrench symbol on the dashboard mean?
2 Answers
A wrench symbol on the dashboard indicates that the car needs maintenance, not that there is a malfunction. Its primary purpose is to remind the owner to perform maintenance on the vehicle. Not all vehicles have this reminder function. For vehicles equipped with this feature, the manufacturer sets a parameter during production, and the wrench symbol will appear once the vehicle reaches a certain mileage. Typically, the maintenance interval for a car is every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers, with the factory-set interval often exceeding 8,000 kilometers. The appearance of the wrench symbol does not affect the normal operation of the vehicle, and the symbol will disappear after maintenance is performed.
I also encountered the wrench symbol on the dashboard while driving before, and it was quite concerning at the time. Later, I found out it was a maintenance reminder light, indicating that the vehicle needs regular servicing. It usually comes on every 5,000 or 10,000 kilometers or so, reminding you to change the engine oil, check the brake pads, etc. Ignoring it is not an option—I once delayed addressing it, and it resulted in minor engine wear that caused a sharp increase in fuel consumption, costing me a lot in repairs. I recommend checking the owner's manual for specifics, as the wrench light settings may vary slightly between different brands and models. In any case, don’t procrastinate—schedule a comprehensive inspection with a professional repair shop as soon as possible. This ensures safer and more comfortable driving while also extending the vehicle’s lifespan and saving you future headaches.
