What does the appearance of a small wrench on the car dashboard mean?
2 Answers
The appearance of a small wrench on the car dashboard does not indicate a fault requiring repair, but rather signals that the vehicle needs maintenance. This is a reminder symbol to prompt the driver to service the car. The icon must be manually reset after each maintenance service; if forgotten, it will continue to display even after maintenance is performed. Not all vehicles display the small wrench symbol—some may show a yellow oil can icon, which also indicates that the vehicle requires maintenance. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the vehicle, also known as automotive upkeep. Modern car maintenance primarily covers the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, and more.
When I first bought my car and saw a little wrench pop up on the dashboard, I was completely confused. Later, I learned that this was a reminder for me to go for maintenance. Car manufacturers preset maintenance intervals when the vehicle leaves the factory, and this light usually comes on after driving 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. It's not a big deal if you keep driving for a while, but long-term delays can lead to issues like deteriorated engine oil or clogged air filters. Last month, I met a guy who ignored it, and his engine ended up seizing, costing him over 8,000 yuan in repairs. So, when you see this little wrench, don’t delay—just call ahead to book an appointment with a 4S shop or a reliable repair shop for peace of mind.
