What does the small wrench on the dashboard indicate?
3 Answers
The small wrench on the dashboard indicates that it's time for car maintenance, not that there is a malfunction with the vehicle. Manufacturers set a parameter when the car is produced, and once a certain mileage is reached, the "small wrench" will appear to remind the owner that the car needs maintenance. Typically, the maintenance interval for a car is every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers, although the factory-set interval is usually slightly longer than 8,000 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. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the car clean, ensure normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent malfunctions, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the vehicle's service life.
I remember when that little wrench light came on, at first I thought the dashboard was broken. Later, after consulting a professional technician, I realized it was the vehicle maintenance reminder icon, indicating that the car was due for routine service. It usually triggers based on mileage or time intervals, for example, appearing every 5,000 kilometers or every six months. If you ignore it, the car's performance may decline, such as insufficient engine lubrication due to dirty oil, which can increase fuel consumption or even damage the engine. I recommend checking your maintenance manual or scheduling a service appointment as soon as you see this icon—don’t delay. Resetting it is also simple; some cars just require holding down a dashboard button for a few seconds. Developing a habit of regular maintenance can extend your car’s lifespan and avoid major repairs.
When I first bought the car, the little wrench icon also scared me. I quickly checked the owner's manual and learned it's a maintenance indicator, signaling it's time for an oil change or inspection. It usually lights up automatically after driving a fixed mileage, say around 30,000 kilometers. At this point, you should schedule a check-up at an authorized service center, otherwise, the cooling system might develop issues affecting heat dissipation. I've learned from this that keeping up with maintenance is crucial. I now record the date every time it appears to plan better next time. For beginners, don't underestimate this small icon—ignoring it can increase risks like tire wear or brake failure. Addressing it early saves money and ensures safety.
