What does the smart wrench indicator mean?
2 Answers
The wrench symbol displayed on the car dashboard indicates that the vehicle requires maintenance. The maintenance cycle is preset when the vehicle leaves the factory, so the "small wrench" will appear every certain mileage to remind you to perform maintenance in time. Typically, the car maintenance cycle is every 5,000–8,000 kilometers, while the factory-set cycle is usually longer than 8,000 kilometers. Below is an introduction to car maintenance: 1. Exterior inspection: Before driving, check the doors, hood, trunk, and glass condition, and inspect the body for damage, tilting, oil or water leaks, etc. 2. Engine and various fluids: Check the fastening of engine components and inspect engine joints for oil or water leaks. Adjust and tighten belts, and check the fastening of pipelines and wires. Top up engine oil, coolant, and electrolyte as needed. 3. Tires: Inspect tire wear and clean the trunk. Replace tires when they approach the wear indicator. Check for bulges, abnormal wear, aging cracks, or other damage. 4. Cleaning and lubrication: Clean oil stains from the engine hood, door, and trunk hinge mechanisms, and lubricate them. Antifreeze generally has a service life of 2 years and should be replaced during maintenance, along with a thorough cleaning of the cooling system. Due to the hygroscopic nature of the braking system, brake fluid should be replaced every two years.
I've been driving for several years, especially small cars like the Smart, and it's quite common to see two wrench symbols light up on the dashboard. This is actually a system reminder indicating that the car needs maintenance, usually popping up automatically after you've driven tens of thousands of kilometers. The first time I saw it, I was startled, thinking something was broken, but later I checked the manual and realized it was a service reminder: it might correspond to needs like an oil change, filter replacement, or brake system inspection. Actually, it's a good thing—it helps car owners keep track of maintenance schedules, so they don't forget. If you procrastinate and skip maintenance, over time the oil gets dirty or parts wear out faster, leading to more expensive repairs. Some experts can reset the reminder themselves by pressing specific buttons, but for beginners, it's safer to have a professional shop handle it. Timely maintenance not only extends the car's lifespan but also ensures driving safety—don't underestimate it.
