Noticing the car spanner symbol on your dashboard can be confusing, especially if your car seems fine. This light is a reminder that your vehicle may need maintenance or a quick check-up. Understanding what the car spanner symbol means can help you avoid unexpected problems, keep your car running smoothly and save money on repairs.
In this blog, we’ll explain why this warning appears and what you can do to stay safe on the road.
What is the car and spanner symbol?
The spanner sign on dashboard is a service or maintenance reminder. It usually means your car is due for routine servicing, such as an oil change, inspection or parts replacement.
In some cases, it can also indicate a minor fault in the engine or transmission system, signaling that your vehicle should be checked to prevent potential issues.
Common reasons why the car and spanner symbol appears
The car and spanner symbol can appear for several reasons. Most commonly, it shows a scheduled service reminder, indicating your car is due for routine maintenance like an oil or filter change.
It can also signal a minor engine or transmission fault, a sensor malfunction, low fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant or transmission fluid, or the need for a software update or recalibration of the vehicle’s onboard computer.
What to do when the car and spanner symbol appears?
When the car and spanner symbol appears, start by checking your owner’s manual to understand its exact meaning for your vehicle. If the light stays on continuously, pull over safely and avoid driving long distances. Inspect engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid levels, topping up if necessary. Sometimes restarting the engine can reset a temporary warning.
Do not ignore the light, as driving with it on may worsen underlying issues. If the car sign with spanner remains on, schedule a service at a mechanic or service centre for a complete check.
How to reset the car and spanner symbol?
The steps to reset the car and spanner symbol can vary depending on the make and model. Usually, the warning light turns off automatically after a scheduled service or once the underlying issue is fixed. If it remains on, you can try resetting it manually through the car’s dashboard menu or ignition system.
However, it is important not to force a reset without resolving the problem first, as this may hide critical maintenance alerts. If unsure, it is best to have a professional technician reset the light after checking the car.
When to visit a mechanic or service centre?
You should visit a mechanic or authorised service centre as soon as the car and spanner symbol appears and stays on. Often, this warning indicates your car needs maintenance, such as an oil change or engine inspection.
Ignoring it could reduce performance or cause long-term damage. If you notice unusual sounds, reduced mileage or dashboard vibrations along with the light, get a professional check-up immediately. It is also important to have a suitable four-wheeler insurance policy to cover potential costs from repairs, accidents, theft or damage.
Depending on your needs, you can choose add-ons like third-party liability cover, personal accident coverage, theft protection or zero-depreciation. Remember, third-party car insurance is legally mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 and covers injuries or damage caused to others by your vehicle.
Preventive measures to avoid car spanner symbol warnings
Here are some preventive tips to avoid the car and spanner symbol from appearing:
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance.
- Use high-quality engine oil, coolant and fuel to maintain engine efficiency.
- Check oil, brake and transmission fluid levels regularly to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
- Maintain correct tyre pressure to reduce engine strain and improve mileage.
- Inspect dashboard lights to ensure all warning indicators are functioning properly.
- Avoid overloading the vehicle to prevent excess strain on the engine or braking system.
- Keep sensors, filters and air vents clean to support smooth system operation.
Conclusion
The spanner symbol in car is more than just a dashboard light; it’s a prompt to take action and care for your vehicle. Paying attention to it can help you avoid costly repairs, maintain your car’s performance and ensure your safety on the road. By keeping up with regular servicing, monitoring fluids and addressing warnings promptly, you can drive with confidence, protect your investment and complement your precautions with a suitable four wheeler insurance policy to cover unexpected repair or damage costs.
FAQs
1. Can I still drive with the spanner symbol on?
You can drive, but only with caution. Treat it as a reminder to limit long trips and get your car checked soon to avoid worsening the issue or causing additional wear.
2. How do I turn off the car and spanner symbol?
The light usually turns off automatically after servicing or fixing the underlying issue. Some cars may require a manual reset via the dashboard menu or a diagnostic tool, but only after the problem is addressed.
3. Why does the spanner light keep coming back after servicing?
If the light returns, it may mean the issue wasn’t fully resolved, a different maintenance requirement is due or the system has detected a new alert. Regular checks and diagnostics can help pinpoint the cause.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.