How bad is a maintenance required light?
The maintenance required light is usually not an emergency, but it should not be ignored. It serves as a reminder that your vehicle’s scheduled service—such as an oil change, filter replacement, tire rotation, or inspections—is due or imminent. Addressing it in a timely manner helps protect engine health, safety, and long-term reliability.
What the maintenance required light means
The maintenance light, often shown as a wrench icon or a message like “Maintenance” or “Service Due,” is triggered by the car’s onboard computer when the manufacturer’s recommended service interval is reached or when the oil-life monitor indicates a service is needed. It does not signal an immediate breakdown, but it does flag tasks that, if left undone, can degrade performance, efficiency, and longevity. After service, many cars require a reset of the indicator so it will track the next interval accurately.
Common triggers
- Oil-change interval reached or oil-life monitor at a low percentage
- Brake inspection, tire rotation, or air-filter replacement becomes due
- Scheduled inspections or maintenance milestones per the manufacturer’s plan
- Maintenance reminders tied to time since last service
- Vehicle-specific service tasks flagged by the system (coolant, transmission, etc.)
Because the specifics vary by make and model, the exact meaning can differ. If you’re ever unsure, consult your owner’s manual or the dealership for a precise diagnosis for your car.
What to do when the light comes on
When the light appears, take a measured approach based on your mileage, service history, and the car’s symptoms. Planning ahead—rather than delaying until it becomes inconvenient—helps prevent bigger problems and higher costs.
- Consult your owner’s manual to understand what the light signifies for your model.
- Review your vehicle’s current mileage and time since the last service to gauge urgency.
- Schedule the due maintenance or a diagnostic check with a trusted mechanic or dealership.
- Before or after service, ensure the technician resets the maintenance light if required by your vehicle.
- If the light is accompanied by other warning indicators or unusual symptoms (strange noises, loss of power, smoke, or oil leaks), seek assistance promptly and do not ignore them.
Following these steps helps maintain reliability and protects you from avoidable wear and tear. If you’re unsure about the severity, a quick call to your service provider can clarify how soon you should act.
Urgent red flags
While the maintenance light itself isn’t typically an urgent danger, certain accompanying signs merit immediate attention:
- Engine oil pressure warning or severe oil loss
- Engine overheating
- Brake system warning or reduced braking performance
- Severe loss of power or strange, persistent noises
If you encounter any of these, stop safely, check the situation, and contact roadside assistance or emergency services as needed. Otherwise, plan service within days to a few weeks depending on your schedule and driving needs.
Resetting and keeping track
Most maintenance reminders reset after the service is completed. Some vehicles require a manual reset via the instrument cluster or a dealership diagnostic tool. Always follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual or have the service technician perform the reset to ensure the next interval is accurate. Resetting without servicing can mask maintenance needs and lead to missed scheduled care.
Summary
The maintenance required light is a proactive reminder rather than a sign of immediate danger. It signals that routine upkeep is due or pending, which, if neglected, can degrade performance and longevity. To stay ahead: know what the light means for your model, schedule the indicated service, and reset the indicator after work is done. If new or unclear warnings arise, consult a professional to avoid bigger problems down the road.
