How long can you drive a car that says maintenance required?
If your car's dashboard displays a "Maintenance Required" warning light, it's important to address the issue promptly. However, the exact timeline for how long you can continue driving with this warning varies depending on the specific problem and your vehicle's condition. In general, it's best to have the maintenance performed as soon as possible to avoid further damage or safety concerns.
Understanding the "Maintenance Required" Warning
The "Maintenance Required" warning light is typically triggered when your car's onboard computer detects an issue that needs attention. This could be something as simple as a scheduled oil change or as complex as a problem with the engine, transmission, or other critical systems. Ignoring this warning can lead to more serious problems and potentially costly repairs down the line.
Factors Affecting How Long You Can Drive
The amount of time you can continue driving with a "Maintenance Required" warning depends on several factors:
- Type of issue: The specific problem that triggered the warning can determine how urgent the maintenance is. For example, a needed oil change may allow you to drive for a few hundred miles, while a more serious issue like a malfunctioning sensor could require immediate attention.
- Severity of the problem: The extent of the issue can also play a role. A minor problem may allow you to drive for a while, but a more severe issue could cause further damage if left unaddressed.
- Driving conditions: How you use your vehicle, such as frequent towing, heavy loads, or driving in extreme temperatures, can accelerate the need for maintenance.
- Vehicle age and mileage: Older vehicles or those with higher mileage may be more sensitive to maintenance issues and require more frequent attention.
It's important to note that continuing to drive with a "Maintenance Required" warning can potentially lead to more serious problems and may void your vehicle's warranty, so it's best to have the issue addressed as soon as possible.
Recommendations and Next Steps
If your car displays a "Maintenance Required" warning, the best course of action is to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. They can diagnose the specific issue and provide guidance on how urgent the maintenance is and how long you can safely continue driving. In the meantime, be mindful of any changes in your vehicle's performance, such as unusual noises, reduced fuel efficiency, or decreased power, as these could be signs of a more serious problem.
How long can you ignore the maintenance required light?
If you ignore it for a few hundred miles though, the maintenance required light will illuminate and stay on. Take your vehicle to your mechanic for its scheduled maintenance, and they'll reset it for you once all the upkeep tasks are done.
Can I drive my car if it says maintenance required?
The oil maintenance required warned is pre-programmed to come on at intervals to alert you as to when the engine oil and filter need to be replaced. So, while it is perfectly safe to drive the vehicle, the engine oil and filter should be replaced in the very near future.
How long can a car last with maintenance?
How many miles does a car last? A conventional car can last for 200,000 miles. Some well-maintained car models will reach 300,000 or more miles total. The average passenger car age is currently around 12 years in the United States.
How long can you go after your car says maintenance required?
In general, a flashing oil light will turn into a serious problem after around 2 weeks or 500 miles of driving. However, once it reaches that stage, things can quickly deteriorate, resulting in catastrophic mechanical damage. As a result, schedule an appointment with a mechanic as soon as possible.
What happens if you ignore car maintenance?
Delaying Service Can Cause Bigger Issues
A great example of this is the oil change. This is a quick and inexpensive service, but if you delay it, you're risking damage to your engine. Engine damage is a much larger mechanical problem and could keep your car off the road for much longer.
How urgent is a maintenance required light?
A maintenance light means you should plan to book service at a dealership or repair shop soon. Although it's not a good idea to stretch the interval too far, you can generally schedule the required maintenance when it's most convenient without worrying about your car's health.
Is the maintenance required light serious?
Many drivers confuse the maintenance required light with the check engine light (CEL). While they look similar, though, they aren't the same. The maintenance required light doesn't indicate a problem with your vehicle; it only means that you've driven for at least 4,500 miles since the last time it was reset.
How many miles can I drive after the oil light comes on?
If your oil light comes on, you should try to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. Note, though, that driving around a bit more won't destroy anything. Generally speaking, you have about 2 weeks or 500 miles of driving before a flashing oil light turns into a legitimate problem.
Why does it still say maintenance required after oil change?
Your maintenance required light may stay on after an oil change if the vehicle's service indicator wasn't reset. This commonly happens if the reset step is overlooked. Understanding the “maintenance required” light on your dashboard is crucial for your vehicle's upkeep and your peace of mind.
Can I drive my car past maintenance?
That message is just a reminder for regular service intervals, it doesn't actually know what the status of any system is. It's fine for you to wait until it's convenient for you to schedule it, and driving a few extra hundred (or thousand) miles is likely to make very little difference.
