How long can you drive a car that says maintenance required?
As a car owner, seeing the "Maintenance Required" light on your dashboard can be concerning. This warning is a reminder that your vehicle needs attention, but how long can you safely drive it before taking action? In this article, we will explore the implications of this warning light, what it means for your vehicle, and the best practices for maintaining your car's health.
Understanding the "Maintenance Required" Light
The "Maintenance Required" light is an indicator that your vehicle is due for routine maintenance. This could include oil changes, filter replacements, or other scheduled services. It's important to note that this light does not indicate an immediate mechanical failure, but rather a reminder to keep your vehicle in optimal condition.
How Long Can You Drive?
While it may be tempting to ignore the light for a while, it's crucial to understand the potential risks involved. Generally, you can drive your car for a limited time after the light comes on, but this duration can vary based on several factors:
- Type of Maintenance Needed: If the light indicates an oil change, you might have a few hundred miles before serious issues arise. However, if it signals a more critical service, such as brake inspection, you should address it immediately.
- Driving Conditions: Frequent short trips or driving in harsh conditions can accelerate wear and tear, making it essential to service your vehicle sooner.
- Vehicle Make and Model: Different vehicles have varying tolerances for maintenance delays. Always refer to your owner's manual for specific recommendations.
Best Practices After the Warning Light Appears
To ensure your vehicle remains in good condition, consider the following best practices:
- Schedule Maintenance Promptly: Aim to have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible after the light comes on.
- Keep Records: Maintain a log of your vehicle's service history to help track when maintenance is due.
- Consult a Professional: If you're unsure about the severity of the maintenance required, consult a trusted mechanic for advice.
Conclusion
In summary, while you may be able to drive your car for a short period after the "Maintenance Required" light appears, it's best to address the issue promptly to avoid potential damage. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your vehicle but also ensures your safety on the road. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional auto service provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
