How long can you go after your car says maintenance required?
When your car's maintenance required light turns on, it's a sign that your vehicle needs some attention. However, the exact timeline for how long you can continue driving before needing to address the issue can vary. In general, it's best to have the maintenance performed as soon as possible to avoid potential problems down the road.
Understanding the Maintenance Required Light
The maintenance required light is typically triggered by your car's onboard computer when it detects that certain maintenance items, such as oil changes or tire rotations, are due. This light is a reminder to the driver that it's time to have these routine services performed. Ignoring the light can lead to more serious issues, so it's important to address the maintenance need as soon as possible.
How Long Can You Wait?
The amount of time you can continue driving after the maintenance required light turns on can vary depending on several factors:
- Type of maintenance needed: If the light is indicating a simple oil change is required, you may be able to drive for a few hundred miles before needing to address it. However, if the light is signaling a more complex issue, such as a problem with the engine or transmission, it's best to have it checked out right away.
- Driving conditions: If you primarily drive in stop-and-go traffic or under harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures or heavy loads, the maintenance needed may be more urgent than if you have a more relaxed driving routine.
- Vehicle age and mileage: Older vehicles or those with higher mileage may require more frequent maintenance, so the timeline for addressing the light may be shorter.
As a general rule, it's best to have the maintenance performed within a few hundred miles of the light turning on. Waiting too long can lead to more serious and costly problems down the road.
Addressing the Maintenance Required Light
When the maintenance required light turns on, the first step is to consult your vehicle's owner's manual to determine the specific maintenance needed. This will help you understand the urgency of the issue and plan accordingly. If you're unsure about the maintenance required or don't feel comfortable performing it yourself, it's best to take your car to a qualified mechanic for a professional inspection and service.
Can I still drive my car if it says maintenance required soon?
Yes, it's generally okay to drive with the "maintenance required" light on, as it's a reminder for routine service rather than an indicator of an immediate, critical problem. However, you should not ignore it for too long, and you should stop driving if the light is accompanied by other warning lights, unusual sounds, or a decrease in performance. To be safe, schedule an appointment for service to prevent potential future issues.
What to do
- Don't panic: This light is a reminder for regular maintenance, often an oil change, based on mileage or time.
- Check for other lights: If other warning lights, like the "check engine" light, are on, or if you hear strange noises, have your car inspected immediately as it could signal a serious issue.
- Listen to your car: If you notice any changes in performance or feel anything unusual, take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
- Schedule service: Make an appointment for the recommended service to prevent long-term wear and tear or potential breakdowns.
- Reset the light (if applicable): If you have recently completed the service yourself but forgot to reset the light, or if it was reset incorrectly, you can reset it yourself to clear the reminder.
How many miles can I go over my service?
Let's take a look at what may happen to your vehicle if you miss your servicing interval. If your car servicing is slightly overdue, say your recommended interval is 10,000 miles and you exceed this by 1,000 miles, your engine and vehicle should not experience too many ill effects due to the delay.
How many miles can you go past maintenance?
You can drive for about 500 miles after a "maintenance required" light comes on, especially if it's a reminder for a routine oil change. However, the exact distance depends on what the light is signaling, your vehicle's make and model, and whether it is a timer-based reminder or indicates a more serious issue.
Driving with the "maintenance required" light on
This video explains how to estimate the remaining driving distance after the fuel light turns on: 1mKPRC 2 Click2HoustonYouTube · Jan 11, 2024
- If it's an oil change reminder: Many vehicles use a timer-based system that illuminates the light after a set mileage interval, such as 5,000 miles. This doesn't necessarily mean your car is in immediate danger, and you can typically drive up to 500 miles before getting the service done. It's a good practice to check your oil level and quality regularly.
- If it's a mechanical issue: The light could be indicating a more serious problem, such as with the engine or transmission. In this case, it is not safe to drive for long, and you should take the car for service as soon as possible, ideally within a few miles.
- If it's a false alarm: The light may come on shortly after a service because it was not reset. If you know the service was completed recently, you can either return to the service provider to have the light reset or follow your owner's manual for the reset procedure.
- What to do:
- Check your manual: Consult your owner's manual for specific information about your vehicle's maintenance schedule and what the light signifies.
- Look for other indicators: Pay attention to your car's performance for any unusual noises or reduced performance, which could indicate a serious problem.
- Get a service appointment: Schedule your service as soon as you can, especially if your car is due for other maintenance tasks.
What happens if your car maintenance is past due?
Life gets busy, and it's easy to put off routine car maintenance—especially oil changes. But skipping oil changes can have serious consequences for your vehicle. Over time, old oil breaks down, turning into sludge that can clog vital engine components, cause overheating, and even lead to complete engine failure.
