How many miles can you drive after the maintenance light comes on a Lexus?
The maintenance light in a Lexus vehicle is designed to alert the driver when it's time for routine maintenance, such as an oil change or tire rotation. While the exact number of miles you can drive after the light comes on can vary, most Lexus owners can expect to have at least 1,000 miles of driving range before needing to address the maintenance issue.
Understanding the Lexus Maintenance Light
The maintenance light in a Lexus is part of the vehicle's onboard diagnostics system. It is programmed to illuminate when the car's computer detects that certain maintenance tasks are due, based on factors like mileage, engine hours, and driving conditions. The light serves as a reminder to the driver that it's time to schedule a service appointment with a Lexus dealership or certified mechanic.
Driving Range After the Light Comes On
Most Lexus models are designed to provide at least 1,000 miles of driving range after the maintenance light illuminates. This gives owners ample time to get their vehicle serviced without risking any damage to the engine or other critical components.
- The exact range can vary depending on the specific Lexus model and the type of maintenance required.
- Factors like driving style, road conditions, and towing/hauling loads can also impact the number of miles the vehicle can be driven.
- It's important to address the maintenance issue as soon as possible, as continuing to drive with the light on can lead to more serious problems down the road.
While the maintenance light is designed to provide a generous buffer, Lexus owners should still make servicing their vehicle a priority to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
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 long can I drive with a maintenance required light on my Lexus?
5,000-mile
Lexus Required Maintenance
In most cases, the appearance of the Lexus Maintenance Required Light indicates the need for a 5,000-mile service visit. At this visit, our technicians will perform tasks such as: Engine oil change.
What's the most serious Lexus warning light?
Red warning lights are the most serious and indicate critical issues, such as engine overheating or brake failure. Stop driving immediately if a red warning light appears.
What does it mean when Lexus says maintenance required?
Your Lexus says "maintenance required" because it's a reminder for routine service, not an emergency warning. This light typically comes on around every 5,000 miles and indicates it's time for basic maintenance like an oil change, filter change, tire rotation, fluid checks, and a multi-point inspection. To address this, schedule a service appointment and then reset the light after the work is done.
What the light means
- Routine service is due: The light is a proactive reminder for your vehicle's 5,000-mile service interval.
- Includes basic maintenance: This service typically involves an oil and filter change, tire rotation, and a general inspection of your car's fluids and other systems.
- Not an emergency: It does not mean your car is broken or that you should pull over immediately. It's a prompt to schedule your next service.
What to do
- Schedule service: Contact your local Lexus dealer or a trusted mechanic to schedule your 5,000-mile service.
- Get the service done: Have the recommended maintenance performed on your vehicle.
- Reset the light: After the service is completed, you will need to reset the light. The process can often be done through the vehicle's infotainment system, or by holding a button while turning the ignition switch, depending on the model.
