Loading

What does it mean when my Honda says maintenance required?

When your Honda displays a "Maintenance Required" message, it indicates that your vehicle is due for scheduled maintenance. This message is a reminder from your Honda's onboard computer system to let you know that it's time to bring your car in for routine service and inspections.


Understanding the "Maintenance Required" Indicator


The "Maintenance Required" light or message on your Honda's dashboard is part of the vehicle's maintenance minder system. This system tracks your car's usage and operating conditions to determine when certain maintenance tasks need to be performed. The light or message will illuminate when it's time for items like oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, and other periodic maintenance.


The maintenance required indicator is not a sign of an immediate problem with your Honda. It's simply a notification that your car is due for its regularly scheduled maintenance according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Ignoring this message could lead to more serious issues down the road, so it's important to have the required maintenance done as soon as possible.


What to Do When the "Maintenance Required" Light Comes On



  • Schedule a service appointment at your local Honda dealership or with a certified Honda mechanic.

  • Refer to your owner's manual to see what specific maintenance tasks are due based on your Honda's mileage and age.

  • Be prepared to have items like the oil changed, filters replaced, tires rotated, and other routine maintenance performed.

  • Ask the service technician to reset the maintenance required indicator light once the necessary work has been completed.


Staying on top of your Honda's scheduled maintenance is crucial for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and preventing more costly repairs in the future. By addressing the "Maintenance Required" message promptly, you can help ensure your Honda continues to provide reliable and safe transportation.

How bad is a maintenance required light?


Typically For most cars, a maintenance required (maint reqd) light is nothing to panic about. Its a normal occurrence that is programmed to happen around 6000-7500 miles from the last time it was reset. It's simply a reminder to change you oil and filters if you haven't already.



Does maintenance required only mean oil change?


Maintenance required that doesn't go away means you need to get an oil change. Schedule the oil change after work today.



Does maintenance due mean oil change?


What does maintenance due soon mean on a Honda? When your car's oil life drops to 15%, you'll see a "maintenance due soon" message on your dashboard. This message will come with either an "A" or "B" to indicate the type of service needed. If you see this message, it's time to bring your Honda in for an oil change.



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.



Is maintenance required a check engine?


The check engine light is sometimes confused with the maintenance required light, although the two are unrelated.



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 does maintenance required mean on a Honda?


This indicator reminds you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.



How long can a car go with the maintenance required light on?


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 often do Hondas need maintenance?


7,500 – 22,500 – 37,500 – 52,500 – 67,500 – 82,500 miles: At these mileage markers, you should bring your Civic in for the following: Oil and filter change, brake inspection, throttle linkage lubrication, fluid level check and replacement, tire wear and pressure inspection, and tire rotation.



Can I still drive my car with the service light on?


How you should respond to the engine dashboard light depends on the type of light it shows, i.e., whether it's solid amber or red/blinking. If your check engine light is solid amber, you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book a car diagnostic as soon as possible.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.