What does my maintenance required light mean?
Seeing the "Maintenance Required" light illuminate on your dashboard can be concerning, especially if you're unsure what it means. At Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, we aim to demystify these warning lights and help you keep your vehicle in top condition. In this article, we’ll explain what the maintenance required light signifies, why it appears, and what steps you should take when it turns on.
What Is the Maintenance Required Light?
The "Maintenance Required" light is a reminder system built into your vehicle to alert you when it’s time for routine maintenance, typically an oil change or other scheduled service. Unlike the "Check Engine" light, which indicates a potential problem with your car's systems, the maintenance light is not a sign of a malfunction. Instead, it’s a proactive measure to ensure your car stays in optimal working condition.
Why Does the Maintenance Required Light Turn On?
This light is triggered based on mileage and time intervals set by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Here are the most common reasons it may appear:
- It’s time for an oil change (usually every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on your car).
- Routine inspections, such as checking tire pressure, brakes, or fluid levels, are due.
- Other scheduled maintenance tasks, like replacing air filters or spark plugs, are required.
Modern vehicles use onboard computers to track mileage and maintenance schedules, ensuring you don’t miss critical service intervals.
What Should You Do When the Light Comes On?
When the maintenance required light turns on, follow these steps:
- Check your owner’s manual: Refer to the manual to understand the specific maintenance tasks recommended for your vehicle at its current mileage.
- Schedule a service appointment: Contact a trusted auto repair shop, like Kevin's Autos, to perform the necessary maintenance. Regular servicing can prevent costly repairs down the road.
- Reset the light: After completing the required maintenance, the light will need to be reset. This can often be done manually by following instructions in your owner’s manual or by your mechanic.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Maintenance Required Light
Ignoring this light can lead to long-term issues with your vehicle. Neglecting routine maintenance can cause:
- Decreased fuel efficiency.
- Increased wear and tear on engine components.
- Potential breakdowns or costly repairs.
By addressing the maintenance required light promptly, you ensure your car remains reliable and safe to drive.
Trust Kevin’s Autos for Your Maintenance Needs
At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in providing comprehensive maintenance and repair services for all makes and models. Whether it’s an oil change, brake inspection, or a full diagnostic check, our experienced team is here to help. Don’t let a simple reminder light turn into a bigger problem—schedule your service today and keep your car running smoothly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drive with maintenance light on?
It is not advisable to drive with the oil light on for an extended period. If you're driving on the highway, it's best to find a safe place to stop and have your car checked out. As we've already mentioned, driving with the oil light on can result in severe engine damage, so it's best to avoid it if possible.
Does maint reqd mean oil change?
Toyota “MAINT REQD” Meaning
If you've had your Toyota for a while, it's likely you've already seen the Toyota maintenance required light. The light remains active to let you know it's time for an oil change.
How bad is a maintenance required light?
So, if the maintenance required light is on, it doesn't necessarily mean there's a serious issue with your car. It's just a friendly nudge to get your routine maintenance done according to the recommended schedule. However, if the check engine light comes on, that's a different story.
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.
Why would my maintenance required light come on?
Typically, this light serves as a reminder for regular maintenance such as oil changes. Once the service is complete, the light needs to be manually reset. At times, this step can be missed by the service personnel or if you've changed the oil yourself.
Can low oil cause maintenance light to come on?
Check Engine Light and Low Oil
Low oil levels can indeed trigger the check engine light, but not directly. Your car's engine relies on oil to function correctly, as it lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and helps maintain the engine's temperature.
What does a 1 maintenance required light mean?
The Honda service code A1 in your vehicle signifies specific maintenance requirements. The letter “A” indicates the need for an oil change, while the sub-code “1” signals that it's time for a tire rotation. These routine tasks play a crucial role in maintaining your vehicle's performance and longevity.
What does service 1 mean?
There are sub codes as well. For example, a Honda Service 1 light means it's time to rotate the tires and check the pressure and condition of your wheels.
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.
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.
