The “Maintenance Required” message is one of the most common alerts a driver will see in their car today. Unlike the check engine light, though, this message isn’t a cause for panic. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about this light.
What Does “Maintenance Required” Mean In A Car?
Whenever a car displays a “Maintenance Required” message, this is not necessarily a troubling sign. This note is simply a reminder for drivers, and it is usually related to mileage and time intervals programmed into the car’s onboard computer.
Manufacturers will set these intervals to initiate routine maintenance needs, such as fluid checks, tire rotations, and oil changes. The light will show up around 5,000 miles after your last service or reset. While this doesn’t mean your car is having issues, it’s important to not ignore this light.
The maintenance required light could be a reminder for drivers to do the following:
- Rotate your tires.
- Change oil and oil filter.
- Inspect belts and hoses.
- Refill windshield washer fluid.
- Check brake fluid and brake pads.
Why Is My Car Maintenance Light On?
When the maintenance light is illuminated in your car, it likely means you are due for a service, according to your manufacturer’s timeline.
Here are some common reasons why your maintenance required light may be on:
- Time-based interval has been reached (six months since service, for example).
- Reset wasn’t hit after last service.
- Sensor problem.
- Mileage-based interval reached (5,000 miles after oil change, for example).
You will be able to confirm the reason for illumination by either checking your owner’s manual or contacting the manufacturer. If you had a service done recently, the light may simply need to be reset.
How Does Maintenance Required Differ From The Check Engine Light?
The maintenance required light is far different from the check engine light. The check engine light should be much more alarming than when a driver sees maintenance required illuminated.
There are a few key differences between these two lights, including:
| Maintenance Required | Check Engine Light |
| Routine reminder for drivers | Indicates a system malfunction |
| Mileage-based | Triggered by sensor readings |
| Typically not urgent | May indicate serious issues |
| Will turn off once reset | Stays illuminated until fixed |
Can I Still Drive With Maintenance Required Light On?
While you can still drive the car with this light on, it is not recommended to do so for very long. Letting the light remain illuminated for quite some time can lead to bigger issues in the near future.
Neglecting routine car maintenance needs can lead to the following:
- Cause some minor issues that can lead to costly repairs.
- Decrease the car’s resale value.
- Shorten the engine components overall lifespan.
- Lower the car’s fuel efficiency.
Once you see the light come on, it’s always best to contact the auto care professionals for service.
Conclusion
This light does not mean your car is in serious trouble, but it should never be ignored. Staying on top of routine car maintenance needs is crucial toward keeping your car fuel-efficient, safe, and reliable.
Here are a few key takeaways about the maintenance required light:
- It indicates an upcoming maintenance need.
- It differs from the check engine light.
- You can drive with this light on, but do not ignore it for long.
- Most cars will display this light every 5,000-10,000 miles.
