If you have a maintenance required light on the dashboard of your car, don't be alarmed. It simply means that it is time for scheduled maintenance and does not signal any malfunction, i.e. it is just an informational reminder. Now you know the maintenance required meaning. Let’s figure out when the car says maintenance required.
Maintenance Required Light
Many devices on the dashboard of your vehicle will notify you of a problem or malfunction. What does the maintenance required light mean? MAINT REQD (MR) is a signal that indicates the need for routine maintenance. MR does not signal a breakdown or a problem. The car maintenance light is an informational reminder and nothing more. However, it can be very disturbing and annoying. Also, sometimes MAINT REQD (MR) works because of an error by the technicians who performed the previous maintenance light.
Why Does My Vehicle Have a Maintenance Required Light On
“My car says maintenance required,” – such an approach of car manufacturers is connected with the fact that car owners often forget about the terms of maintenance, and cars are operated with old engine oil, dirty filters, and hidden damages that remain undetected. As a result, a person who postpones a visit to the service "for later", is faced with serious breakdowns of the car and is forced to make expensive repairs.
As a rule, at 4,500 miles the MAIN RECORD sign starts to blink, and after another 750 miles, it starts to light up. This signal does not affect engine operation and is not related to the fuel system condition indicator, but is simply "set" on the odometer, so the car can be driven without problems and further. This reminder can simply be reset and maintenance can be carried out at a later date.
What Service Is Needed When the Maintenance Required Light Turns On
There are two levels of messages on the maintenance interval indicator:
Preventive maintenance or oil change reminder: when a certain mileage is reached each time the ignition is turned on/off, the instrument cluster display shows an indication to the driver. The remaining mileage or time will briefly illuminate.
Preventive maintenance or oil change due: If the vehicle has reached the preventive maintenance or oil change due date (or both events at the same time), the following driver's message appears briefly after the ignition is switched on/off: “Oil Change and Inspection Required!” or “Oil Change Required!”
How to Turn Off the Maintenance Indicator Light
After service work has been carried out by a specialist company, the maintenance intervals indicator light is reset to zero.
After changing the oil yourself, the driver must also reset the indicator light. The next oil change is carried out according to the fixed maintenance interval.
To reset the indication, select the Infotainment system: MENU button > Vehicle > left-hand control button > Service and control > Maintenance intervals > Reset oil change intervals.
What Happens If a Driver Ignores the Maintenance Required Light
Automakers use this approach because most drivers forget about the timing of scheduled maintenance. As a result, old engine oil and dirty filters are used while driving. Such postponement of terms leads to an extremely undesirable consequence, namely a rapid decrease in the operational life of the car. As a result, serious breakdowns occur, requiring expensive repairs. Therefore, it is extremely important to perform maintenance promptly, especially if your car is many "years old".
Dashboard Warnings You Shouldn't Overlook
We all know that cars have gotten smarter and more technologically sophisticated. So, a lot of obscure icons and inscriptions have appeared on the dashboard. Many of them mean that your car is in trouble. Meanwhile, most motorists simply ignore the various warning icons on the dashboard. And in vain, as it often leads to expensive repairs. Here are the most dangerous warnings on the dashboard, which signal the need to stop immediately.
Engine Oil Indicator
Low oil pressure can be caused by a leak in the oil circuit, insufficient oil in the engine, pump failure, or damaged bearings.
Engine Check Alert
The engine silhouette or the corresponding inscription appears suddenly, alarming the attentive and careful driver. The reasons may be different, for example, the car "swearing" at the airflow meter (mass air flow sensor), the ignition system, or the exhaust system components - oxygen sensor or catalytic converter.
Power Steering Indicator
The steering wheel emblem can be painted in one of two shades. If it is yellow, then adaptation is necessary. When the shade is scarlet, and there is also an exclamation mark, one can assume a failure of the EPS or GUR. If such a situation occurs, the steering wheel is usually difficult to turn.
ABS Warning
Unlike the low engine oil pressure indication or engine overheating, which appears for a specific reason, the BRAKE (brake system) warning can appear for a variety of reasons. For example, in some vehicles, it is a signal that the brake light bulb has burned out.
Airbag Alert
This means that there is a failure related to the airbag. It should be taken to a service center to have it fixed.
Cooling System Warning
The red thermometer icon on the dashboard indicates that the coolant temperature has reached a critical value. That is, the arrow on the engine temperature gauge is almost approaching or is already in the dangerous red zone.
Seat Belt Alert
This fault means that the driver or one of the passengers has not fastened the seat belt. This means that there is a high probability of injuries of various degrees of severity during a turn or sudden braking.
Door Ajar Warning
A tightly closed door will remind you of the view of the car from above with the "wickets" open, and in some models, a text message like "DOOR AJAR" will be displayed - various options are possible.
When Should You Visit a Mechanic
MAINT REQD (MR) does not directly signal a problem. However, this light will help prevent further faults that occur due to missed scheduled maintenance. Our car service offers you comprehensive car maintenance services at affordable prices.
How Critical Is the Maintenance Required Indicator
Regular vehicle maintenance is critical to the safety, reliability, and longevity of a vehicle. If the car you're about to buy has a maintenance-required indicator light on, make sure it's not a recurring alert that the current owner is simply ignoring. Moreover, learn more about the vehicle's past and potential weaknesses by getting a vehicle history report.
What Do the Other Dashboard Warning Lights Indicate
Generally, a green or blue light is informational, an orange light is a warning, and a red light indicates a serious problem. For example, if the red light for low oil pressure or engine overheating comes on, the vehicle should be stopped immediately.
At the same time, some lights are uniform for all cars, and some - car manufacturers make in their way. Therefore, it is not uncommon for very similar indicators to indicate a completely different type of problem. In addition, the same malfunction may be labeled differently in American, European, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cars.
FAQ
How much will it cost if the maintenance-required light comes on?
When you buy a new car, 5,000-mile service intervals are usually covered by the manufacturer for free up to 25,000 miles. After that, a 5,000-mile service can cost anywhere from $75 to $135 depending on where you live. There are also more serious services that will be required when you reach higher mileage points, such as timing belt repairs and ignition tune-ups.
Is it against the law to neglect car servicing?
Neglecting maintenance is not a criminal offense, but can result in civil liability or financial loss. Neglecting maintenance light on car can jeopardize the safety of the driver, passengers, and other road users.
Why is my maintenance required light on right after an oil change?
If you have recently changed your engine oil or oil filter, the problem is probably that the new oil or filter was of poor quality. It is normal for the dashboard light to stay on for no more than 15 seconds after an engine oil change. Make sure that the viscosity of the filled oil corresponds to the technical requirements of the car manufacturer, as well as to the season.