Why Did My Maintenance Required Light Come On?: 1 Minute to Understanding Common Causes

The "Maintenance Required" light on your vehicle’s dashboard is a helpful alert designed to let you know that your car is due for regular service—most commonly, an oil change or basic scheduled checkup. This light often activates based on the number of miles driven since your last service, rather than indicating a critical problem or malfunction. For example, many cars are programmed for this alert to appear every 5,000 miles.

If your light has come on, it means your vehicle’s onboard system has tracked enough mileage or time since the last reset and is prompting you to visit a mechanic for routine care. Notably, it’s not the same as the "Check Engine" light, which signals a more urgent or potentially serious issue. Performing regular maintenance—such as oil and filter changes, tire rotation, fluid checks, and brake inspections—helps keep your vehicle running efficiently and can prevent expensive repairs down the road.

As a designer, I find that preventive maintenance is similar to periodic updates we make to a room’s layout or decor. Just as a space will benefit from a thoughtful refresh, your car thrives when you proactively address upkeep rather than waiting for issues to arise. If you think of your car’s systems the way you would evaluate a living space, you’ll appreciate the importance of scheduled care—for both lasting performance and visual harmony. To maximize organization and efficiency in any routine (be it car care or room improvements), a dependable planning tool like a Home Designer can ensure nothing gets overlooked, keeping your spaces as well-maintained as your vehicle.

Tips 1:

Don’t ignore the “Maintenance Required” light! Schedule service promptly and ask your mechanic to reset the indicator after maintenance is complete. If you recently had service done but the light remains, a quick reset (available in your car’s manual) will typically turn it off. Consistently following your car’s maintenance schedule extends the lifespan of your vehicle and preserves its safety and reliability.

FAQ

Q: Is the "Maintenance Required" light the same as the "Check Engine" light?

A: No, the "Maintenance Required" light signals routine service is needed, while the "Check Engine" light indicates a specific issue that needs immediate attention.

Q: What should I do if my maintenance light comes on?

A: Schedule a service appointment for recommended maintenance, such as an oil change or inspection, as soon as possible.

Q: Can I drive my car with the maintenance required light on?

A: Yes, but it is best not to delay service. The car isn't at immediate risk, but overdue maintenance can lead to problems over time.

Q: How do I reset the maintenance required light?

A: After a service, the mechanic can reset it. Instructions are usually found in your owner’s manual if you want to reset it yourself.

Q: What if the light comes on soon after a recent service?

A: It may not have been reset during your last visit—contact your mechanic, or reset it using the steps in your car’s manual.