Can I Still Drive When the Vehicle Maintenance Reminder Light Comes On?

[LoganAnn]

You can continue driving after the maintenance reminder light comes on. The maintenance indicator light serves as a reminder to perform vehicle maintenance and does not affect normal driving. Short-term driving is acceptable, but you should schedule maintenance as soon as possible. After maintenance, remember to reset the maintenance light. Below are common maintenance items: 1. Minor Maintenance: Minor maintenance generally refers to routine service tasks performed at intervals specified by the manufacturer to ensure vehicle performance. It mainly includes changing the engine oil and oil filter. 2. Major Maintenance: Major maintenance involves routine service tasks performed at intervals specified by the manufacturer, including replacing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter.

[VanMatteo]

Last time the maintenance reminder light in my car came on, I felt quite uneasy, mainly worried about engine issues. Generally speaking, this light is just a pre-programmed alert, indicating it's time for routine services like an oil change or brake system inspection—it doesn't mean the car is about to break down immediately. So driving a short distance of around 100 kilometers to the service center is acceptable, but don’t delay too long or take long highway trips. I’ve seen cases where people ignored it for weeks, leading to thickened oil, skyrocketing fuel consumption, and severe engine wear that cost much more to repair later. For safety, it’s best to contact the dealership for an appointment as soon as the light appears, explain the situation, and follow their advice. Drive smoothly on the road—avoid aggressive acceleration or sharp turns. A regular maintenance light is actually helpful; it reminds us to care for our cars and not end up with major failures due to neglect, as I did in the past.

[DiJack]

As a working professional who drives frequently, I still drive to the office even when the maintenance reminder light comes on. This light is just a scheduled alert, set based on mileage or time, telling you it's time for routine maintenance—not an urgent malfunction. I can drive another 200 to 500 kilometers without major issues, but it's best not to exceed a week or push it on long trips. Last week, I drove to the supermarket for groceries with the light on—just maintain steady driving. However, check the manual or app for the required maintenance items to avoid delaying and causing excessive wear on parts, which could increase future repair costs. If the light is red or flashes alongside other warning lights, pull over immediately and call for a tow truck. In daily driving, remember: the light is a signal—address it promptly to avoid bigger hassles.

[MarianaLee]

The maintenance reminder light is on, and I can usually drive a short distance to the repair shop. This light simply means it's a preset maintenance alert from the manufacturer, such as an oil change every 5,000 kilometers. If it's a short trip or city driving for a few dozen kilometers, it's generally fine, and the engine won't be immediately damaged. However, don't push it by driving thousands of kilometers, as accumulated oil sludge can lead to incomplete combustion, excessive emissions, or engine overheating. I've checked the data—when driving temporarily, ease off the accelerator and avoid speeding. It's best to schedule an inspection within three days after the light comes on to prevent delays that could lead to costlier issues. Maintenance is the foundation of car care—don't risk major problems for minor savings.