How Long Can You Drive After a Maintenance Alert?
3 Answers
There is no fixed answer to how long you can drive after a car prompts for maintenance—it could range from tens to hundreds of kilometers. As long as the vehicle is not experiencing any malfunctions, it can still be driven. However, owners should still pay attention to the need for regular maintenance. The maintenance tasks include: Oil and Oil Filter Replacement: The basic content of minor maintenance is replacing the engine oil and oil filter. The oil change interval also depends on the type of oil chosen by the owner. Generally, conventional mineral oil should be replaced every six months or 5,000 kilometers, semi-synthetic oil every eight months or 7,500 kilometers, and full synthetic oil can be replaced once a year or every 10,000 kilometers. Air Filter Replacement: Vehicle maintenance is not just about changing the oil; it also involves replacing the oil filter or other items that require replacement upon inspection, such as the air filter, cabin air filter, spark plugs, etc. These items should also be replaced according to the recommended intervals and should not be affected by the extended oil change cycle. Therefore, determining the maintenance cycle for a vehicle is not simply a matter of time or mileage. Owners should choose the appropriate oil based on their vehicle's specific maintenance schedule.
I remember one time the maintenance warning light came on. As someone who often helps friends with car repairs, I thought it would be fine to drive a few hundred kilometers more, but it really depends on the situation. For example, frequent stops and starts in city commuting cause more wear, so driving 300 kilometers might already be high risk. On the other hand, long highway trips are more stable, and pushing it to 500 kilometers could be acceptable. However, you definitely shouldn’t delay for too long, as degraded oil or aging parts can accelerate damage, potentially harming the engine and increasing repair costs. It’s best to check the manual as soon as possible to confirm the maintenance interval and schedule a professional diagnosis. Safe driving should come first—don’t risk major repairs just to save a little time.
My car's maintenance warning light came on a few weeks ago, which made me quite nervous. After checking, I learned it was a reminder for an oil change or inspection, and it was safe to drive for about another week, roughly within 150-200 kilometers. It shouldn't be ignored for too long, otherwise the engine could easily malfunction and break down on the road. I immediately scheduled an appointment with the repair shop that day, and after getting it fixed in about half an hour, I felt much more at ease. Extra caution is needed when driving on highways—sudden engine failure could be dangerous. I'd advise other car owners to take action as soon as the light comes on and not to delay.
