How Long Can You Drive After the Car Prompts for Maintenance?
3 Answers
There is no fixed answer to how long you can drive after the 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, car owners should still pay attention to the need for regular maintenance. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the vehicle, also known as car servicing. Car maintenance is divided into minor and major maintenance. Minor maintenance generally refers to the routine maintenance tasks performed at the manufacturer-specified time or mileage to ensure vehicle performance, mainly including oil and oil filter replacement. Major maintenance refers to the routine maintenance performed at the manufacturer-specified time or mileage, which includes replacing the oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter.
When driving, I particularly prioritize safety, and I always schedule maintenance as soon as the car alerts me. Ignoring it can lead to serious issues like deteriorated engine oil, increased engine wear, or brake failure. The manual says you can drive about 500 to 1,000 kilometers after the alert, but that’s just a theoretical limit—it’s best not to exceed a week. The actual timing also depends on driving conditions—for example, stop-and-go city traffic requires earlier action. I remember once delaying it for two weeks, and the engine started making strange noises, costing me an extra two to three thousand in repairs. Regular maintenance not only saves money but, more importantly, prevents accidents and ensures safety on the road. I recommend checking the maintenance schedule and booking a service appointment in advance—it saves time and gives peace of mind.
I use my car for daily commuting, and when the maintenance reminder light comes on, I usually don't rush but evaluate the remaining mileage and time. The manual recommends that it can generally last for 1,000 kilometers, but I've actually delayed it for a month without major issues, provided that the oil level is checked to be normal and parts wear isn't accelerated. Delaying too long can lead to hidden costs, such as more expensive replacements due to clogged filters. I prefer handling it during weekend free time to avoid peak traffic. Proper planning can save costs—booking a repair shop online in advance can get discounts and save queuing time. The key is to adjust based on driving frequency and not push it too hard.
