How Long Can You Drive After the Car Prompts for Maintenance?
3 Answers
When the car prompts for maintenance, it can still be driven as long as no faults occur. Below is an introduction to relevant knowledge about car maintenance: Purpose: The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent faults, slow down the degradation process, and extend the service life. Content: Car maintenance includes basic maintenance, full vehicle inspection, and deep maintenance. Basic maintenance, also known as minor maintenance, is performed every time and includes tasks such as changing the engine oil and oil filter. After a full vehicle inspection, deep maintenance is carried out.
When my car displays a maintenance reminder, it can usually be driven for another 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers, depending on the model and driving habits. Based on over a decade of driving experience, I've found that most modern cars calculate the warning point around the last maintenance mileage when the reminder appears, alerting you that the oil or filter needs to be replaced soon. I once drove for two weeks and over 2,000 kilometers after the reminder came on without major issues, but a check revealed the oil was a bit thin. Fortunately, I addressed it in time to avoid any malfunctions. It's advisable not to exceed the reminder value for too long, as internal engine wear can accelerate, affecting overall lifespan. I make it a habit to listen to the engine sound weekly, and if I notice any unusual noises, I head to the shop early to avoid breaking down on the road. In short, if the car is in good condition, it can hold out for a while, but it's not worth taking the risk—safety should always come first.
When the maintenance light comes on, I often wonder how much longer I can drive to save some money. Generally, you can push it for about 500 to 1,500 kilometers without major issues. Why is that? The system's preset reminder is set at the upper limit of the ideal range. Ignoring it for a short while might save you a quick maintenance fee, but delaying too long can lead to costly repairs. Once, I tried to save by postponing, and after driving 1,500 kilometers, my engine started shaking—costing me over a thousand bucks to fix. The lesson? More expense and headaches. I think it's okay to drive for about a week as long as you check the oil and it looks fine, but you should schedule a service appointment ASAP. Procrastination can cause parts to wear out faster, leading to skyrocketing replacement costs—wasting money in the long run. Now, I make sure to get maintenance done within 500 kilometers of the warning to keep things economical and reliable.
