How Long Can You Drive with the Maintenance Light On?
2 Answers
You can drive approximately 500 kilometers with the maintenance light on. The purpose of the maintenance light is to remind the car owner to perform maintenance in a timely manner. Maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. The benefits of maintenance include: 1. Ensuring the vehicle is in excellent performance condition; 2. Improving the vehicle's efficiency and reducing the wear of its parts and tires; 3. Enhancing driving safety; 4. Preventing potential hazards caused by vehicle issues; 5. Reducing noise and environmental pollution; 6. Keeping the vehicle's appearance clean and preventing damage.
When your car's maintenance light comes on, it primarily serves as a reminder for scheduled servicing, such as an oil change or inspection of other components. From a safety perspective, I recommend not delaying too long—generally, you should address it within 500 to 1,000 kilometers of driving. Otherwise, the engine may experience increased wear due to insufficient lubrication. I've seen some friends neglect this, only to spend a fortune on engine repairs months later, while also increasing accident risks. If the light has just come on, you might still drive a few hundred kilometers for commuting without immediate issues, but frequent short trips or aggressive driving can accelerate problems. Check your owner's manual for the maintenance schedule as soon as possible, plan a visit to a professional shop, and avoid cutting corners to save small amounts of money that could lead to bigger issues.