How many kilometers can you drive after the maintenance light comes on?
3 Answers
You can still drive 500km after the maintenance light comes on. The illumination of the vehicle's maintenance light does not affect driving safety; it simply reminds the owner that it's time for maintenance based on time or mileage. After the car is serviced, resetting the maintenance light allows the count to start anew. Below is relevant information: Car Maintenance Light: The car maintenance light is set by the manufacturer as a reminder for required vehicle maintenance. When the light comes on, it indicates that maintenance is needed based on mileage or time, meaning it's not a sign of a vehicle malfunction. Maintenance Cycle: Typically, maintenance is required every 5,000 kilometers. As the car's mileage increases, its components will continuously wear out. If the wear becomes too severe and exceeds the lifespan of the parts, it may pose a threat to driving safety.
A couple of days ago, the maintenance light on my old Ford Focus also came on. The mechanic told me it depends on the car's condition. If full synthetic oil was used during the last service, driving another seven or eight hundred kilometers shouldn’t be a big issue, but you need to keep an eye on the oil level using the dipstick. If you frequently drive short distances or get stuck in city traffic, it’s best to schedule a service within a week. Last time I procrastinated for half a month, and my fuel consumption shot up—I could even feel the engine struggling when I stepped on the gas. Later, I had to spend an extra 600+ yuan cleaning carbon deposits. The safest approach is to book an appointment as soon as possible. After all, the warning light is there for a reason—don’t wait until something goes wrong to regret it.
Last time I encountered this situation while driving my wife's Corolla, the 4S technician advised focusing on three key things: the engine oil still had 800-1000 kilometers of life left, but must be checked daily. Brake fluid with over 3% water content needs immediate attention, and obvious tire wear means prioritizing a wheel alignment. My car had particularly loud tire noise at the time, and inspection revealed uneven wear of 1.5mm - delaying tire replacement by a week cost me an extra 800 yuan. It's recommended to note the mileage when the warning light comes on; avoid highway driving if it exceeds 500 kilometers.
