How to Clear the 'Engine Oil Needs Replacement, Please Service' Warning?
2 Answers
The method to clear the 'Engine Oil Needs Replacement, Please Service' warning is to replace the old oil with new engine oil. Engine oil, also known as motor oil or engine lubricant, is a substance enhanced with additives in base oil, primarily containing anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade viscosity index improvers. The main functions of engine oil are to reduce friction and wear on moving parts, remove sludge (one function of dispersants) and varnish (detergents) from the engine, neutralize acids produced by fuel combustion and lubricant oxidation (detergents), improve piston ring sealing, and cool the engine by carrying away heat from moving components.
I remember last time my car showed this warning, so I went to the repair shop to change the oil and filter, because when the machine reminds you, it really means it's time for maintenance. Then, clearing the warning is actually quite simple. For most cars like Toyota or Honda, you need to sit in the driver's seat, close the door, turn the key to the ON position but don’t start the engine, hold down the ODO or TRIP button on the dashboard for about 5 seconds, and the warning light will go off before you release the button. Some cars require pressing other button combinations repeatedly, so you’d need to check the manual. The whole process takes just a minute or two, avoiding any messing around with the circuits. Regular oil changes are crucial for the engine's lifespan; neglecting them can increase fuel consumption or even damage internal components. I check mine every 5,000 kilometers.
