If your oil light comes on, you should try to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. Note, though, that driving around a bit more won't destroy anything. Generally speaking,
you have about 2 weeks or 500 miles of driving before a flashing oil light turns into a legitimate problem.
How long do I have when my car says maintenance required?
The maintenance required light is notifying you that maintenance is required according to the driven distance on the vehicle's maintenance schedule. The light illuminates for
about 3 seconds
and then flashes for about 15 second every 4,500 miles after the maintenance has been reset.
How long do you have to get an oil change after light comes on?
How do I fix the oil change indicator light? On vehicles with an oil change light, an oil change is needed when the light remains on after startup. It's best to schedule the oil change within
one to two weeks
. If you primarily do highway driving, you have a little more breathing room than city driving.
What does it mean when your maintenance required light comes on?
What ‘MAINT REQD' Means. The ‘MAINT REQD' light comes on every 5000 miles from the last time it was reset. It in no way indicates any system malfunction; it is simply
a mileage counter intended to remind the user that an oil change is necessary
.
What happens if you go too long without an oil change?
Complete Engine Failure
– If you go long enough without an oil change, it could cost you a car. Once the motor oil becomes sludge, it no longer removes heat from the engine. This can lead to a complete engine shutdown that will require a brand new engine – or a new ride – to fix.
How long can you drive on 0 oil life?
Having a 0% oil life is nothing to be concerned about. You can still manage to squeeze out a decent mileage from the car. You can drive anywhere between
5,000 to 6,000 miles
with no oil life.
How long can you go without an oil change with full synthetic?
It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, if your car's engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as
15,000 miles
between services!
How do I get rid of the maintenance required light?
- Turn ignition switch to the ON position.
- Set the Odometer/Trip Display to TRIP A mode.
- Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
- Depress and HOLD the Trip Meter RESET button while turning the ignition switch to the ON position.
- The Service Maintenance Reminder Light will.
Why does my maintenance required light flash when I start my car?
It's basically just telling you that
your car will need some kind of scheduled service soon
. It could be an oil change, a tuneup, or maybe you need a new timing belt. When the light begins to flash at startup, you have about 500 miles or so to go before the next scheduled service.
What does oil maintenance required mean on a Lexus?
When the Lexus Maintenance Required light appears on your dashboard, it means that
your vehicle is due for an oil change, tire rotation, or other routine maintenance task
. This usually occurs every 3,500 to 5,000 miles, depending on your Lexus model.
Can you drive with oil change due?
If you have a newer car and use synthetic oil, the duration and miles you can drive before filling up may surprise you. Manufacturers of luxury cars have been known to recommend oil changes
every 5,000 to 10,000 miles
. Of course, some people push even those limits.
What are signs you need an oil change?
- Check Engine or Oil Change Light. The most obvious alert that there's an issue with your oil will come from the car itself. …
- Engine Noise and Knocking. …
- Dark, Dirty Oil. …
- Oil Smell Inside the Car. …
- Exhaust Smoke. …
- Excessive Mileage. …
- Change Oil Promptly.
Can I change oil every 2 years?
Simply put, as a general rule, manufacturers recommend that you change the oil for a gasoline engine every 10,000 to 15,000 km, or about once a year for “regular” usage (frequent but not intensive) or
once every 2 years if used less frequently
.
How low can your oil percentage go?
It's always the last thousand miles, or running low on oil, that oil sludge develops. Once it is there, it can not be removed without an engine rebuild. Summary: I wouldn't go past 20% oil life remaining. That's probably around
4 to 5K
.
How far can you drive on 5% oil life?
Recommended Services
Hi There, Your oil life percentage is generally an estimated time designed to prompt the operator of the vehicle to have the oil changed as soon as possible. 5% is generally not something to be concerned about, but you should consider having the oil changed in the next
1,000 miles or less
.
Why can't you go back to regular oil after synthetic?
Synthetic Motor Oil Myths
If there is a spot where oil could leak out in your engine, then synthetic oil is more likely to leak than conventional. However, synthetic oil would not cause the leak. You can't switch back to conventional oil:
Once you switch to synthetic, you are not bound to it forever
.
Should I use synthetic oil in my high mileage car?
Myth:
Full synthetic oil is not good for high mileage cars or older vehicles
. The myth is rooted in the idea that synthetic oil is “slipperier”—lower in viscosity, or not as compatible with seals and will therefore leak or leak more in places conventional oil might not. Again, completely untrue.
Is it OK to change oil once a year?
For those who drive only 6,000 miles or less per year, Calkins said
manufacturers typically recommend changing the oil once a year
. Moisture and other contaminants can build up in the oil, especially with frequent cold starts and short trips, so owners shouldn't let it go more than a year.
