What does a signal light requiring service mean?

The Service Needed Warning Light reminds you when it's time to service your vehicle, usually an oil and filter change.

In an effort to help drivers, automakers are using a mandatory lighting service on car dashboards. The computer calculates how many miles you have driven and will remind you at regular intervals to service the engine. Careful maintenance of your car's engine will keep it running for a long time.

The Service Needed Indicator is primarily used to remind drivers that it is time to change the oil and filter, but can be used for other fluids or components as well. Previously, this light was similar to the check engine light and could indicate that the system had detected a malfunction. Now this light is mainly used to remind the driver to change fluids, while the check engine light indicates that a malfunction has been detected.

What does the maintenance warning light mean?

As mentioned earlier, the Service Needed Indicator is mainly used to remind drivers to change the oil and filter. When the light comes on, you must take the car for service at a convenient time for you. If the vehicle does not tell you what repairs need to be done, refer to your vehicle owner's manual for specific information about your vehicle model and what the light means.

After repairs are completed, a reset procedure is usually required to turn off the lights. On most vehicles, there should be a way to perform the reset procedure using just the key and without any special equipment or tools. The procedure may be listed in your vehicle's owner's manual, or you can look it up online to find the exact procedure.

Is it safe to drive when the service indicator light is on?

While this should not affect your vehicle's handling, prolonged driving with the lights on will cause excessive engine wear. Failure to change oil, especially oil, will seriously shorten the life of your engine. Engines are expensive, so keep your wallet full by getting your car serviced regularly.

If your service light is on and you can't find the cause, our certified technicians are on hand to assist with any necessary repairs.