What is a Kia maintenance reminder and service indicator lights

Most Kia vehicles are equipped with an electronic computer system linked to the dashboard that tells drivers when service is required. Whether the lights on the dashboard come on to alert the driver to an oil change or a tire change, the driver must respond to the problem and fix it as soon as possible. If a driver neglects a service light such as "SERVICE REQUIRED", he or she risks damaging the engine, or worse, ending up on the side of the road or causing an accident.

For these reasons, performing all the scheduled and recommended maintenance on your vehicle is essential to keep it running properly so you can avoid the many untimely, inconvenient, and possibly costly repairs that result from negligence. Luckily, the days of racking your brains and running diagnostics to find the service light trigger are over. The Kia Service Reminder System is a simplified on-board computer system that alerts owners to required service schedules so they can resolve the issue quickly and without hassle. Once the service reminder system is triggered, the driver knows to schedule an appointment to drop the vehicle off for service.

How the Kia Service Reminder System Works and What to Expect

The only function of Kia's Service Reminder System is to remind owners when to take their vehicle for scheduled service. The message "SERVICE REQUIRED" will appear each time the ignition key is turned to the "ON" position. The computer system tracks the mileage of the engine since it was reset, and the light comes on after a certain number of miles traveled (i.e. 5,000 miles or 7,500 miles). When the system counts down to zero, your vehicle should have been serviced or should be serviced as soon as possible.

Because the system is not algorithm driven, it does not take into account differences between light and extreme driving conditions, load weight, towing or weather conditions, which are important variables that affect the life of engine oil and other engine components. Because of this, the service indicator may not be effective for those who frequently tow or drive frequently in extreme weather conditions and need more frequent oil changes. However, it can also be inefficient for those who drive constantly on the freeway in good weather.

The Kia service reminder system can be disabled, adjusted and/or reset manually, depending on factors such as the oil used (synthetic/regular), your driving habits and the conditions you drive in (snow or hilly terrain throughout) . year, or maybe even and sunny?). If the system has been turned off, the service message will read "SERVICE REQUIRED: OFF". Refer to the owner's manual for information on how to operate the system for your Kia model and year.

This does not mean that the driver should completely ignore the maintenance indicator. Be aware of your driving habits and conditions throughout the year and, if necessary, have a professional determine if your vehicle needs service based on your specific, most frequent driving habits and conditions.

Below is a helpful chart that can give you an idea of how often you may need to change the oil in a modern car (older cars often require more frequent oil changes):

Attention: Engine oil life depends not only on the factors listed above, but also on the specific car model, year of manufacture and recommended type of oil. For more information on which oil is recommended for your vehicle, see your owner's manual and feel free to seek advice from one of our experienced technicians.

When the SERVICE NEEDED light comes on and you make an appointment to have your vehicle serviced, Kia recommends a series of checks to help keep your vehicle in good working order and can help prevent untimely and costly engine damage, depending on your driving habits and conditions. .

Below is a table of Kia-recommended checks for various mileage intervals that you may encounter while owning a vehicle. This is a general picture of what a Kia maintenance schedule might look like. Depending on variables such as the year and model of the vehicle, as well as your specific driving habits and conditions, this information may change depending on the frequency of maintenance as well as maintenance performed:

After your Kia has been serviced, the SERVICE NEEDED indicator needs to be reset. Some service people neglect this, which can lead to premature and unnecessary operation of the service indicator. There are many different ways to reset this indicator, depending on the model and year of your vehicle. Please refer to your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your Kia.

While the Kia Service Reminder System can be used as a reminder to the driver to service the vehicle, it should only be a guide based on how the vehicle is being driven and under what driving conditions. This does not mean that Kia drivers should ignore such warnings. Proper maintenance will greatly extend the life of your vehicle, guaranteeing reliability, driving safety, a manufacturer's warranty, and can also provide greater resale value.

Such maintenance work must always be carried out by a qualified person. If you have any doubts about what the Kia maintenance system means or what services your vehicle may require, do not hesitate to seek advice from our experienced specialists.

If your Kia Service Reminder System indicates that your vehicle is ready for service, have it checked by a certified mechanic such as AvtoTachki. Click here, select your vehicle and service or package, and book an appointment with us today. One of our certified mechanics will come to your home or office to service your vehicle.