The “Service Required” warning light isn’t a sign of a mechanical breakdown—it’s a reminder that your vehicle is due for routine maintenance. It’s triggered by mileage or time intervals set by the manufacturer, rather than a specific fault.
- Typically appears as text like SERVICE REQUIRED, MAINT REQD, or Maintenance Required, sometimes with an icon.
- It signals that your vehicle has reached a preset mileage or time threshold since the last reset, suggesting it’s time for scheduled maintenance like an oil change, filter replacement, or tire rotation.
Contents
Is It Serious?
- This light is not urgent or critical—it’s not indicating a mechanical failure.
- You can keep driving safely for a short while. However, delaying general maintenance for too long could lead to wear or reduced engine life.
“Service Required” vs. “Check Engine” vs. Others
| Light | Meaning | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Service / Maintenance Required | Reminder for routine service at interval | Low (schedule soon) |
| Check Engine / MIL | Detected fault in engine, emissions, or sensors | High (diagnose quickly) |
| Oil Pressure / Battery | Vehicle malfunction—not service interval | Reminder for routine service at the interval |
What Triggers It?
- Mileage-based triggers, typically every 5,000 mi or ~8,000 km.
- Other systems count engine revolutions, fuel consumption, and hours (e.g., BMW uses algorithmic “condition-based service”).
- Some vehicle systems also check elapsed time since the last maintenance.
What To Do When It Appears
- Check your owner’s manual for your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
- Schedule or perform basic maintenance, like:
- Oil and filter change
- Tire rotation
- Fluid checks (brake, coolant, transmission, etc.)
- Inspection of belts, hoses, brakes, filters, wipers, and battery
- After work is done, reset the light (see below).
- If recently serviced but light persists, it may simply require a reset.
When to worry? Only if other warning lights (like check engine, oil pressure, battery) appear. Those indicate faults that may require immediate attention.
Examples by Brand
- Toyota: Models like Camry show “MAINT REQD” every ~5,000 miles, without indicating any fault. It simply counts mileage since the last reset.
- Honda: Typically flags every 10,000 miles for oil change. If not reset after service, it will repeat the reminder.
- BMW: Uses condition‑based service logic. It tracks miles driven, engine hours, and fuel usage—to decide when service is due, then displays “Service Required”.
- Ford/Kia: Similar reminders for routine service—oil change, brake inspections, other scheduled items—based on prescribed intervals.
Special Considerations for EVs and Hybrids
- EVs and hybrids may also use a maintenance reminder, though less frequently (oil‑free systems, fewer fluids).
- Some hybrids combine check‑engine style alerts if there’s a fault with the electric motor, high‑voltage battery, or hybrid control systems. That light may resemble an engine or EV icon with an exclamation point.
- Always differentiate between routine-maintenance reminders and system fault warnings—the latter may cut power or limit vehicle functions for safety.
Resetting the Light (If Applicable)
(Reset only after completing proper maintenance)
Typical steps (Honda or Toyota style):
- Turn the ignition key to “ON” (without starting the engine).
- Press the trip or odometer button until TRIP A is displayed.
- Turn ignition OFF, then hold the trip button.
- While holding it, turn the ignition back to “ON” (engine off).
- Continue holding for ~10–15 seconds until the computer displays a reset message and the light goes off.
For newer digital dashboards, you may reset via:
- Vehicle menu > Settings > Maintenance or Oil Life > Reset.
Warning: Don’t reset before service—it defeats the reminder system.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
- Keep your vehicle’s owner’s manual handy or download a PDF to know your manufacturer’s schedule.
- Service intervals are often:
- Oil change every 6–12 months or ~5,000–10,000 mi (depending on engine and oil type)
- Tire rotation, filters, and brake checks at the same intervals
- Even without the reminder light, it’s good practice to track mileage/time.
- Keep service records and ask shops to confirm that the maintenance light is reset.
- Prevent neglect—routine maintenance is far cheaper than major repairs later.
Summary
- The Service or Maintenance Required light is a routine reminder, not a critical warning.
- It’s triggered by mileage/time logic, not by detecting a problem.
- Schedule routine service—oil, filters, rotations, inspections—and reset the indicator once done.
- If other warning lights appear (e.g., Check Engine, Oil Pressure), treat them seriously.
- Regular maintenance ensures performance, reliability, and peace of mind.
