All newer models of passenger vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and trucks offer several features that add to the overall care of the vehicle. This use of technology helps to prompt the vehicle driver to take the car into the garage for routine maintenance.
New Jersey drivers are probably familiar with the maintenance required light on their vehicle. Depending on the make and model of the car, SUV or truck it can be the actual words that light up, or it may be a symbol. Check the vehicle owner manual and review the various symbols that may show up on the dash to allow you to quickly identify when you need to see your repair shop.
What the Light Means
The color of the light is a critical indicator. Most vehicles have a yellow or amber maintenance required light, which signals it is an important issue, but it is not an immediate emergency.
The computer in the vehicle tracks the number of miles, with the maintenance light automatically coming on based on the miles the vehicle has traveled since the last service. For most vehicles, this distance is 5000 miles, which is a lot of driving for most New Jersey drivers.
When the light comes on, the vehicle needs to have the oil changed, the filters checked and other service completed on the vehicle. Depending on the age of the vehicle and the manufacturer’s recommendations, there may be other services required based on the total mileage on the vehicle. This may include rotating the tires, transmission services or even checking the brakes.
The maintenance required light is a preventative maintenance step for extending the life of the vehicle. By keeping your car, truck or SUV routinely checked and doing oil changes, transmission service and checks of filters you can keep your vehicle running better and prevent many common system problems.