When Your Car Says “Oil Change Required,” How Many Miles Are Left?

In most vehicles, “Oil Change Required” means the oil-life system has hit its limit or a scheduled interval has been reached, so you should change the oil as soon as possible—ideally within the next few hundred miles at most. The exact buffer varies by make and model: some systems trigger at 0% oil life (due now), while others are mileage-based reminders that appear at set intervals. Check your owner’s manual for the specific guidance for your car, and avoid delaying, as extended driving on overdue oil can increase engine wear.

Why the Message Appears

Modern cars use two broad approaches to tell you it’s time for an oil change: algorithm-based oil-life monitors and simple mileage/time reminders. Understanding which system your vehicle uses helps you interpret how urgent the message is.

Oil-Life Monitors (Algorithm-Based)

Oil-life monitors estimate remaining oil protection based on driving conditions (trips, temperatures, load, idle time) rather than counting miles alone. When the system reaches a low threshold—often 5–15% it may show “service due soon,” and at 0% it will show “change oil now” or “oil change required.” Hitting 0% typically means you are at or past the recommended change point, not that the engine will fail instantly, but you should service the vehicle without delay.

Mileage/Time-Based Reminders

Some brands (notably Toyota/Lexus on many models) use a maintenance reminder that triggers at fixed mileage intervals (for example, every 5,000 miles since the last reset). This doesn’t measure oil quality; it simply reminds you that scheduled service is due. It’s still best to change the oil promptly, but a short, cautious drive to your service appointment is generally acceptable.

How Far Can You Drive After the Warning?

The safe distance depends on the manufacturer’s design and the type of message. The notes below outline how common systems behave and how urgent they are. Always prioritize the wording on your dash and your owner’s manual over generic rules.

• Ford/Lincoln: “Oil Change Required” usually indicates 0% oil life. Treat as due now and schedule service immediately; avoid extended driving beyond a few hundred miles.
• GM (Chevrolet/GMC/Cadillac/Buick): “Change Engine Oil Soon” typically appears as oil life nears 0–5%; “Change Engine Oil Now” indicates 0%. Plan service right away; keep any driving minimal.
• Honda/Acura: Maintenance Minder shows oil life percent. At 15%: “Service Due Soon”; at 5%: “Service Due Now”; at 0%: “Service Past Due.” Change immediately at 5% or lower; avoid driving at 0%.
• Toyota/Lexus: “Maintenance Required” commonly appears about every 5,000 miles since the last reset. It’s a mileage-based reminder, not an oil quality reading. Schedule service promptly; limited driving to the shop is usually fine.
• Hyundai/Kia: Service reminders can be time/mileage-based or user-configurable. When the reminder appears, plan an oil change as soon as practical.
• BMW/MINI: Condition Based Service (CBS) shows remaining miles/time. When due, schedule soon; if it shows overdue or a negative count, service immediately.
• Mercedes-Benz: ASSYST/ASSYST Plus indicates “Service A/B” with miles/time remaining. When due or exceeded, book service immediately.
• Subaru and others: Reminders may be mileage/time-based or algorithmic depending on model year. When the reminder appears, change oil promptly.

As a practical rule, if your message indicates “due now,” keep additional driving to a minimum and arrange service immediately. If it’s a mileage-based reminder and you’re not far beyond the interval, a cautious, short trip to your service location is typically acceptable.

Important Distinction: Oil Change Reminder vs. Oil Pressure Warning

Not all oil-related warnings are equal. A service reminder indicates maintenance is due; an oil pressure warning can signal an immediate mechanical risk.

• Oil change required/maintenance required: Service is due based on oil life or mileage. Generally safe for a short trip straight to service.
• Red oil can icon or “Low Oil Pressure/Stop Engine”: This is critical. Safely pull over, shut off the engine, and check the oil level. Driving with low/no oil pressure can cause severe engine damage.

If you see a red oil pressure warning, treat it as an emergency. Do not continue driving until the issue is diagnosed and resolved.

What To Do When the Message Appears

These steps help you protect the engine and avoid unnecessary risk while you arrange service.

• Check your oil level on the dipstick. Top up if it’s low, using the viscosity specified in your owner’s manual.
• Schedule an oil and filter change promptly. Mention the dashboard message to your service provider.
• Drive gently and minimize trips until serviced. Avoid towing, high speeds, and heavy loads.
• Reset the oil-life/maintenance reminder only after the oil and filter are changed.
• Verify the interval recommended for your vehicle and driving conditions (normal vs. severe). Severe use (short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, frequent idling) often requires more frequent oil changes.

Following these steps keeps your engine protected while you close the gap between the reminder and your service appointment.

How to Prevent Future Uncertainty

A few habits make oil maintenance more predictable and reduce stress when reminders appear.

• Log each oil change with mileage/date, and note the oil spec (e.g., 0W-20 meeting the manufacturer’s standard).
• Use the correct oil grade and certification (API/ILSAC/ACEA and any OEM-specific spec) to match your engine’s needs.
• If your driving is mostly short trips or stop-and-go, consider shorter intervals than the maximum suggested by the monitor.
• Learn your vehicle’s exact message wording in the owner’s manual so you can distinguish “soon” from “now.”

With a clear record and the right oil, your vehicle’s reminders will be easier to interpret and act on promptly.

Summary

“Oil Change Required” generally means the vehicle has reached its maintenance threshold—often 0% oil life or a set mileage interval—so you should change the oil as soon as possible, ideally within the next few hundred miles at most. Algorithm-based systems indicate urgency when oil life hits 5% or 0%; mileage-based reminders trigger at fixed intervals (e.g., every 5,000 miles). Keep driving to a minimum, schedule service promptly, and never confuse a maintenance reminder with a red oil pressure warning, which requires an immediate stop. For exact guidance, consult your owner’s manual for your specific make and model.

Can I drive if I need an oil change?

You should get an oil change as soon as possible if your car needs one, but you can likely drive it for a short distance if it’s only slightly overdue. Driving with old oil increases engine wear, reduces efficiency, and can lead to costly damage, but your car won’t fail immediately. However, if you notice a burning oil smell, an engine knocking sound, or a low-pressure oil light, pull over and stop driving to prevent catastrophic engine failure. 
Why You Should Get It Changed:

• Engine wear: Old oil loses its lubricating properties and can’t protect moving parts effectively, leading to increased friction and wear. 
• Reduced efficiency: A lack of proper lubrication and potential oil sludge buildup can make your engine work harder, decreasing fuel efficiency and overall performance. 
• Overheating: Oil helps to cool engine components, and its degradation can lead to increased engine temperatures. 
• Costly repairs: Neglecting oil changes can shorten your engine’s lifespan and result in expensive repairs down the road. 

When to Drive with Caution:

• Slightly overdue: If the recommended oil change interval is only a few weeks or a couple of hundred miles past, your car is likely still drivable for short distances. 
• Monitor the oil level: Check your oil’s dipstick to ensure it’s at the proper level. 
• Listen and look for warning signs: Pay attention to any new noises, smells, or dashboard lights. 

When to Stop Driving Immediately:

• Low oil pressure light: If the oil pressure light or warning message is illuminated, stop driving and get the oil changed within 100 miles. 
• Burning oil smell: This often indicates an oil leak. 
• Engine knocking sounds: This is a sign of severe lack of lubrication, which can lead to engine failure. 

Is it safe to drive with the oil change light on?

No, you cannot safely drive with your oil pressure light on, as this is a critical warning of low oil pressure, which can cause catastrophic and expensive engine damage very quickly. Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and call for assistance to avoid severe consequences. If the light is the oil change minder light (which only indicates it’s time for a routine oil change), it’s less urgent, but you should still get your oil and filter changed as soon as possible to prevent potential future damage. 
What to do if the oil pressure light comes on: 

1. Pull over safely: Find a safe spot to stop your vehicle as soon as possible. 
2. Turn off the engine: This prevents further damage from running without proper lubrication. 
3. Check your oil level: With the engine off and cool, use the dipstick to check the oil level. 
4. Add oil if low: If the oil level is low, add the correct type of oil for your vehicle, but know that low oil pressure can also indicate a leak or a problem with the oil pump. 
5. Call for help: Even if adding oil seems to help, have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic to determine the cause of the low oil pressure. 

Understanding the lights:

• Oil Pressure Light: Opens in new tabThis light is typically red and indicates low oil pressure or insufficient oil. It signals a potentially critical issue that could lead to immediate engine damage. 
• Oil Change Minder Light: Opens in new tabThis light, sometimes called the oil change indicator, comes on to remind you that it’s time for a routine service. While driving with it on for a short time isn’t ideal, it doesn’t necessarily mean your engine is in imminent danger, but you should still get an oil change soon. 

How long can you drive when it says oil change required?

If the “Oil Change Required” (service reminder) light comes on, you have some time, but you should get your oil changed within a few hundred miles or by a month of the light illuminating, as it signifies the oil is depleted and less effective. However, if the red “Oil Pressure” warning light illuminates, you must stop driving immediately to prevent severe engine damage, as this indicates a critical issue with the oil’s circulation or level. 
Differentiating Between the Lights
It’s crucial to understand the difference between your car’s oil-related warning lights: 

• “Oil Change Required” (Service Light): Opens in new tabThis is a reminder that your car’s system has calculated that it’s time for a maintenance service, including an oil and filter change. 
• “Oil Pressure” (Red Warning Light): Opens in new tabThis is a serious warning that the oil’s pressure is critically low, potentially because the level is too low or oil isn’t circulating properly. 

If the “Oil Change Required” Light Comes On

1. Check Your Owner’s Manual: Opens in new tabYour car’s manual will specify the recommended mileage or time interval for your next oil change and provide guidance on how to reset the light after service. 
2. Schedule a Service: Opens in new tabTry to schedule an oil change soon after the light appears, ideally within the next few hundred miles. 
3. Consider Driving Conditions: Opens in new tabIf you drive in harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures, dust, or heavy stop-and-go traffic, it’s best to get the oil changed even sooner. 

If the Red Oil Pressure Light Comes On

1. Pull Over Safely: Find a safe place to pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine immediately. 
2. Do Not Drive: Driving with low oil pressure can quickly lead to catastrophic engine damage, including overheating and potential fire. 
3. Check Oil Level: After the engine has cooled, check the oil level using the dipstick. 
4. Call for Assistance: If the oil level is low, add the correct type of oil. If the level is fine but the light is still on, you likely have a more serious problem, and you should have the vehicle towed to a mechanic for professional service. 

How long overdue can I go for an oil change?

Most modern vehicles are able to go between 5,000 and 7,500 miles with synthetic oil, while some older cars may need a change every 3,000 miles. But just because your car can go that long doesn’t mean it should, especially if you’re doing a lot of short trips, stop-and-go driving, or live in a hot or dusty area.