Most Jaguar vehicles are equipped with an electronic computer system linked to the dashboard, that tells drivers when something in the engine needs to be looked at. Whether the dashboard lights trigger to tell a driver the oil is ready to be changed, the vehicle needs additional services or both, the driver must respond to the issue as soon as possible and resolve it. If the driver neglects a service light, such as the “SERVICE REQUIRED” light accompanied by the amber warning light symbol, he or she runs the risk of damaging the engine - or worse, ending up stranded on the side of the road or causing an accident.
For these reasons, performing all scheduled and recommended maintenance on your vehicle is imperative to keep it running well, so you can avoid the many untimely, inconvenient, and possibly expensive repairs that come from neglect. Luckily, the days of scratching your head and performing diagnostics to find the service light’s trigger are gone. Jaguar’s maintenance reminder system is a simplistic on-board computer system that alerts owners about specific maintenance needs, so they can address the issue promptly and without hassle. At its most basic level, it keeps track of engine distance so you don’t have to. Once the maintenance reminder system is triggered, the driver knows to schedule an appointment to take the vehicle in for servicing.
How Jaguar’s maintenance reminder system works and what to expect
The sole function of Jaguar’s maintenance reminder system is as a reminder for the driver to take their car in for an oil change or other service. The computer system monitors the engine conditions from the time it was reset; the light will trigger after a certain amount of miles and/or time accumulates (the miles are shown in the display, allowing you to plan ahead for servicing), while taking into account certain driving conditions according to how the engine performs. The maintenance reminder system is algorithm-driven, and considers the differences between light and extreme driving conditions, load weight, towing, or weather conditions - important variables that affect oil life, allowing the system to adjust for longer or shorter maintenance periods.
In addition to the maintenance reminder system, be aware of your driving conditions throughout the year and, as necessary, have a professional determine whether or not your vehicle needs servicing depending on your specific, most frequent driving conditions.
Below is a helpful table that can give you an idea of how often you might need to change the oil in a modern vehicle (older vehicles often need more frequent oil changes):
- Note: Engine oil life is dependent not only on the factors listed above, but also on your specific vehicle model, year, and what type of oil is recommended. Check the owner’s manual for more information about what oil is recommended for your vehicle, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our experienced professionals for advice.
When the “SERVICE REQUIRED” light is triggered and you schedule an appointment to have your vehicle serviced, Jaguar recommends a series of inspections that will help keep your car in good running order, as well as help prevent untimely and costly damages to the engine, depending on your driving habits and conditions.
Below is a chart of Jaguar’s recommended inspections for different mile intervals. This chart is a general depiction of what a Jaguar maintenance schedule can look like. Depending on variables, like the vehicle year, model, and your specific driving habits and conditions, this information is subject to change for maintenance frequency as well as the maintenance performed.
Once your Jaguar has been serviced, the “SERVICE REQUIRED” light will need to be reset. Some servicers will neglect to do this, which can lead to premature and unnecessary service light triggers. There are many different ways this light can be reset depending on your vehicle’s model and year. Consult the owner’s manual on how to do this for your Jaguar.
While the Jaguar maintenance reminder system can be used as a reminder to the driver to have the vehicle serviced, it should only be a guideline. Other recommended maintenance information is based on standard time tables located in the owner’s manual. Proper maintenance service will greatly extend the life of a vehicle, ensuring it is reliable, safe to drive, covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and it also provides a greater resale value.
Such maintenance tasks should always be performed by a qualified technician. If you have any doubts as to what the Jaguar maintenance system means or what services your vehicle may need, do not hesitate to contact our experienced professionals for advice.
If your Jaguar maintenance reminder system is indicating that your vehicle is ready for servicing, have it checked out by a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic. Click here, choose your vehicle and service or service package, and book an appointment with us today. One of our certified mechanics will come to your home or office to service your vehicle.