Most Mitsubishi vehicles are equipped with an electronic computer system that is linked to the dashboard. This system triggers a wrench-shaped dashboard symbol, which tells drivers when routine maintenance or an inspection is required. The driver must respond to the issue as soon as possible and resolve it. If the driver neglects a service light, such as the “ROUTINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED” light, 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. Mitsubishi’s mileage-based 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 the miles you’ve driven so you don’t have to. Once the mileage-based reminder system is triggered, the driver knows to schedule an appointment to take the vehicle in for servicing.
How Mitsubishi’s mileage-based reminder system works and what to expect
The sole function of Mitsubishi’s mileage-based reminder system is to remind the driver to take their car in for an oil change or other routine maintenance. The computer system tracks the engine miles from the time it was reset, and the light will trigger after a certain amount of miles add up. The owner has the ability to set the mileage intervals between the triggering of each maintenance light, depending on how the owner uses the vehicle, and under what conditions he or she drives.
Since the mileage-based reminder system is not algorithm driven, like other more advanced mileage-based reminder systems, it does not take into account the differences between light and extreme driving conditions, load weight, towing, or weather conditions, which are important variables that affect oil life.
Because of this, the maintenance light might be adjusted, for instance, to be effective for those who tow often, or for those who often drive in extreme weather conditions and need the oil changed more frequently. 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. If you have any questions about your vehicle, do not hesitate to contact our experienced professionals for advice.
When the “ROUTINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED” light is triggered and you schedule an appointment to have your vehicle serviced, Mitsubishi recommends a series of inspections that will help keep your car in good running order, and can help prevent untimely and costly damages to the engine, depending on your driving habits and conditions. Mitsubishi has very model- and year-specific routine maintenance schedules for your vehicle. Click here and enter your model, year and mileage to see what service package suits your vehicle now, or consult the owner’s manual.
While the Mitsubishi Mileage-Based Reminder System can be used as a reminder to the driver to have the vehicle serviced, it should only be used as a guideline that is based on how the vehicle is driven and under what driving conditions. This does not mean Mitsubishi drivers should ignore such alerts. 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 can also provide a greater resale value.
Such maintenance tasks should always be performed by a qualified technician. If you have any doubts as to what the Mitsubishi maintenance system means or what services your vehicle may need, do not hesitate to contact our experienced professionals for advice.
If your Mitsubishi mileage-based 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.
