What needs to be done depends on your car's make, model, and year. There are several possibilities:
* Resetting the Oil Life Monitor: Many newer cars have an oil life monitoring system that tracks mileage and driving conditions to estimate when an oil change is needed. After changing the oil, this system needs to be reset. The method varies considerably by vehicle. Consult your owner's manual; it will tell you the specific steps, which usually involve a sequence of button presses on the dashboard or using the car's onboard computer system.
* Resetting Brake Pad Wear Indicators: Some cars have sensors that detect when brake pads are worn. If you replaced the pads, you may need to reset the warning light. Again, check your owner's manual. Some cars automatically reset this after a short driving period, while others require a specific procedure. In some cases, a scan tool may be necessary.
* No Reset Needed: For many older cars, there's no electronic system to reset after these maintenance procedures. The warning lights will only come on when the system detects a problem.
In short: Don't try to guess how to reset anything. Consult your car's owner's manual. It's the only reliable source of information on how to properly reset any relevant systems after an oil and brake change. Failing to do so correctly might not cause any harm, but it could result in unnecessary warning lights remaining illuminated.
