After how many kilometers should a car undergo a major maintenance?

[DiCorbin]

Cars are typically maintained every 5,000 kilometers. The specific details about car maintenance are as follows: 1. Definition of Maintenance: Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. 2. Maintenance Items: Changing engine oil and oil filter, replacing air filter, checking spark plugs, replacing fuel filter, adding brake fluid, replacing transmission oil, cleaning throttle body, cleaning fuel injectors, inspecting tires and braking system, replacing cabin air filter, and replacing engine belt. 3. Purpose: To keep the car clean and in good technical condition, eliminate potential hazards, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process of parts, and extend their service life.

[SanKarter]

I've been driving for over a decade and feel that a major maintenance is needed every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers, especially with daily stop-and-go traffic in the city. A major maintenance isn't just about changing the oil and oil filter; it also involves checking the brake fluid, coolant, spark plugs, and even the air filter. It's like giving the car a comprehensive check-up to catch issues early—like sudden increases in fuel consumption or engine vibrations—saving both money and hassle. My old car wasn't maintained on time initially, and later, fixing just the spark plugs cost me over a thousand yuan—totally regretful. Different car brands have slight variations; for example, Japanese cars might start at 50,000 kilometers, but for high-frequency city driving, earlier maintenance is safer and more reliable. Now, I set reminders in an app to take the car in every 30,000 kilometers, avoiding the stress of breaking down halfway.

[SanJudah]

As a driver who frequently travels on highways, I believe that a major service is most appropriate every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers, especially when there are many long-distance trips. Basic items like changing the transmission fluid and power steering fluid can prevent major overhauls. High-speed driving puts the engine under prolonged high-speed operation, causing faster wear on components. From my experience, failing to replace the spark plugs on time once led to a sudden engine stall on the road, nearly causing an accident. During maintenance, it's also a good idea to check the brake system and tires—safety is paramount. I recommend adjusting the interval based on personal driving habits; if you drive on mountain roads or in dusty areas, the interval can be shortened to 30,000 kilometers. Economically speaking, a minor service costs a few hundred yuan, while a major overhaul can cost tens of thousands, which isn’t worth it. Pay more attention to the manufacturer’s manual recommendations and don’t just listen to the mechanic’s advice.

[McAlexandra]

For a new car that has been driven for a long time, major maintenance should be considered around every 50,000 kilometers. Routine items include changing the engine oil, three filters, spark plugs, and coolant. Many car owners I know neglect this, only going for repairs when the car struggles to start or consumes more fuel, wasting money unnecessarily. Before maintenance, check the odometer and consider daily usage—for example, frequent short trips can lead to carbon buildup, so inspect the powertrain earlier. Regular maintenance can extend the car's lifespan and help it fetch a good price even years later. A simple reminder: don’t delay it too long.

[SadieDella]

My family sedan has been in use for 7 years, and it generally requires a major service every 40,000 kilometers. This includes checking the battery, brake discs, cooling system, etc., otherwise, it's prone to difficulties starting in winter or overheating midway. With city driving and shuttling kids to and from school, the car bears a heavy load, so changing the oil filter and spark plugs earlier can prevent breakdowns. Last time I missed the service interval, fuel consumption increased by 20%, and only after repairs did it return to normal. Different car brands have different recommendations; for example, German cars might have a standard of 50,000 kilometers, but if the road conditions are poor, it's advisable to check the manual for earlier servicing. Developing a habit of checking every six months ensures safe and worry-free family trips.

[DeNevaeh]

From an economic perspective, I recommend scheduling a major service around every 60,000 kilometers. This includes replacing the air filter, engine oil, and power steering fluid, with the total cost kept under a thousand yuan. If you drive less frequently or the road conditions are good, you can slightly delay it to 70,000 kilometers, but regular inspections are still crucial, such as monitoring engine sounds or abnormal fuel consumption. A major repair can cost tens of thousands, while regular maintenance can save you this expense. Having driven multiple car models, I've noticed that well-maintained cars command significantly higher resale values—practical and value-retaining. Don't skimp on these small expenses; safety on the road is paramount.