Are there any hazards if a car exceeds the maintenance mileage?
3 Answers
Exceeding the maintenance mileage can be harmful to a car. If the engine oil surpasses the maintenance mileage, its fluidity deteriorates, and its viscosity properties change, leading to insufficient lubrication of the engine, increased wear, and higher fuel consumption. If the coolant exceeds the mileage, the cooling system's heat dissipation performance declines, and the coolant may deteriorate, forming scale within the system. This reduces the engine's heat dissipation efficiency, potentially causing the engine compartment to overheat and catch fire. If the brake fluid exceeds the maintenance mileage, its boiling point decreases due to deterioration. Prolonged or frequent braking can cause the brake fluid to overheat and boil, generating air bubbles in the system, which directly results in weak or failed braking.
I've personally experienced that exceeding the maintenance mileage really does no good to your car. I remember that year when I was on frequent business trips and forgot to service on time - I drove over 8,000 km before changing the engine oil. The inspection revealed significant internal engine wear, unusually loud noises, and even the air conditioning started malfunctioning. The mechanic explained that aged oil provides poor lubrication, damaging both pistons and chains while affecting the cooling system. Fuel consumption also increased from 8L/100km to 10L/100km, costing me an extra 100-200 yuan monthly on gas. Since then, I always set phone reminders to avoid overdue maintenance. A word of advice: don't gamble with delayed maintenance - it not only shortens parts' lifespan but may eventually leave you stranded on highways, which is downright dangerous. Stick to scheduled maintenance for worry-free driving.
Exceeding the recommended maintenance mileage is also detrimental to the environment. For example, if the oil filter gets clogged, the engine load increases, combustion efficiency decreases, and more fuel is needed to cover the same distance. I tested my own car and found that emissions significantly exceeded the standards after surpassing the maintenance interval, with black smoke polluting the air and contributing to urban smog. Experts say this also increases carbon emissions, violating clean standards. Long-term neglect of maintenance can lead to a clogged catalytic converter, resulting in more expensive repairs. I recommend developing a habit of servicing your car every 5,000 kilometers or every six months—this protects both your vehicle and the environment. Don’t forget, an efficient car saves fuel and money while delivering a smoother and more comfortable driving experience—a win-win situation.
