At how many kilometers does a car need maintenance?

[SanValentina]

Maintenance mileage for cars: The first maintenance for a new car should be performed at 5,000 kilometers or 1 year, and the second maintenance should be at 10,000 kilometers or 1 year after the first maintenance. Regular maintenance is required annually or every 10,000 kilometers driven, and there are different maintenance items. For the first maintenance, the engine oil and oil filter need to be replaced, and the engine's working condition should be checked, such as whether all pipe connections are normal, whether there are any leakage points, whether the engine sounds normal, and whether there are any abnormal noises. The second maintenance involves dozens of inspection and maintenance items for multiple systems, including the engine, transmission, air conditioning system, steering system, braking system, suspension, body, and tires.

[LaCole]

In the first few years of owning a car, I paid special attention to maintenance intervals, especially the first service at 5,000 kilometers for a new car—this step absolutely cannot be skipped. After that, routine maintenance every 7,500 to 10,000 kilometers includes oil changes, air filter replacements, and brake disc inspections. The 4S shop technician reminded me not to exceed the intervals recommended in the manual, especially for frequent drivers like me. Frequent traffic jams or long-distance driving can accelerate oil degradation, leading to engine wear. I often forget things on weekends, so I set phone reminders to avoid delaying maintenance too long, which can harm the car and cost more. A well-maintained car runs smoothly—after each service, acceleration noticeably improves, power feels better, and fuel consumption stays stable. Remember, initial maintenance is crucial—don’t mistreat a new car. Over time, you’ll realize that timely upkeep is worth it.

[LeCora]

During long-distance business trips, the experience I've accumulated is not to be too rigid about maintenance intervals. The standard is maintenance every 5,000 kilometers, but depending on driving habits, it can be extended to 8,000 kilometers if you do a lot of continuous highway driving. The key is the condition of the engine oil. After a business trip, I always check the oil level; if it's dark, I change it to avoid clogging the filter. Combining mileage and time, doing it every six months is also fine, especially for vehicles frequently carrying loads—brake pads wear out faster, so checking every 5,000 kilometers is recommended. A friend of mine ignored this and ended up with a costly engine repair. Drive smoothly in daily use, and don’t procrastinate on maintenance—safety comes first. A well-maintained car won’t give you trouble on the road. Don’t skimp on necessary expenses; it saves money and hassle in the long run.

[McMarcus]

Cost-saving perspective on maintenance intervals: After 20 years of driving, I find the manual recommendations the most reliable. New cars should have their first service at 5,000 km, followed by every 7,500 km thereafter. For peace of mind, choose a reputable shop and avoid cheap small workshops. Switching to synthetic oil allows for longer intervals, up to 10,000 km, but if you drive less in the city, a six-month interval is recommended to prevent aging. I prefer buying and replacing air filters myself—a small cost to prevent big issues. Remember not to skip basic maintenance; for example, check spark plugs at every service to extend the car's lifespan. The key to saving time and money is to tailor maintenance to your needs, drive smoothly with fewer sudden brakes, and keep the car in good condition to naturally reduce expenses. Always pay attention to fuel gauge warnings and address them promptly to minimize mistakes.

[LeCarlos]

City driving often gets stuck in traffic, so I maintain my car more frequently. The manual suggests every 7,500 kilometers, but with frequent stops and starts in urban areas, it's recommended to check and change the oil every 5,000 kilometers. Short trips cause oil to accumulate carbon deposits, leading to faster engine wear. Each maintenance session should include checking the cooling system and battery. I perform minor maintenance every three months, including cleaning filters and checking tire pressure to avoid blowouts. Don't wait for warning lights; schedule appointments in advance for quicker service. Proper maintenance ensures smooth driving, is eco-friendly, and enhances safety. Combining time intervals, servicing every six months is also acceptable, but don't exceed limits to avoid damaging the engine. Developing a habit makes it easier to stick to, prolonging the car's lifespan.