At how many kilometers does a car require a major maintenance service?
3 Answers
Major maintenance for a car is typically required between 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. The maintenance items include: 1. Changing the engine oil, oil filter, and cleaning the air filter, while checking the generator belt and wiper blades for any damage; 2. Inspecting tire pressure for normal levels and checking for uneven wear, bulges, or damage; 3. Examining the car's brake pads, brake discs, connecting rods, ball joints, and CV joints for any scratches; 4. Verifying that all switches and lights in the vehicle are functioning properly. The benefits of maintenance include: 1. Ensuring the vehicle remains in optimal performance condition; 2. Improving vehicle efficiency and reducing wear on parts and tires; 3. Enhancing driving safety; 4. Preventing potential hazards caused by vehicle issues; 5. Reducing noise and environmental pollution; 6. Maintaining a clean and undamaged vehicle appearance.
I've been driving for over a decade, and it's generally recommended to perform a major service at 60,000 kilometers. At this point, the car is like a middle-aged person and deserves a thorough check-up. The transmission fluid must be replaced, the timing belt needs to be inspected for wear, and if the spark plugs haven't been changed, it's time for new ones. The chassis bolts should be re-tightened, and the braking system requires careful inspection. Don't just focus on the mileage—like me, if you're often stuck in city traffic, a major service might be needed at 50,000 kilometers. My last major service cost me nearly two thousand, but the improved throttle response made it worth every penny. Remember, preventive maintenance is always better than breaking down on the road.
Last time at my regular repair shop, the mechanic said Japanese cars usually require major maintenance at 40,000-50,000 km, while German cars need it at 60,000-80,000 km. The key is to follow the maintenance manual's recommendations - mine got stained with oil so I had to reprint it. Major maintenance isn't just about oil and filter changes; you need to check all vehicle fluids: brake fluid turns black and needs replacement, and coolant with insufficient freezing point is dangerous. When rotating tires, remember to do wheel alignment - tires wear faster for drivers like me who frequently drive on mountain roads. I recommend choosing authorized shops, as roadside stalls often miss items.
