At how many kilometers should a car undergo a major maintenance?
3 Answers
When a car reaches 30,000 kilometers, it requires a major maintenance service. This includes replacing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, power steering fluid, and spark plugs. Typically, during a car maintenance service, technicians will perform additional inspections based on the vehicle's specific condition and may add other maintenance items, such as inspection and cleaning of the engine-related systems, wheel alignment checks, and inspection of various fastening components. For any car, as its age and mileage increase, its technical condition will gradually deteriorate. Fastened components may become loose, and the clearance between parts will increase due to wear. Various protective fluids in the car, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant, may become coked, scaled, deteriorated, or ineffective. If not replaced in time, these issues can affect the car's normal operation and lifespan.
The last car I drove had a major service at 40,000 kilometers, but there's actually no universal standard—it depends on what car you drive. German cars usually require one every 20,000 kilometers, while Japanese cars are more lenient, with 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers being normal. A major service isn't just about changing the engine oil; it includes replacing transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and checking the belts and spark plugs. My friend's SUV skipped its 30,000-kilometer major service, and the belt snapped, leaving him stranded on the road—repairs cost nearly 10,000 RMB. The most reliable approach is to check your own maintenance manual; the manufacturer spells it out clearly. Your driving habits also matter—if you're constantly crawling in city traffic, consider getting service 5,000 kilometers earlier.
My car has been running for fifteen years, and major maintenance is generally done every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers. Experienced drivers all know this principle: different cars are like different people—their "constitutions" vary greatly! Turbocharged cars require more frequent maintenance, while naturally aspirated ones can take it slower. The key is to refer to the owner’s manual—the manufacturer has already printed the maintenance schedule clearly. A major maintenance service should be comprehensive: replacing the three filters is the basics, cleaning the fuel system is also important, and the brake pad thickness must be checked carefully. Forgot to mention my old Toyota—last time during maintenance, the coolant was found mixed with rust, and the mechanic said the engine would’ve been toast if I’d come any later. Remember: the money saved on maintenance will always be less than the cost of repairs.
