At how many kilometers should a car undergo major maintenance?
3 Answers
Major car maintenance is generally recommended every 20,000-40,000 kilometers or every 2 years, with different vehicle brands advised to follow their manufacturers' guidelines. During major maintenance, in addition to changing the engine oil, it is necessary to replace the air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, and spark plugs. Furthermore, some components and fluids need to be inspected and replaced. Below is extended information regarding car maintenance: 1. Most car engines use a dry-type air filter with a paper filter element, which is lightweight, low-cost, easy to replace, and highly efficient. It is generally recommended to clean it every 5,000 kilometers. When cleaning, the filter element should be taken out and gently tapped on the end face, then blown from the inside out with compressed air to remove dust. Avoid washing with gasoline or water. 2. The air filter must be replaced every 25,000 kilometers. As for the oil filter, most car engines use a spin-on oil filter, which is a disposable, non-cleanable type. It must be replaced whenever the lubricating oil is changed; otherwise, the quality of the lubricating oil may be affected. The replacement interval for both the engine oil and oil filter is typically also 5,000 kilometers. 3. During car maintenance, technicians will conduct additional inspections based on the vehicle's specific conditions and may include other maintenance tasks, such as inspection and cleaning of engine-related systems, tire alignment checks, inspection of various fastening components, etc.
I've been driving for over a decade, and major maintenance is typically performed every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers, depending on your vehicle model and driving habits. For example, if you frequently drive in congested urban areas where wear is faster, it's advisable to get checked every 40,000 kilometers. If you mostly drive on highways, you can stretch it to 60,000 kilometers. Beyond the routine oil change, you should also inspect brake pads, spark plugs, tire wear, and even consider replacing the transmission fluid. These steps help prevent major repairs, saving money and ensuring safety. A friend of mine neglected timely major maintenance, leading to serious engine issues that cost thousands to fix. Remember, always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate guidance—don't rely solely on guesswork. Preventive maintenance can extend your car's lifespan by years.
I researched major maintenance when I first bought my car, and most experts recommend doing it every 50,000 kilometers or so. For regular family cars, this mileage is a good benchmark. However, driving conditions should be considered – frequent short trips with constant starts or harsh road conditions may require advancing it to 40,000 kilometers. Inspection items include replacing the oil filter, cleaning the air conditioning system, and a comprehensive engine test, which can improve fuel efficiency and reliability. I stick to regular maintenance, and now my car is in excellent condition while also saving on fuel costs. The key is to follow the manufacturer's guidelines in the manual – don't skimp on these costs to avoid expensive major repairs later. Driving habits like sudden acceleration also affect this; adopting good practices can help extend maintenance intervals.
