
A major should be performed every 40,000 kilometers. Here is more information about car maintenance: 1. Definition of car maintenance: It refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car maintenance. 2. Precautions for car maintenance: (1) Maintenance of the car engine: The car engine should be cleaned at the appropriate time. Because long-term use will form a thick layer of carbon deposits on the surface of the engine, which will cause significant corrosion to the rubber parts in the engine. (2) Both gasoline and water should be prevented from evaporating. (3) Pay attention to hygiene inside the car.

The timing for a major car service depends on the specific situation. The first for a new car is usually between 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, followed by minor services every 10,000 kilometers. However, a major service is typically required at 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. Having driven for over a decade, I find 50,000 kilometers to be a golden milestone. At this point, the car is like a middle-aged person and needs a comprehensive check-up, not just an oil and filter change, but also inspections of critical components like brake pads, spark plugs, and transmission fluid. For those who often drive in poor conditions, such as frequent traffic jams or mountain roads, a major service might be considered as early as 40,000 kilometers. Remember to check the manual before servicing, as requirements can vary significantly between different car models.

From a perspective, the major service interval typically falls between 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. Based on my experience, watch for these key signals: gear shifting hesitation means it's time to change transmission fluid, reduced acceleration may indicate worn spark plugs, and longer braking distance requires brake system inspection. Often overlooked are coolant and power steering fluid, which degrade over time. A friend's SUV skipped scheduled maintenance and ended up with a seized water pump at 60,000 km - the repair cost triple a regular service. I recommend professional diagnostic computer scans - the data doesn't lie.

The car manual clearly states that Japanese cars typically require major maintenance at 40,000 kilometers, while German cars tend to need it between 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers. From my experience with many car owners, I've found that actual usage conditions have a greater impact. Taxis that run long distances daily may need major maintenance at just over 30,000 kilometers, whereas family commuter cars can easily go up to 60,000 kilometers. Core maintenance items include replacing the three filters (air, oil, and fuel), transmission fluid, and brake fluid, along with inspecting belts and suspension components. Important reminder: Don't fall for sales pitches claiming major maintenance is needed at just 20,000 kilometers.

The mileage for major is quite flexible. As an experienced driver, I consider both the age and mileage of the car. For new cars under two years old, it's fine to do it at 60,000 kilometers; for cars over five years old, it's recommended to do it earlier at 40,000 kilometers. Focus on replacing fluids in the system: deteriorated transmission oil can cause gear shifting impacts, brake fluid with water content affects braking, and failed coolant can easily lead to overheating. By the way, China VI models now also require carbon canister cleaning, which wasn't necessary in older models. Don't forget to do a wheel alignment during maintenance to avoid uneven tire wear.

The general recommendation is to perform a major service at 40,000-60,000 km, but based on my experience, it's crucial to consider two conditions simultaneously: first, when the mileage reaches around 50,000 km, and second, when it's been two years since the last service. This is because engine oil can oxidize and deteriorate even if it's not used. I once encountered a car owner who drove only 20,000 km over three years, resulting in engine sludge as thick as asphalt. Essential tasks include replacing all vehicle fluids and inspecting the and tires. Additionally, I'd like to remind owners who have modified their car's performance to shorten the service interval. For vehicles with ECU tuning, I've seen cases where a deep service was needed as early as 30,000 km.


