At how many kilometers should a major maintenance be performed?
2 Answers
Generally, vehicles require a major maintenance service when they reach 30,000 kilometers. This includes replacing components such as engine oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, power steering fluid, and spark plugs. Below are the specific details of the maintenance: 1. Lubrication System: The vehicle should be cleaned and maintained every 5,000km to 10,000km. 2. Fuel System: The vehicle should be cleaned and maintained every 10,000km to 15,000km, or when symptoms such as engine stuttering, sluggish acceleration, black smoke emission, lack of power, or increased fuel consumption are observed. 3. Cooling System: The vehicle should be cleaned and maintained once during the transition between winter and summer seasons. Under normal driving conditions, it should be cleaned and maintained every 6 to 8 months, or when issues such as overheating, coolant leakage, or boiling occur. 4. Transmission: The vehicle should be cleaned and maintained every 20,000km to 25,000km, or when symptoms such as transmission slippage, high engine temperature, delayed gear shifting, or system leakage are encountered.
I drive an SUV, and after a few years, I've concluded that a major service is best done every 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers. This includes changing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, spark plugs, as well as checking the brake pads, tire wear, and suspension system. My experience is that the user manual is the most reliable guide, as different car models vary greatly—for example, Japanese cars might need it at 60,000 kilometers, while German cars may require it at 40,000 kilometers. Road conditions also play a key role; city driving with frequent traffic jams and short trips can lead to carbon buildup, so I recommend doing it earlier. On the other hand, long highway trips allow for more mileage before servicing. A major service costs around 1,000 yuan, but it can prevent engine overhauls that might cost tens of thousands. Neglecting this could lead to brake failure, higher fuel consumption, or safety risks, so I do it regularly to drive with peace of mind.
