At how many kilometers should a major maintenance be performed on a car?
4 Answers
Generally, a vehicle requires a major maintenance service after reaching 30,000 kilometers. Here is an introduction to major car maintenance: 1. Major maintenance builds upon minor maintenance, adding the replacement of the air filter and fuel filter in addition to the engine oil and oil filter. 2. The components that need to be replaced include the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, power steering fluid, and spark plugs. Additional information about car maintenance is as follows: 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 should be cleaned every 5,000 kilometers. During cleaning, the filter element should be taken out and gently tapped on the end face. Use compressed air to blow dust from the inside out, and avoid washing it 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. The oil filter must be replaced whenever the engine oil is changed; otherwise, it may affect the quality of the lubricant. The replacement interval for both the engine oil and oil filter is typically 5,000 kilometers. 3. Usually, during car maintenance, service personnel will perform additional inspections based on the vehicle's specific condition and may add other maintenance items, such as inspection and cleaning of engine-related systems, wheel alignment checks, and inspection of various fastening components.
A major car service is generally recommended between 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers, depending on your vehicle model and usage conditions. Having worked extensively with cars before, I recall that major services typically include oil and filter changes, brake pad thickness inspection, spark plug condition checks, as well as assessing whether the cooling system and transmission fluid need replacement. Why this mileage interval? Because vehicle components begin experiencing accelerated wear around this point – for instance, oil contamination increases and clogged filters impair performance. If you frequently drive on highways or in dusty environments, you may need to service earlier; predominantly urban short-distance drivers can slightly delay it. Never neglect this – regular major services improve fuel efficiency and prevent roadside breakdowns (I've seen many vehicles develop serious issues due to postponement). Ultimately, consulting your owner's manual provides the most reliable guidance.
I've been driving the family car for several years, and I perform a major service every 50,000 kilometers. This time, I changed the engine oil and air filter, and the car feels much smoother again. Generally, it's recommended to do it at intervals of 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers, but everyone's driving habits are different. For example, my daily commute has good road conditions, so I delay it until 50,000 kilometers. During the service, the mechanic usually changes the engine oil, checks the brake system, and sometimes cleans the throttle body. These operations can prevent engine overheating or unexpected failures. A friend told me that he forgot to perform a major service, and as a result, his spark plugs had issues, costing him several hundred dollars to repair. So, I think setting a reminder or using an app to keep track is very helpful—don't wait until the car starts making strange noises to take action.
It is recommended to perform a major car maintenance every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. The basic items to replace include engine oil, filters, and spark plugs, while also checking the brake and cooling systems. Refer to your vehicle's manual, as some sports cars require more frequent maintenance. Regular maintenance can save fuel and extend engine life. I've followed this routine for years.
