At how many kilometers should a new car undergo a major maintenance?
2 Answers
New cars should undergo a major maintenance within 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. The major maintenance for a car includes the following items: Engine oil replacement: Engine oil (mineral oil, semi-synthetic, full synthetic) replacement is the primary task at 40,000 kilometers. Regular car maintenance (every 7,000-10,000 kilometers) also requires engine oil replacement, and 40,000 kilometers is no exception. Engine oils come in mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and full synthetic oil, with quality increasing in that order. Transmission fluid replacement: Most car maintenance manuals specify that transmission fluid should be replaced every 2 years or 40,000 kilometers. Transmission fluid is typically replaced during a "major" maintenance. The transmission is the link between the clutch and the drive shaft, with very precise internal gears. Frequent gear shifting can cause the transmission fluid to deteriorate, which then fails to provide cooling and lubrication. Coolant replacement: The replacement interval for car coolant is generally 2 years, which aligns well with the 40,000-kilometer major maintenance cycle. Coolants usually come in two colors: pink and blue. The cost of coolant is relatively low, so it is recommended to replace it according to the car's maintenance manual. Most cars require coolant replenishment after driving 40,000 kilometers.
The first major maintenance should be based on the manufacturer's manual for the most accurate guidance! Last time I asked the 4S店 technician, they said that after the first maintenance of a new car, you should consider a major service around 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers. At this point, besides the oil and three filters, the key checks include the moisture content in the brake fluid, the spark plug gap, and the four-wheel alignment data. My friend's city SUV had its transmission fluid turn brown by 40,000 kilometers. However, vehicles frequently driven on mountain roads need it earlier; my colleague's off-road vehicle had its differential oil changed at just 20,000 kilometers. Remember to check the chassis rubber bushings as well—last time my car made strange noises over speed bumps, it was due to these parts aging. Actually, the most hassle-free method is to download the brand's APP, which will automatically remind you of maintenance items when the mileage is reached.
