Can I skip maintenance if the time is up but the mileage hasn't been reached?
3 Answers
It is not advisable to skip maintenance when the time is up but the mileage hasn't been reached. Vehicle maintenance cycles are determined by two criteria: time and mileage. Whichever criterion comes first, the vehicle should undergo maintenance; otherwise, it may affect the vehicle's lifespan. Below is relevant information about car maintenance: 1. Maintenance areas: Modern car maintenance mainly includes the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, etc. 2. Purpose of maintenance: The goal of car maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent failures, slow down deterioration, and extend the service life.
I also thought maintenance wasn't necessary if the mileage wasn't reached, but a few months later the engine noise kept getting louder. When I took it for inspection, they found the engine oil had completely degraded and couldn't provide lubrication anymore. The mechanic said fluids deteriorate over time - even with low mileage - and can damage engine components, especially with frequent idling in city driving which accelerates oil emulsification. I ended up spending thousands repairing the engine, way more than regular maintenance would've cost. Now I strictly follow the maintenance schedule - whichever comes first, time or mileage - for peace of mind and savings. Never skip maintenance; cars need care just like people do.
Maintenance isn't just about mileage - timing matters equally. Fluids like engine oil and brake fluid degrade and oxidize over time. Even with low mileage, they can become ineffective and cause malfunctions. From experience, I've learned that vehicles left idle in garages experience faster fluid deterioration, which impacts engine longevity and increases fuel consumption. I recommend sticking to scheduled maintenance to prevent minor issues from escalating into major repairs - it's like the freshness principle with fruits; they lose potency over time. If you must delay, at least personally inspect fluid color and condition, but for true peace of mind, professional shop evaluation is advised.
