Car Maintenance Based on Time or Mileage?
3 Answers
Car maintenance should be performed based on either time or mileage, whichever comes first. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the vehicle, also known as car servicing. The items for car maintenance include: 1. Replacing the air filter, oil filter, cabin air filter, engine oil, and spark plugs; 2. Cleaning the throttle body, fuel injectors, and catalytic converter; 3. Checking tire pressure and tire wear; 4. Inspecting the car paint and lights; 5. Measuring whether the battery voltage is normal; 6. Checking the chassis and suspension for any abnormal oil leaks or looseness; 7. Checking the levels of brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid.
I've been in car maintenance for many years, and I believe maintenance depends on how the car is used. Over time, parts age—for example, engine oil oxidizes and thickens even when sitting idle, making the car run less smoothly. High mileage leads to significant wear, like brake pads thinning out, which need prompt replacement. I recommend checking the owner's manual; manufacturers usually specify intervals clearly, such as whichever comes first—six months or 5,000 kilometers. Environmental factors also play a role: in summer, parked cars heat up, accelerating oil degradation, while in winter, tire pressure drops faster. Don’t just save money by delaying checks—small issues add up, and engine repairs cost much more. Regular maintenance extends a car’s lifespan, ensuring safety and peace of mind.
Having driven a private car for over a decade, my experience is that maintenance shouldn't be rigid. For frequent commuters, follow mileage-based intervals—highway driving causes more wear, so replace parts earlier. If the car sits idle, service it every six months to prevent fluid degradation. After my last vacation, the engine oil stratified, making startup difficult. Components like air filters and batteries also need time-based checks—biannual inspections are essential. While the manual recommends 5,000 km or six months, I adjust based on reality: shorten intervals for rough mountain roads, increase frequency for stop-and-go city traffic. Safe driving relies on prevention—don't penny-pinch only to pay heavily for major repairs later. Remember to regularly check tire pressure and fluid levels—safety is paramount.
