Car Maintenance by Mileage or Time?
2 Answers
There is no fixed answer to whether car maintenance should be based on mileage or time. Car owners need to combine both according to their actual situation, following whichever comes first. Car maintenance, also known as vehicle upkeep, refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. In addition to routine inspections, different maintenance tasks are required at specific mileage intervals as follows: 1. 5,000 km: Replace engine oil and oil filter; 2. 10,000 km: Replace engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter; 3. 15,000 km: Replace engine oil, oil filter, and cabin air filter; 4. 20,000 km: Replace engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter; 5. 25,000 km: Replace engine oil and oil filter; 6. 30,000 km: Replace engine oil, oil filter, air filter, cabin air filter, and fuel filter.
With over two decades of driving experience, I've learned that car maintenance must consider both time and mileage. A friend of mine once drove only 3,000 kilometers in six months and thought skipping an oil change was fine since the mileage limit wasn't exceeded. But the engine started squeaking upon startup, and when opened up, the oil had clumped—costing over 5,000 yuan in repairs. Now I strictly follow the manual: conventional oil every six months or 5,000 kilometers (whichever comes first), while full synthetic can last a year or 10,000 km. Invisible fluids like brake oil are critical—unreplaced beyond two years, moisture absorption compromises braking. Last service, the mechanic’s moisture tester flagged超标水分, prompting an immediate change for peace of mind. Keeping a maintenance log in the car ensures timely action, saving far more money and hassle than repairs later.
