Does a car need maintenance if it runs less than 5,000 kilometers a year?
3 Answers
A car that runs less than 5,000 kilometers a year can have its maintenance frequency appropriately reduced, but maintenance should not be skipped entirely, as the vehicle will still age even with minimal use. Fluids such as engine oil and transmission fluid have a shelf life even when idle, so regular maintenance is necessary to maintain good vehicle condition. Below is an introduction to car maintenance: Car Maintenance Items: Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the vehicle, also known as vehicle upkeep. Modern car maintenance mainly includes servicing the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, and more. Purpose of Car Maintenance: The goal of car maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean, ensure normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the vehicle's service life.
I used to own a car that I drove very little, at most 4,000 kilometers a year. At first, I thought regular maintenance wasn’t necessary. But later, when I took it for repairs, the mechanic explained that engine oil oxidizes over time, especially if the car sits too long, and degraded oil can actually harm the engine. The same goes for brake fluid and coolant—over time, they absorb moisture, leading to component corrosion. As for the battery, if left unused, it naturally discharges and might fail to start the car. That time, I delayed maintenance and ended up spending a lot on replacing the alternator, regretting not following the advice. Now, I make sure to take the car in for a check-up every six months or a year. The inspection items aren’t expensive and help avoid major issues. In short, even with low mileage, regular maintenance is essential for peace of mind.
I believe maintenance shouldn't solely rely on mileage - timing is equally crucial. The mechanic near my place explained that when a car sits idle, components deteriorate. Engine oil starts degrading after six months, tire rubber hardens, which could lead to dangerous situations if something fails on the road. Even unused AC systems may develop refrigerant leaks. He recommends following the manual's schedule - get basic checks every six months for fluid levels, clean fuel lines to prevent carbon buildup. These inexpensive precautions ensure safety. Don't neglect maintenance just because you drive less - it's a long-term investment.
