
Generally, exceeding the maintenance mileage by 500 kilometers has no impact. Here is relevant information about car maintenance: 1. Car maintenance items: include changing engine oil, oil filter, air filter, cabin air filter, brake fluid, transmission fluid, cleaning the throttle body, spark plugs, brake pads, belts, tires, wheel alignment, etc. Maintenance items vary depending on the car's mileage. Not all maintenance items need to be completed, such as timing belts, tires, brake pads, spark plugs, etc., which do not need to be replaced every time. The main maintenance items should be determined based on specific conditions. 2. Maintenance cycle: The car maintenance cycle is every 5,000 or 10,000 kilometers. The frequency of maintenance depends on the effective time or mileage of the engine oil and oil filter used. Different brands and grades of mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and full synthetic oil have varying validity periods. Arranging car maintenance time reasonably can keep the vehicle in good working condition.

I also exceeded the recommended maintenance mileage by a few hundred kilometers last time, and honestly, it's not as scary as it seems. The manufacturer's suggested maintenance intervals already include a buffer. Going over by 500 kilometers won't immediately cause engine issues for most cars, but it does start to noticeably degrade the oil's performance. Old oil loses its cleaning effectiveness, leading to increased carbon buildup inside the engine and accelerated wear on precision components like piston rings and cylinder walls. The biggest concern is for new cars still under warranty—strictly speaking, dealerships can dispute warranty claims if you exceed maintenance intervals. Next time you're due for service, ask the technician to pay extra attention to the oil condition. The car is yours, and developing a habit of delaying maintenance can really harm it in the long run, especially for turbocharged models, which are more sensitive.

500 kilometers? To be honest, this exceeds the recommended interval but is still within a moderate range, mainly depending on your daily driving habits. If you've been crawling in city traffic at low speeds for 500 km, the engine load is minimal and the impact might be negligible. However, if you've been driving continuously at high speeds for 500 km on the highway, the lubrication effectiveness of old engine oil diminishes at high RPMs, accelerating wear. This isn't just about the oil's lifespan—the oil filter's filtration capacity may also degrade from overuse, allowing contaminants to circulate in the oil system. Remember to remind the service center to check routine items like spark plugs and brake fluid, as excess mileage may accelerate their deterioration. Additionally, when trading in your used car, the dealership's maintenance record app will show every instance of overdue service, which could significantly reduce your trade-in value.

It depends on the car model! My old Jetta can still run like a champ even after exceeding the maintenance interval by a thousand kilometers, but my neighbor's hybrid car triggers a warning light after just 300 kilometers over. Focus on three key indicators: first, the degradation level of engine oil—mineral oil typically reaches its limit after exceeding 500 kilometers; second, the warranty terms—brands like Lexus are very strict about maintenance schedules; third, the driving environment—if you frequently drive on construction sites, the air filter should be replaced much sooner. Although modern full-synthetic oils are more durable, components like filters and brake fluid age based on mileage. Last time, my friend's car's AC compressor suddenly failed after exceeding the service interval, and the repair bill made him wince.


