How Long Can a Car Be Driven After Reaching Its Maintenance Period?
3 Answers
Typically, Japanese and Korean car models have a maintenance cycle of 5,000 kilometers, while European and American models mostly exceed 7,500 kilometers or even 15,000 kilometers. Here are the specifics about maintenance: 1. Generally, exceeding the maintenance period by 500 kilometers or even 1,000 kilometers is not a problem. However, during the car's warranty period, it is essential to strictly adhere to the maintenance manual's guidelines. Otherwise, the 4S dealership may refuse free warranty repairs or claims for issues arising during the warranty period due to overdue maintenance. 2. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing.
I've driven past the maintenance deadline several times, thinking it's okay to go another week or two without major issues, but the risks increase. Once, I delayed it for too long, and the engine made terrifying noises, even stalling on the highway—luckily, nothing serious happened. Since then, I've learned that the maintenance period is actually a warning sign: dirty oil reduces lubrication, accelerating wear on engine and brake components; uneven tire wear affects grip. For safety, it's best not to exceed 500 kilometers or a week beyond the deadline—get to a repair shop as soon as possible. Especially before long trips, always ensure the car is in stable condition to avoid breakdowns or accidents. Small issues pile up, and major trouble is just around the corner.
From my experience, it's possible to drive for a while after the car's maintenance period is due, depending on how you use it. For example, when I was younger and tried to save trouble, I delayed maintenance for a month while still driving in the city, which resulted in steering system issues costing over 800 yuan to repair. Now I've learned my lesson—the maintenance period isn't a death sentence but a reminder to change the oil and check the filters. If you drive gently, avoid sudden acceleration, and stick to short city trips for a few days or a couple hundred kilometers, you can still manage. However, avoid highways and harsh weather conditions, as these can drastically increase part wear, turning minor issues into major repairs. Addressing maintenance early saves both hassle and money, so I recommend not delaying beyond two weeks.
