How Long Can You Drive After the Car Maintenance is Due?
3 Answers
Vehicle can still drive 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers after the maintenance period. Car maintenance content: Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting or replacing certain parts of the car. Car maintenance mainly includes the maintenance of the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, etc., aiming to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent failures, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life. Car maintenance cycle: The car maintenance cycle is usually around 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. Different brands of vehicles have different maintenance cycles. Car owners can refer to the owner's manual to check their maintenance cycle. Different parts have different replacement cycles, some based on years and some based on wear conditions.
How long you can drive after the maintenance deadline varies from person to person, but I once learned a hard lesson. When I delayed maintenance by 1,000 kilometers and drove on the highway, the engine suddenly overheated and smoked, nearly causing an accident. The braking system was also affected, feeling loose and hard to control. Safety first—deteriorated engine oil leads to insufficient lubrication, increased piston wear, and a higher risk of failures like stalling or even fire in extreme weather. Long-term delays can damage parts, potentially doubling repair costs. My advice is not to exceed the recommended mileage by more than 500 kilometers, especially for older cars or those frequently used for long trips. Regularly check the oil color and overall condition—address it as soon as it turns black. Newer cars can tolerate slight delays, but don’t push your luck.
From a mechanical perspective, the car can still run some distance after maintenance, but the risks are high. My car once delayed maintenance by 2,000 kilometers, resulting in noticeably louder engine noise and reduced power. The expired engine oil oxidized and thickened, weakening its lubrication effect, accelerating gear wear, and causing carbon buildup that could lead to seizure. Over time, engine efficiency drops, and fuel consumption increases. Key inspection points include oil quality—if it's thickened or discolored, it should be replaced. Driving habits also play a crucial role: smooth driving slows wear, while sudden acceleration accelerates aging. City driving is more damaging than highway driving. I recommend self-inspecting every 300 kilometers to avoid catastrophic failures. Prolonged neglect leads to expensive and troublesome repairs.
