How Long Can You Drive After the Maintenance Reminder?
2 Answers
Generally, it is recommended to perform maintenance within three days after receiving the reminder. Below are some key points to note during vehicle maintenance: Check the tires and their pressure: Over time, tires wear out, which affects their grip. When driving on highways, you will encounter speed bumps before toll booths or rest areas. It is advisable to slow down before driving over them to minimize tire wear. Additionally, avoid sudden braking when possible (while ensuring safety) to extend the lifespan of both tires and brake lights. Proper tire pressure is also crucial, as it reduces road vibrations, enhances driving comfort, and improves fuel efficiency. Inspect the chassis: During routine maintenance, technicians at 4S shops will check critical chassis components such as brake discs, brake pads, brake lines, tie rod ends, and shock absorbers. These tasks require professional attention, but drivers should also listen for unusual noises while driving. Clean the car from outside to inside: When the car gets dirty, wash it promptly. However, avoid parking it in the garage immediately after washing, as trapped moisture can cause damage. Besides exterior cleaning, pay attention to interior hygiene—clean easily soiled items like seat covers, steering wheel covers, and floor mats to prevent bacterial growth and maintain air quality inside the car.
Having driven a taxi for twenty years, my most intuitive judgment comes from listening to the engine sound. If you suddenly feel the throttle becomes heavier, fuel consumption significantly increases, or you hear metal friction sounds during cold starts, it indicates the engine oil performance has degraded. After the normal maintenance cycle, conservatively speaking, you can still drive about 500-600 kilometers in the city, and on highways with good conditions, it might last up to 700-800 kilometers. But never follow those owners who stubbornly push for 3,000-4,000 kilometers—I’ve seen many cases of cylinder scoring, where the repair costs alone could cover ten maintenance sessions. If you’re unsure, you can pull out the dipstick and check: if it’s black with metal shavings, it’s definitely time for a service. Of course, each car’s condition varies, and for older cars, it’s safer to act a bit earlier.
