How long does a car maintenance take?
4 Answers
A car maintenance typically takes about 1 hour, depending on the maintenance items. If it's just changing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, or cabin air filter, it usually takes about 1 hour, including the time for car washing. Below is some extended information about car maintenance: Minor Car Maintenance: The interval for minor car maintenance depends on the type of engine oil used. Currently, there are mainly two types of engine oil: full synthetic oil and semi-synthetic oil; mineral oil is largely obsolete. Semi-synthetic oil should be changed every 7,500 km or 7~9 months, while full synthetic oil is generally changed once a year or every 10,000 km, especially SN-grade full synthetic oil, which can last over 12,000 km before needing a change. Minor car maintenance is also closely related to the driver's habits and the driving conditions. More aggressive driving with frequent hard acceleration consumes more engine oil, thus shortening the maintenance interval. If the car is often driven in urban conditions with low speeds and frequent stops and starts, the maintenance interval will also be shorter. Under normal driving conditions, full synthetic oil should be changed every 10,000 km or once a year, while semi-synthetic oil should be changed every 7,000 km or 7~9 months. Major Car Maintenance: Engine coolant maintenance is typically required every 2~3 years or 40,000 km. The replacement interval for the timing belt is less fixed, with most needing replacement between 60,000~100,000 km. The engine spark plugs' main function is to introduce the high voltage from the ignition coil into the engine cylinder, creating a spark between the electrodes to ignite the air-fuel mixture, enabling the engine to perform work. If the spark plugs fail, the combustible mixture in the engine cylinders won't ignite, leading to misfires and sometimes irregular engine vibrations. Transmission fluid maintenance varies by transmission type, which includes MT, AT, CVT, and DCT. MT and DCT transmissions have lower fluid requirements; AT transmissions are relatively mature and don't require special fluid maintenance. CVT transmissions have higher fluid requirements and should be maintained regularly. Brake fluid maintenance is based on its moisture content, while brake pad maintenance depends on their thickness or uneven wear. Tire maintenance is crucial as tires are the only part of the car in contact with the ground, significantly impacting safety.
Last time I took my old Santana for a minor service, just an oil and filter change, it took about 1 hour and 40 minutes. At the 4S shop, when it's crowded, queuing might take even longer, and a major service would take more time. I think it depends on the type of service: a minor service usually takes 1-2 hours, while a major service involves checking brakes, tires, etc., and 2-4 hours is normal. Factors affecting the time include how busy the repair shop is—holidays can be especially hectic, so you might have to wait longer. The type of vehicle also matters; regular sedans are quicker, while SUVs or luxury cars require more detailed inspections, sometimes adding extra time. I recommend making an appointment in advance to avoid wasted trips; you can also shop around while waiting to pass the time. Remember, regular maintenance ensures safety—don’t skip it to save money.
As a driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, I perform basic maintenance every month, which usually takes between 1.5 to 3 hours. Basic maintenance tasks like changing the oil filter can be done quickly, often in just over ten minutes, but waiting in line, inspections, and cleaning internal components add to the time. To be specific: minor tasks can be completed within an hour, but major tasks, including tire changes and inspections, might take up half a day. Factors affecting the duration include the vehicle's age—older cars tend to have more issues, making the maintenance slower; insufficient staff at the repair shop can also delay the process. From my experience, scheduling an appointment before 9 AM helps avoid crowds; also, remember to prepare tools in advance, like a tire pressure gauge, so you can assist with minor tasks. Although it takes time, regular maintenance ensures the car's longevity and provides peace of mind when driving on highways.
My first car was a used Polo, and I was particularly nervous when taking it for its first maintenance. The staff said it usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, but it ended up taking 2 hours and 10 minutes. Maintenance time varies: small-scale services like oil changes are quick, while comprehensive inspections involving air filters and suspension can extend to 3 hours. Luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz may take even longer due to specialized equipment. I recommend new car owners go on weekdays to avoid peak hours and bring a book to pass the time. Don’t be afraid to wait—proper car maintenance ensures peace of mind.
