
Car maintenance can take as little as 40 minutes or as long as two to three hours, depending on the number of maintenance items required for the vehicle. Here are some car maintenance precautions: 1. If the car's paint surface is stained for a long time, the paint will be damaged, and the glossiness will decrease. Regularly clean the car body to maintain its cleanliness. 2. The longer the engine oil is used, the more turbid it becomes, which can damage the car's engine. Pay attention to regular oil maintenance. 3. If the car's radiator runs out of water, it may cause the engine to burn out. Regularly check if there is enough water in the radiator. 4. The longer the car's brake pads are used, the more they wear out, and the braking effect will deteriorate. To avoid this, replace the brake pads regularly.

I've been repairing cars for over a decade and have seen all kinds of maintenance durations. Minor services like oil changes and tire inspections usually take 40 minutes to an hour, with most of the time spent on queuing and basic checks. For major services, such as replacing brake pads or inspecting the drivetrain, expect 2-4 hours depending on the vehicle's condition and parts availability. Remember, scheduling an appointment on weekdays saves hassle—avoid weekend peak hours, or you might waste half a day. Also, maintenance times differ between new and old cars—older vehicles with more issues may take longer. After servicing, technicians need to test-drive to ensure safety, so always allow some buffer time rather than rushing off immediately.

As a regular car owner driving an ordinary sedan for two to three years, I have to carefully plan my time for every maintenance session. Routine minor services like oil and filter changes usually take about an hour, but waiting in line can add several more minutes. Last week, replacing the cabin air filter and tire inspection took nearly two hours. Major maintenance is even more troublesome—last time, repairing the clutch took half a day. A word of advice: book your slot in advance using an app to avoid long waits at the shop. Newer cars get serviced faster, while older ones take longer, and it also depends on whether you go to a 4S dealership or a small garage—the former is more efficient but pricier, while the latter is slower but more budget-friendly.

Maintenance duration really depends. An oil change and basic inspection take just half to one hour, but electrical or chassis issues might require over two hours. I always visit during off-peak hours - weekday afternoons (Monday to Thursday) see fewer customers, saving queuing time. Develop a routine six-month checkup habit to avoid major repairs that prolong downtime. Bring a book or use your phone to pass time, don't let waiting affect your mood.

I prioritize saving money when driving, linking maintenance time with costs. Small jobs like oil changes take about an hour, but choosing a cheaper shop might mean waiting in line. Major repairs, such as engine inspections, take about three hours at a dealership but are quicker, while roadside stalls are cheaper but can take half a day. Recently, I learned to replace small parts myself, saving both time and money, but safety comes first. Plan to set aside some time each month for maintenance—don't delay it just to save money, as any mishap could end up costing more time and money.


