How Long Does a Regular Car Maintenance Take?
3 Answers
Normal maintenance typically takes about an hour. Below is relevant information about car maintenance: 1. Introduction: Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of a car, also known as car servicing. 2. Purpose of car maintenance: To keep the car clean and tidy, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life. 3. Car maintenance items: Deep maintenance of the lubrication system, cleaning and maintenance of the fuel system, cleaning and maintenance of the cooling system, cleaning and maintenance of the transmission, cleaning and maintenance of the power steering system, cleaning and maintenance of the braking system, etc.
I regularly get my car serviced, and the time it takes mainly depends on the service items and the repair shop. For minor services like oil and filter changes, it usually takes about an hour, sometimes even just half an hour at quicker shops. However, major services are different—tasks like inspecting the brake system, replacing spark plugs, or handling complex issues can take three to four hours, or even require leaving the car for half a day to a full day. The shop's busyness plays a big role; if you go on a Saturday when it's crowded and there's a queue, you might end up waiting an extra hour or two. I recommend making an appointment, especially if you go on a weekday—it saves time and hassle. Additionally, the car's age and brand can affect the duration. The first service for a new car is often quick, while older cars may require extra checks that extend the time. On average, common services take between 1 to 3 hours, so planning ahead ensures your daily routine isn't disrupted.
As a new car owner, I thought my first maintenance visit would be quick, but I ended up waiting a full two hours. Later I learned that maintenance duration is quite flexible, depending mainly on what services are performed. A simple oil change takes just 40 minutes to an hour, but if technicians find issues like tire balancing needs or coolant leaks, additional repair time is required. The location and size of the service center matter greatly - smaller shops may have shorter queues, while major dealerships offer comprehensive services but longer waits during peak times. Scheduling appointments is a lifesaver for avoiding rush hours. The vehicle's age also plays a role - new cars have quicker first services, while older vehicles with more potential issues may require extended time. Routine minor maintenance averages about an hour, while major services warrant reserving half a day for peace of mind.
