How long should you drive before getting a car service?
2 Answers
Car maintenance is typically required every 5,000 kilometers or every six months, which generally involves changing the engine oil, oil filter, and air filter. Engine oil serves multiple functions including cooling, lubrication, cleaning, and sealing, playing a crucial role in ensuring the engine operates properly. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the vehicle, also known as car servicing. The scope of car maintenance primarily includes the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, and more.
I've been driving for decades and truly believe in that old saying: car maintenance depends on two indicators, mileage and time. When you reach around 5,000 kilometers, it's time for maintenance, especially changing the engine oil to protect against engine wear. But don't delay on time either—if you've driven a few thousand kilometers, that's fine, but if the car sits unused for too long, maintenance is a must every 6 months, as the oil can deteriorate. My Volkswagen has over 200,000 kilometers on it, and I've followed this rule without any issues. Adjusting based on driving habits is crucial: in city traffic with frequent congestion, slow driving dirties the oil faster, so the maintenance cycle should be shortened. For long highway trips, even though you drive faster, the brakes and cooling system should be checked every 4,000km. Don’t forget seasonal impacts—check antifreeze before winter, and replace the AC filter in summer. Delaying maintenance can lead to major problems. A friend of mine tried to save money by skipping it and ended up spending thousands on an engine overhaul. Timely maintenance ensures peace of mind, safety, and a longer-lasting car.
