How many hours does car maintenance take?
4 Answers
Maintenance typically takes about 1 hour. The duration depends on the maintenance items. For simple tasks like oil and oil filter change, air filter replacement, or cabin air filter replacement, it usually takes around 1 hour including car washing time. For more comprehensive services like oil change with three filters, transmission fluid replacement, catalytic converter cleaning, or throttle body cleaning, the maintenance will take at least 2 to 3 hours. The maintenance time is directly proportional to the number of service items. Car maintenance precautions: Generally, minor maintenance should be performed every six months or every 5,000 kilometers driven. Depending on the number of vehicles in the shop and staff workload, minor maintenance usually takes between twenty minutes to one hour. The main tasks include oil and filter change, air filter inspection, etc. First car maintenance time: The first maintenance should be performed when the car reaches 5,000 kilometers or one year of use, while the second maintenance should be done at 10,000 kilometers or two years of use. The main focus is on inspecting the three major components: engine, chassis, and transmission.
The time it takes for maintenance really depends on the situation. I go for minor maintenance every year, just changing the engine oil and air filter, which takes about an hour if I have an appointment. Without an appointment or during peak hours, sometimes I have to wait two or three hours before it's my turn. Major maintenance takes longer, like brake inspections or replacing brake pads, which might take half a day. I recommend choosing a 4S shop or a reliable repair shop, as they are more efficient. Call ahead to clarify the service items to avoid unnecessary waiting. Last time, my car inspection took longer because they found and fixed a minor issue. I usually avoid weekends and go on weekdays during the morning when it's less crowded and the wait is shorter. Bringing a book or playing with my phone helps pass the time. Overall, it can range from an hour to half a day, depending on the maintenance content and how busy the shop is.
The waiting time for maintenance really varies from person to person. From my personal experience, minor services like oil changes and filter replacements usually take about an hour, especially with an appointment—hardly any waiting. But bigger jobs, such as full vehicle inspections or replacing tires and brakes, might stretch to three or four hours or more. It also depends on the shop’s size—small shops are quicker but have limited equipment, while dealerships are more professional but busier. Once, I went without an appointment in the afternoon and waited two hours just to get started, and even a simple oil change ended up taking half a day. My advice: plan ahead, go during lunch or early morning when it’s less crowded, and bring snacks or something to do to pass the time. Don’t forget to ask the technician for a time estimate—sometimes unexpected issues can cause delays. Overall, basic maintenance takes about an hour, while more complex tasks might require half a day.
The waiting time for maintenance mainly depends on the type of service and whether you have an appointment. I've experienced simple oil changes that took just over forty minutes, but for a comprehensive inspection or major repairs, it could take two to three hours. The wait gets longer when there are many people queuing at the 4S shop, especially on weekends when it often exceeds two hours. I recommend making an appointment in advance and asking for a detailed service list to avoid wasting time. You can also choose off-peak hours, such as 8 a.m. or weekday afternoons, when there are usually fewer people. Bringing electronic devices or a book can help pass the time, and some shops even offer convenient rest areas.
