How many kilometers can a car exceed the maintenance interval without issues?
3 Answers
Exceeding the maintenance interval by around 1,000 kilometers is generally acceptable. Car maintenance refers to the regular preventive work of inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain components of a vehicle, also known as automotive servicing. Its purpose is to maintain a clean appearance, normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent failures, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life. The contents of car maintenance include: 1. Changing the engine oil and oil filter; 2. Inspecting the air filter; 3. Checking the fuel filter; 4. Replacing the transmission fluid; 5. Inspecting the tires; 6. Replacing the spark plugs; 7. Topping up the antifreeze; 8. Replenishing the power steering fluid.
I've been driving for ten years and have seen too many car owners suffer losses due to neglecting maintenance. Strictly speaking, exceeding 500 kilometers is considered overdue, but it depends on the actual situation. Cars with full synthetic oil can go up to around 12,000 kilometers without major issues, but semi-synthetic oil should ideally not exceed 7,000 kilometers. The key lies in your daily driving habits: if you're stuck in city traffic with short commutes every day, the oil deteriorates faster; those who frequently drive on highways can stretch it a bit further. Last time I delayed my maintenance by 800 kilometers, the technician found significantly more sludge when they opened the oil filter. My advice is to schedule an appointment as soon as the maintenance light on the dashboard comes on—don't risk a hefty engine repair bill just to save a few bucks.
Friends who just bought a new car should pay special attention. It's common for the free maintenance offered by 4S stores to expire and become void. My experience is that the first maintenance must not be exceeded, otherwise, if there's a problem with the transmission, the manufacturer can use this as a reason to refuse compensation. It's somewhat acceptable to exceed the regular maintenance by three to five hundred kilometers, but remember two points: don't delay beyond the 1-month deadline, and if it exceeds 3000 kilometers, you must call for a tow truck. Last time, my neighbor's turbocharged car exceeded the maintenance by 4000 kilometers, and the engine oil turned into an asphalt-like substance, costing nearly twenty thousand to replace the turbo. Develop the habit of checking the oil dipstick; if you find it black and thickened, go to the shop immediately.
