How many kilometers can a car exceed the maintenance mileage without issues?
3 Answers
Exceeding the car maintenance mileage by 1,000 kilometers is generally acceptable, but it's essential to send the vehicle for maintenance promptly once the recommended mileage is reached. Car maintenance is a method of vehicle upkeep, which includes inspecting the car, cleaning it, lubricating car components, and replacing parts. Cleaning the car involves both interior and exterior cleaning to keep the car body free of dirt. Inspection items include checking the car's signal lighting and whether any machine assemblies have malfunctions. Lubrication refers to regularly applying the specified car lubricant to various components to reduce friction by keeping them in a lubricated state.
Among the several cars I've driven over the years, it's usually fine to exceed the recommended maintenance mileage by a bit, but it depends on how much you exceed it and the specific circumstances. The manufacturer's recommended interval is generally between 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. Exceeding by around 500 kilometers is mostly risk-free, especially if you use full synthetic oil and frequently drive on highways. During city driving with heavy traffic, the oil may get dirtier faster after exceeding 300 kilometers. Once, I exceeded by 700 kilometers, and the car ran normally, but the repair shop found the filter slightly clogged during inspection. Regularly checking the oil color and listening for unusual engine noises can help determine if an early service is needed. Exceeding by too much, say over 1,000 kilometers, significantly increases risks like accelerated engine wear, so try to stick to the schedule or consult the manual.
As a young car owner, I sometimes forget about maintenance schedules. Once, I drove 1,200 kilometers before remembering, but the car ran fine, and the check-up showed only slight oil consumption. However, this varies by individual—I use semi-synthetic oil, and exceeding 800 kilometers is manageable with good road conditions, but fuel consumption rises after 500 kilometers in city traffic. Experience tells me that beginners shouldn't exceed the limit too much; keeping it within 500 kilometers is safest to avoid sudden breakdowns. Using a driving app for reminders or regularly checking oil levels visually can save a lot of hassle.