How many kilometers can a car still drive after reaching the maintenance period?

[DelGrace]

A car can still drive one to two thousand kilometers after reaching the maintenance period. The first-level maintenance is a maintenance operation centered on tightening and lubrication for motor vehicles that have traveled a certain mileage, including checking and tightening the bolts and nuts of the exposed parts of the car; adding lubricant to the designated lubrication parts; checking the lubricant level in each assembly and adding lubricant; cleaning various air filters, etc. The second-level maintenance is a maintenance operation centered on inspection and adjustment for motor vehicles that have traveled a certain mileage. Maintenance scope: In addition to the first-level maintenance items, it includes checking and adjusting the working conditions of the engine and electrical equipment, dismantling and cleaning the oil pan and oil filter, checking and adjusting the steering and braking mechanisms, dismantling and cleaning the front and rear hub bearings; adding lubricant, dismantling and inspecting tires, and performing tire rotation, etc.

[Salvador]

Honestly, how many extra kilometers you can drive after the car's maintenance period depends entirely on the vehicle's condition and the type of maintenance. For example, an oil change—most manufacturers recommend doing it every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. But if you're too busy, driving an extra 1,000 or 2,000 kilometers might not be a big deal—engine oil doesn’t degrade that quickly. However, don’t push it too far; exceeding 2,000 kilometers or more can accelerate engine wear due to oil breakdown, and over time, you risk severe damage like cylinder scoring. Other components matter too—if you skip brake pad or tire maintenance, driving even a few hundred extra kilometers could be dangerous. Personally, I think the key is developing good habits: check your car’s condition on schedule and don’t risk ruining the entire engine to save a few bucks on maintenance. Remember, there’s no fixed number—the farther you push it, the higher the risk, especially for older cars or those frequently driven at high speeds, which are more prone to issues.

[MacLily]

From a safety perspective, a car can still be driven for a short distance just after its maintenance period, but don't risk going too far. I've seen many people delay maintenance, and running an extra thousand kilometers or so usually doesn't cause major issues. However, neglecting critical items like the air filter or brake fluid could lead to sudden failures while driving—something like brake failure is terrifying. I recommend paying close attention to the dashboard warning lights; if they come on, get it fixed immediately. Also, different road conditions make a big difference: in congested city traffic, parts wear out faster, and driving a few hundred extra kilometers could cause problems; highway driving in rural areas is slightly better. In short, don't cut corners—prioritize safety. Delaying maintenance will only make you anxious, so it's better to schedule a minor service in advance and get it done properly for peace of mind.

[VanHadley]

From my experience, it's quite normal to drive an extra thousand or two kilometers past the maintenance interval without major issues. For instance, delaying an oil change by two weeks or a few hundred kilometers won't harm the car, but don't overdo it. Once, a friend of mine forgot about maintenance and pushed it 2,000 kilometers beyond the limit – the engine noise increased noticeably, and the repair cost over a thousand dollars. So it's best to regularly check your car's condition. Simple tricks like listening to the engine sound or checking tire wear can help you gauge how far you can push it. Just remember not to delay too long – even though modern cars are durable, every extra kilometer driven past the maintenance interval accumulates risk. Addressing issues early saves you from bigger troubles later.