How many kilometers does a car need to be serviced?
4 Answers
Generally, vehicles should be cleaned every 5,000 kilometers and undergo a major service every 30,000 kilometers. For a major service, it is usually necessary to replace the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, power steering fluid, and spark plugs. For the lubrication system alone, the engine oil and oil filter are typically replaced every 5,000 kilometers. Semi-synthetic oil is recommended to be replaced every 7,000 kilometers, while full-synthetic oil is recommended to be replaced every 10,000 kilometers. When changing the oil, the oil filter should also be considered. Coolant is recommended to be replaced every two years. The fuel filter should be replaced every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers, and the cabin air filter should be cleaned during each service and replaced if it is dirty or emits odors. Brake pads should normally be replaced every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers. Transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid are recommended to be replaced every 60,000 kilometers.
Generally speaking, the interval for car maintenance depends on the vehicle model and usage. The new car manual typically recommends every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers or every six months. For example, city driving can extend to 10,000 kilometers, but for rough roads or dusty areas, it's best to check every 6,000 kilometers. Synthetic oil can last longer, while conventional oil may require earlier changes. Don't forget regular maintenance of filters and the braking system. As the car ages, the interval should be shortened. For cars older than 5 years, I recommend going every 7,000 kilometers. Regular maintenance can prevent engine carbon buildup or other minor issues from escalating into costly repairs—safety first.
I've been driving for over a decade, and my experience tells me that getting maintenance every 8,000 kilometers or so is ideal. If you do a lot of short-distance driving with frequent engine starts, you should check the engine oil and air filter every 6,000 kilometers to avoid carbon buildup issues. On the other hand, long highway trips are less demanding, allowing you to stretch maintenance intervals to 9,000 kilometers. Once, I forgot to service my car and drove it until 12,000 kilometers—the engine noise became noticeably louder, and the repair cost me over a thousand yuan. That was a hard lesson. Regular oil changes also help maintain stable fuel efficiency and smoother performance. It's also good to routinely check other aspects like tire pressure and coolant levels during maintenance.
Maintenance isn't just about mileage; it should be combined with specific items. Basically, engine oil and oil filters must be changed every 5,000 kilometers, while air filters or cabin air filters should be considered for renewal every 20,000 kilometers. If you frequently carry heavy loads or drive in mountainous areas, brake pads may wear out faster and should be checked as early as 15,000 kilometers. For new cars, a 10,000-kilometer interval is generally sufficient, but always refer to the manual's recommendations. Neglecting these may lead to abnormal engine temperature or insufficient power, affecting driving safety. Regular maintenance can extend your vehicle's lifespan and save you from costly major repairs later on.
