How many kilometers does a car need to drive before requiring a major maintenance?

[Rosemary]

A car requires a major maintenance at around 60,000 kilometers. When performing maintenance, it is advisable to follow the requirements in the car's user manual (also known as the owner's manual) for both the maintenance cycle and the maintenance items, as this is the safest approach. Car maintenance, also referred to as car servicing, involves periodic preventive work such as inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. Car maintenance includes minor maintenance and major maintenance. Minor maintenance generally refers to the routine maintenance items performed at the intervals or mileage specified by the manufacturer to ensure vehicle performance, mainly including oil and oil filter replacement. Major maintenance refers to the routine maintenance performed at the intervals or mileage specified by the manufacturer, which includes replacing the oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter.

[LaDamian]

I've driven several different cars myself, and generally, a major service is most appropriate between 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. My first old car was driven less on highways and more frequently in the city, so I scheduled a major service at 40,000 kilometers, including changing the transmission fluid, brake fluid, and spark plugs, among other things. For this car now, according to the manual's recommendation, a major service is done every 50,000 kilometers. I stick to the scheduled maintenance to prevent major repair costs. If you drive more on highways, it might be okay to delay it a bit, but climate has a significant impact. In colder winter regions, it's better to do it earlier to avoid parts freezing and getting damaged. In short, regular inspections are key—don't wait until there's a problem to go, or else the repairs will be much more expensive.

[VanEmilia]

I don't think mileage is a one-size-fits-all matter, it depends on the vehicle model and driving habits. I personally enjoy driving fast and often accelerate sharply, so I did a major maintenance before 40,000 kilometers, changing the engine oil, filters, and coolant. If your car is an SUV or frequently carries heavy loads, it wears out faster, so I'd recommend doing it between 40,000 to 45,000 kilometers. If you do a lot of highway driving, you might stretch it to 50,000 kilometers. I remember once I neglected it and waited until 60,000 kilometers, and the braking system failed, costing me much more to repair. It's best to find a good maintenance shop and discuss based on the specific condition of your car. Maintenance items include checking tire wear and the electrical system, which can extend the vehicle's lifespan.

[LeRonan]

I usually drive with my family, and safety comes first. I typically get a major service around 60,000 kilometers. That time at the service shop, the technician recommended doing it every 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers, including changing the brake fluid and checking the spark plugs. If the car is an older model or often driven on muddy roads, it might be better to do it earlier. I regularly check the manual or app reminders to save money and prevent breakdowns on the road. The service items also include engine cleaning and replacing the cabin air filter to keep the interior environment healthier.

[Rogers]

As a young car owner myself, I'm accustomed to using mobile apps to track mileage and set reminders for major maintenance every 40,000 kilometers. This includes changing the transmission fluid, coolant, and conducting thorough brake pad inspections. While I occasionally handle simple DIY tasks, I leave major projects to professional shops for efficiency and safety. For newer car models, manuals typically recommend service intervals between 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers, though this can be slightly extended with gentle driving habits. Considering urban traffic congestion and higher engine loads, earlier maintenance proves more prudent.

[StHayden]

Having driven for decades, experience dictates that a major service must be performed between 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers. I had mine done at 50,000 km, replacing spark plugs and brake fluid, and the driving became much smoother. For those who do more city driving with faster wear, it's advisable to do it at 40,000 km; for those with less highway driving, around 50,000 km is acceptable. The service includes changing transmission fluid and coolant. Ignoring this may lead to risks like engine overheating or brake failure, with repair costs doubling. Before each service, conduct a comprehensive vehicle scan to identify issues promptly.