How many kilometers does a vehicle generally need for routine maintenance?
2 Answers
Normally, a car should be serviced every 5,000 kilometers. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the vehicle, also known as car servicing. The purpose is to keep the car clean and in good technical condition, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent failures, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life. The methods for car maintenance are as follows: 1. Turn on the ignition before starting the vehicle. 2. Regularly check the brake pads. 3. Let the car idle for about a minute when starting cold. 4. Refuel promptly before the oil light comes on. 5. Do not drag the gear while driving. 6. Do not accelerate sharply when starting; shift gears when reaching a certain RPM.
I drive quite a lot, so maintenance is really important. For regular family cars, it's recommended to do a minor service every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, mainly changing the engine oil and oil filter. My SUV, for example, has over 80,000 kilometers on it, and the manufacturer's manual specifies servicing every 7,500 kilometers. However, it also depends on driving conditions. If you frequently drive on highways, you can stretch it to around 12,000 kilometers, but if you're often stuck in city traffic with constant stop-and-go, it's better to get it checked at around 6,000 kilometers. Not long ago, my neighbor's car ended up with a seized engine because they delayed changing the oil for too long, costing thousands to repair. Every time you service your car, remember to have the mechanic check the brake pads and tire wear—these are crucial for driving safety. Also, don’t forget to replace the cabin air filter on schedule, especially in the north where willow catkins are everywhere in spring, or the AC will just blow out dusty air.