
Generally, the first maintenance is at 5,000 kilometers or 3 months, and the second maintenance is at 10,000 kilometers or 9 months, whichever comes first. The mileage for the second maintenance may vary depending on the manufacturer and model. You can refer to the user manual or consult the salesperson. The items for the second car maintenance include: 1. Check whether the engine oil and oil filter need replacement, depending on usage. 2. Check whether the fuel filter needs replacement, depending on usage. 3. Check whether the brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid need replacement, depending on usage. 4. Inspect whether the brake pads, tires, shock absorbers, and suspension require maintenance, depending on usage. 5. Check whether the spark plugs, throttle valve, and fuel supply system need maintenance, depending on usage. 6. Rotate the front and rear wheels and perform routine checks (lights, battery, etc.).

My car is a Toyota Corolla, and I just had the second maintenance not long ago. Generally, the second maintenance is done around 10,000 kilometers, because the first maintenance is at 5,000 kilometers. However, it really depends on what car you drive. For example, some German cars might have their second maintenance at 15,000 kilometers. Last time I went to the 4S shop, the mechanic said the second maintenance mainly involves changing the engine oil and oil filter, checking the brake pads, tires, and lighting system, and the cost was about 400-something yuan. Now that it's hot, I also had the mechanic check the cabin air filter, otherwise, it would be stuffy driving in the summer. Remember to maintain your car on time; it has a big impact on the engine's lifespan.

As a veteran ride-hailing driver with ten years of experience, I'm all too familiar with the second maintenance. It's generally done around 10,000 kilometers, unless you drive particularly aggressively. Last time I took my Hyundai Elantra for its second maintenance, the 4S shop even topped up the windshield washer fluid for free and checked the coolant level. The key is to change the engine oil—fully synthetic is best—and replace the cabin air filter, especially with all the willow catkins flying around these days. I recommend booking an appointment in advance to avoid the weekend rush and two-hour queues. After maintenance, the accelerator feels noticeably lighter—really, don't put it off.

Last time I took my wife's little POLO for its second maintenance at 12,000 kilometers. The mechanic said this car is small and doesn't need maintenance too early. The key is to monitor the oil life, with full synthetic oil lasting longer. Besides the regular oil change, the second maintenance included checking chassis screws, measuring tire pressure, and cleaning the air conditioning ducts as summer was approaching. It cost over 300 yuan, slightly more expensive than the first maintenance. Nowadays many apps offer door-to-door maintenance booking, which is quite convenient. It's recommended to follow the maintenance schedule for the first two years of a new car to keep the warranty valid if any issues arise.

Just had the second maintenance for the company's Tiguan, the reminder light came on when the odometer hit 9,000 km. The 4S dealership recommended the first service at 5,000 km, and the second service not exceeding 10,000 km. Besides the oil change, they focused on checking the turbocharger pipe connections, as German cars are prone to oil leaks. Tire rotation cost 50 yuan, and the rest were basic items. These checks are essential before highway driving—safety first. Nowadays, maintenance manuals have digital versions; just scan the QR code to view specific service intervals.


