How many kilometers should a car be serviced generally?
4 Answers
Generally, a car should be serviced every 5,000 kilometers. Below are the specific details about car maintenance: Types of Maintenance: During a "minor service," the oil filter and engine oil are replaced. For a "major service," the "three filters" are replaced, which include the fuel filter, air filter, oil filter, and engine oil. Depending on the vehicle's condition, maintenance personnel may also replace the spark plugs (typically after driving over 30,000 kilometers) and brake fluid (typically after driving over 40,000 kilometers). Below are additional tips for daily maintenance: Check the tires and their pressure. When driving on highways, before entering toll stations or rest areas, there will be a series of speed bumps on the road. Slow down before reaching the speed bumps to reduce tire wear. While driving normally, avoid sudden braking when safe to do so, as this can extend the lifespan of the tires and brake lights. Additionally, pay attention to the tire pressure. Proper tire pressure can reduce road vibrations, enhance driving comfort, and improve fuel efficiency.
I often discuss maintenance intervals with my friends. When I first bought my car last year, the manual suggested checking the oil and filters every 5,000 to 7,500 kilometers. I opted for a middle ground of 6,000 kilometers because I live in a big city with heavy traffic during my daily commute, which puts a lot of strain on the engine. If maintenance is delayed for too long, sludge buildup can affect performance. Once, I pushed it to over 7,000 kilometers before servicing, and the car started to shudder slightly when accelerating. In reality, maintenance cycles depend on driving habits and oil quality. Conventional mineral oil is recommended for changes every 5,000 kilometers, while synthetic oil can last up to 10,000 kilometers. If you drive mostly on highways, you can extend the interval slightly. I’ve also noticed that maintenance should be more frequent in hot weather, as the air conditioning system is more prone to issues in summer. Ultimately, it’s best to stay flexible rather than rigidly sticking to fixed numbers.
From my understanding of automobiles, there's no one-size-fits-all standard for maintenance intervals. Common recommendations range from 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, but multiple factors come into play: for instance, using synthetic oil allows extending to 12,000 km, whereas older vehicles or those frequently driven on mountainous roads should shorten intervals to 4,000 km to prevent premature engine wear. I recommend prioritizing your vehicle's manual - new cars usually specify clear intervals. Environmental factors also matter significantly; dusty areas require earlier maintenance for air conditioning and air filters. Don't underestimate these - my neighbor delayed maintenance last time and ended up paying heavily for transmission repairs. Routine items like oil changes and brake inspections are safest at every 8,000 km.
I believe maintenance should be slightly conservative, especially for safety considerations. Having driven for over a decade, I consistently visit the 4S dealership for oil changes every 5,000 kilometers. During periods of frequent highway driving or heavy vehicle use, this frequency helps prevent minor issues from escalating. Neglecting maintenance can lead to numerous consequences: sludge buildup can compromise engine efficiency, and unchecked tire wear increases the risk of blowouts. While the new car manual might suggest maintenance at 7,500 kilometers, based on my experience, addressing it earlier provides greater peace of mind and convenience.
