How many kilometers should a car run before maintenance?
3 Answers
Different car components have different maintenance intervals, which can be categorized as follows: 1. Engine oil (lubricant)/oil filter. For normal models, replacement is required every 5,000 kilometers or six months. If full synthetic oil is used, the interval can be extended up to 8,000 kilometers. If the car hasn't reached 5,000 kilometers, the oil and oil filter should be replaced at least every six months. 2. Replace the air filter and cabin air filter. The air filter and cabin air filter should be replaced every 20,000 kilometers or two years. In areas with harsh climate conditions or high dust levels, this interval should be shortened to one year. 3. Replace the fuel filter, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Taking Japanese and Korean models with shorter maintenance cycles as an example, a "major service" is required every 40,000 kilometers. In addition to the aforementioned replacements, this includes changing the fuel filter and all brake fluid.
Every time I drive, I keep an eye on the odometer and go for maintenance when it reaches around 7,500 kilometers. My old buddy has been running for over five years, mainly shuttling the kids to school and weekend trips to the suburbs, so the mileage keeps climbing. The maintenance mainly involves changing the engine oil and filters because, over time, the oil thickens, causing more engine wear. The mechanic also checks the tire tread and brake pads, especially in summer when tires are prone to overheating and blowouts—skipping inspections can lead to trouble. Last time I got lazy and waited until 8,000 kilometers, and the steering wheel shook badly, costing me nearly a thousand in repairs. Now I’ve made it a habit to schedule a check-up every 7,500 kilometers—it even helps with fuel efficiency in daily driving. Safety comes first. Don’t wait until the warning light comes on; regular maintenance keeps the car running longer.
Having worked in the auto shop for many years, car owners often ask about maintenance mileage. Generally speaking, new cars should be serviced every 10,000 kilometers, while older cars every 5,000 kilometers. It depends on the model and usage—for example, SUVs driven frequently on mountain roads consume oil faster and require earlier maintenance; for stable city commuting, you can stretch it to 7,000 kilometers. The key is not to miss the oil change window—dirty oil will harm the engine. By the way, frequent cold starts in winter accelerate oil degradation, so maintenance frequency should be increased. Other checks, like loose chassis bolts or worn fan belts, should also be monitored. Developing a habit of regular maintenance can save you from major repairs, keeping the car running smoothly for hundreds of thousands of kilometers. Skilled mechanics use instruments to test oil quality—just follow their professional advice.
