How Many Kilometers Should a Major Car Maintenance Be Done?
3 Answers
Major car maintenance is typically recommended every 3 years or 60,000 kilometers, but the exact interval should be based on the vehicle's user manual. A major maintenance requires performing all the maintenance items listed in the manual. Major car maintenance includes servicing the engine, chassis, and body accessories. For engine maintenance, in addition to changing the engine oil and oil filter, it is necessary to inspect components such as the fuel system, oil pan, valves, oil seals, and spark plugs. If excessive wear or aging is found, these parts should be replaced. Chassis major maintenance mainly involves three major parts: the suspension, front and rear axles, and braking system. The hardware is inspected to ensure there is no wear or other damage, and then each component is realigned and reinforced. Additionally, shock absorber fluid, brake fluid, and lubricants are added or replaced. Major maintenance for body accessories includes checking parts such as tires, fenders, hood, dashboard, seat belts, seats, and foot pedals for looseness, aging or broken connectors, or misalignment. During major maintenance, car owners should pay attention to the condition of vehicle fluids, such as brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and shock absorber fluid. If these fluids were replaced not long before the major maintenance, it is important to communicate this with the service advisor.
I've been driving for over a decade and often discuss car maintenance with friends. A major service is no small matter—it should be considered every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers, depending on your car's condition and driving habits. If you frequently drive in congested urban areas or take long highway trips, parts will wear out faster, so I recommend scheduling it a bit earlier. A major service typically includes changing the oil and filters, inspecting the braking system and spark plugs, and sometimes even testing the battery life. I remember once neglecting a major service, which led to brake pad issues that nearly caused an accident—since then, I've always kept up with scheduled maintenance. Don't just focus on mileage; weather factors like extreme heat or cold can also accelerate part aging. Regular check-ups can save you from costly and time-consuming major repairs later.
As a daily driver, I always prioritize safety. How often should a major car service be performed? Generally, every 30,000 kilometers is a common interval, but it really depends on your vehicle model and usage. The manual provides detailed instructions—for example, my SUV recommends a major service every two years or 30,000 kilometers, which includes replacing coolant and transmission fluid, as well as a comprehensive inspection of tires and suspension. Delaying maintenance increases the risk of accidents, such as brake failure or engine overheating. I prefer sticking to the schedule—spending a bit more for safety is far better than breaking down on the road. If you frequently drive in rain or on mountainous roads, parts wear out faster, so servicing earlier gives peace of mind.
