How Many Kilometers Should a Major Car Maintenance Be Performed?
3 Answers
Major car maintenance should be performed every 20,000 kilometers. Changing the engine oil and oil filter is a mandatory task for every maintenance. Due to the harsh conditions of high temperature and high pressure inside the engine, the shelf life of engine oil is significantly shortened, and its performance greatly deteriorates. Over time, it fails to protect the engine effectively. The oil filter prevents impurities from mixing into the oil, which can cause oxidation, leading to the formation of sludge and clogging the oil passages. The air cleaner's role is to block dust and particles from being inhaled during the engine's intake process. If the filter is not cleaned for a long time, it can lead to dust being sucked into the engine, causing abnormal wear on the cylinder walls. The air cleaner must also be replaced during major maintenance.
From my decades of driving experience, it's generally appropriate to perform a major service every 10,000 kilometers, but this depends on your specific vehicle model and driving habits. For example, when I drive an off-road vehicle frequently on mountain roads, the manual recommends 15,000 kilometers, but if road conditions are poor, I bring it forward to 10,000 kilometers. For city commuting, once every 10,000 kilometers or annually is sufficient. Major services include critical items like oil changes, air filter replacements, and brake inspections—neglecting these can accelerate wear or lead to failures. I recommend keeping the service manual handy, as brands vary significantly. For instance, some European cars emphasize safety checks every 10,000 kilometers, and early maintenance can extend vehicle life and save costs. In short, don’t skip it—stick to the manual’s recommendations and visit authorized service centers. A small investment ensures long-term peace of mind.
As a daily commuter, I place great emphasis on the impact of major service intervals on my car's performance. The standard recommendation of getting one every 10,000 kilometers is the most reliable, following the principle of whichever comes first between mileage or time intervals (6 months or 1 year). However, driving style can alter this: I advance it to 8,000 kilometers when I do more highway driving to prevent carbon buildup issues. Minor services every 5,000 kilometers include rust prevention checks as supplementary maintenance. Key items include transmission fluid changes and belt inspections, which directly affect engine efficiency. Remember, checking the manufacturer's manual is the first step, and in humid environments, intervals should be shortened. Sticking to regular maintenance saves on major repair costs and ensures smooth operation of the vehicle.
