How Many Kilometers Should a Sedan Be Serviced?
3 Answers
Sedans should be serviced approximately every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. The maintenance includes: 1. Changing the engine oil and oil filter; 2. Inspecting the air filter; 3. Checking the fuel filter; 4. Replacing the transmission oil; 5. Inspecting the tires; 6. Replacing the spark plugs; 7. Topping up the antifreeze; 8. Refilling the power steering fluid. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. Its purpose is to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent failures, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life.
I've been driving for twenty years, and maintenance is definitely not a one-size-fits-all matter. 5,000 kilometers is the empirical value from many experienced mechanics, but you still need to consider the actual situation. For example, my old Toyota mostly runs in congested urban areas, so I basically stick to checking the oil color every six months or 5,000 kilometers, and have the mechanic check the brake pad wear while at it. But my neighbor's pure electric new energy vehicle has a maintenance manual that directly states the AC filter only needs replacement once a year or every 15,000 kilometers. The most crucial factor is whether you're using mineral oil or full synthetic oil—the durability of full synthetic is completely different. Never fall for some repair shops' hype about 'must service at 3,000 kilometers'—it's just a waste of money!
Buddy, the maintenance interval is both simple and complicated. Mainstream Japanese car manuals generally recommend a range of 5,000-10,000 kilometers, while German cars often specify 10,000 kilometers or one year. Last time, I drove my Volkswagen Sagitar over the limit by 1,000 kilometers before servicing, and the mechanic used a computer to check and said the oil life was only 15% left. Nowadays, many cars come with smart reminder functions—don’t push your luck when that little wrench icon lights up on the dashboard. A special reminder for those who often drive on highways: if the engine runs at high RPM for long periods, it’s best to service it 500 kilometers earlier. Don’t wait until metal shavings appear—it’ll be too late. Regular maintenance can really save you from costly repairs!
