How many more kilometers can be driven after the car maintenance is due?
3 Answers
After the car maintenance is due, you can still drive about 1000 kilometers. The car maintenance items include: 1. Replace engine oil, oil filter, air conditioning filter, and air filter; 2. Check the levels of coolant, battery fluid, and windshield washer fluid; 3. Check the brake and clutch fluid levels, and the power steering fluid level; 4. Check whether there is oil leakage at the interfaces of various oil pipes in the system; 5. Check the front and rear lights; 6. Check tire pressure and wear, and tighten the screws according to the specified torque. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the vehicle, also known as car servicing.
The car's maintenance time is up. Generally speaking, driving an extra 200 to 300 kilometers shouldn't be a major issue, but it's strongly recommended to get it serviced as soon as possible. I once drove an old car 300 kilometers past its maintenance due date to the shop, and the engine oil had thickened, making the engine sound strange—luckily, nothing major broke down. The lubricating effect of engine oil diminishes over time, and prolonged driving can lead to engine wear or increased fuel consumption. In severe cases, it might cost a lot to repair. Driving a short distance to the service center is relatively safe, especially in stop-and-go city traffic where the impact is minimal. However, if you frequently drive on highways or mountain roads, the risk is higher. Maintenance isn't just about changing the oil—it also includes checking filters, brakes, etc. The longer you delay, the more minor issues can snowball into major problems. Nowadays, I set a phone reminder and head straight for maintenance when it's due. Driving a small extra distance in an emergency is acceptable, but never exceed 500 kilometers—safety first.
How many kilometers can you drive after the maintenance is due depends on the car's condition and personal driving habits. Generally, I conservatively recommend not exceeding 500 km. Engine oil degrades over time in the engine, reducing lubrication effectiveness. Prolonged driving can cause excessive engine wear and increase the risk of carbon buildup or oil leaks. For newer cars with well-designed engines, driving a bit more might pose fewer issues. However, older or high-mileage vehicles require extra caution—stop driving immediately if you notice difficulty starting or increased noise. I remember once delaying maintenance and driving 400 km, only to see fuel consumption skyrocket to an absurd level—I regretted it deeply. When delaying maintenance, it's best to simply check the oil color yourself: fresh oil is golden, while dark black indicates it's time for immediate action. Driving to the shop for maintenance is fine, but avoid long trips or heavy loads. The safety rule is: getting maintenance done early saves money and hassle.
