How Many Times Should a Car Be Serviced in a Year?
4 Answers
For regular car maintenance, it is recommended to service your car every six months or every 5,000 kilometers. There is no need to service it every 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers. If you drive frequently, you may need to service your car every two to three months. Below is some relevant information: 1. Maintenance Items: Changing the engine oil and oil filter is the priority. During the first maintenance, numerous items need to be inspected, such as the vehicle's lights, tires, chassis, various fluid levels in the engine compartment, and the onboard computer system. However, the most important and crucial step is replacing the engine oil and oil filter. 2. Maintenance Intervals: It is not strictly necessary to wait until exactly 5,000 kilometers or exceed 5,000 kilometers before servicing your car. It is better to schedule the maintenance slightly earlier, such as around 4,000 kilometers, as this can enhance the effectiveness of the maintenance. Of course, if you occasionally exceed 5,000 kilometers before servicing, it generally won't cause any significant issues.
I've driven multiple cars and found there's no one-size-fits-all standard for annual maintenance frequency. The key factor is mileage: if you drive 5,000 to 10,000 km annually, one to two maintenance sessions usually suffice – changing oil and filters every six months to ensure smooth engine operation. For low-mileage urban commutes, annual maintenance may be sufficient. Also consider vehicle age and road conditions; older cars or frequent gravel road driving warrant extra brake and tire inspections. The manufacturer's manual is the authoritative reference – my old car's manual specified maintenance every 6 months or 10,000 km. I make it a habit to replace AC filters in spring and check antifreeze/battery in autumn/winter. Never ignore minor issues as they accumulate to shorten vehicle lifespan; I recommend regular visits to reputable repair shops.
I usually drive half an hour to work and cover about seven to eight thousand kilometers a year. I'm in the habit of servicing my car twice a year: checking the air conditioning system and topping up Freon before hot weather sets in; adjusting tire pressure and changing the engine oil before cold weather arrives. This frequency works well for me—my car always runs smoothly, and spending a few hundred yuan helps avoid major repairs. However, my neighbor, who drives frequently and takes long trips, services his car every quarter, claiming it extends engine life. I believe it's better not to wait for problems to arise before taking action. Regular maintenance keeps the car more reliable and isn't much trouble. You can even change the air filter yourself to save some money. In short, based on personal experience, at least once a year is a must.
For driving safety, I strongly recommend servicing your car at least twice a year. The risks of not maintaining it on schedule are too high: oil leaks can cause engine overheating and breakdowns, while failing to replace worn brake pads in time may lead to accidents. All the accidents I've seen were due to neglecting regular maintenance. A single service might only cost two hundred, but accident repairs can run into thousands. New car manuals typically recommend maintenance every 6 to 12 months, but I personally inspect critical components like lighting systems and belts every quarter. Don't just focus on mileage – over time, engine oil deteriorates. Develop this habit to reduce the likelihood of major repairs.
