How Much Can Car Maintenance Be Delayed?
3 Answers
Generally, the mileage for car maintenance should not exceed 20% of the standard interval. For example, if mineral oil requires changing every 5,000 kilometers, maintenance should not be delayed beyond 6,000 kilometers. Regarding time intervals, under the premise of having changed the oil once, the maximum delay should not exceed two years. This means if the first maintenance was done at six months, the second maintenance should not exceed two years. Below is relevant information about car maintenance: 1. Introduction: Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of a vehicle, also known as automobile servicing. Modern car maintenance primarily includes the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, etc. 2. Purpose: The goal of car maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean, ensure normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent faults, slow down deterioration, and extend the service life.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I believe car maintenance should never be neglected. The manual usually recommends a check-up every 5,000 kilometers or every six months, but in reality, exceeding that slightly is generally fine—say, going an extra 800 to 1,000 kilometers or delaying by three to four weeks. Most cars will still run just fine. Last time, I was busy with a business trip and delayed maintenance by a month, but my car started up normally without any issues. The key is not to make a habit of delaying too long, as the engine oil degrades faster, engine noise increases, and fuel consumption creeps up. Always check the oil dipstick color before driving—if it’s deep black, don’t hesitate. Safe driving is the bottom line, and regular maintenance can extend your car’s lifespan by several years while saving you money on fuel and repairs.
I'm a bit frugal and always try to save on maintenance costs. According to the manual, the car maintenance interval is around every 7,500 kilometers. I've tried stretching it to 9,000 kilometers before going, and honestly, a few extra days usually don't cause major issues. Exceeding the recommended interval by 10% to 20% in terms of mileage or time is generally manageable for the engine. I personally check the tires and brake pads, and everything seems fine. But don't push it too far—if the oil gets too thin or too low, it could accelerate wear and end up costing more in repairs. Driving habits also matter; if you do a lot of long-distance driving, you should check more frequently. In short, a little over is fine, but going way over will lead to regrets.
