How Often Does a Car Need a Major Service?

[KathrynFitz]

Under normal circumstances, a car's major service should be performed every three years or 60,000 kilometers. Fluid Inspection: Necessary checks include the car's fluids, such as brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, etc. Additionally, tasks like carbon deposit removal, battery replacement, spark plug replacement, and timing belt replacement will also be addressed. Carbon Deposit Removal: For turbocharged engine cars, the most crucial aspect is carbon deposit removal. In such cases, engine carbon buildup can become severe, and excessive deposits can lead to reduced power, difficulty in starting, increased fuel consumption, and even engine stalling, making the car unable to operate normally. Therefore, this should be given extra attention during a major service. Battery Maintenance: Regarding battery maintenance, modern cars are equipped with numerous electronic devices, resulting in significant battery consumption. For example, failing to turn off the air conditioning after shutting off the engine can lead to battery drain. Thus, the battery should also be regularly inspected and maintained.

[AlejandroFitz]

Having driven for over ten years, I've found that the major maintenance interval isn't fixed at all. For regular family cars, it's usually around 40,000-60,000 kilometers for a major service, which means changing all the fluids like engine oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. But my SUV that I drive frequently to construction sites required major maintenance at just 30,000 kilometers – those daily rough roads really take a toll. The key is to check your maintenance manual, as requirements vary greatly between brands. German cars might need major service at 60,000 km, while some Japanese models require it at 40,000 km. Keep an eye on things like tire pressure and cabin air filters yourself. If the vehicle condition is poor or it's an older car, go earlier. Don't wait until the engine sound changes to start worrying.

[McNathan]

I drove this small car for five years before its first major maintenance. The mechanic said 60,000 kilometers is a benchmark. What really matters more is the usage scenario—my colleague who commutes daily on highways changed all fluids at just 40,000 km. Many new car models now use long-life engine oil, extending major service intervals beyond 70,000 km. Always check the manual for specific requirements, and have the technician inspect brake pad thickness and tire wear. Keep the maintenance records—they’re valuable for trade-ins. Last time I forgot to replace the coolant, and the radiator nearly overheated in summer.

[MaxDella]

Once you get a new car, it's time to pay attention to the maintenance schedule. After the first free maintenance, regular maintenance should be done every 10,000 kilometers, and a major maintenance is generally suitable at around 40,000 kilometers. I particularly focus on these indicators: brake fluid must be replaced every two years, otherwise the brakes will become soft; spark plugs lose ignition efficiency after running 40,000 kilometers; transmission fluid should be replaced after more than five years even if the mileage isn't enough. A friend's car in the north had its coolant replaced after three years. Regular maintenance actually saves a lot more money than repairs. Last time, I insisted on timely maintenance, and the shock absorbers were still in good condition after eight years.

[LeEvan]

Last time during maintenance, I chatted with the mechanic and found that the timing for a major service depends on three factors: exceeding 40,000 km in mileage warrants consideration, rubber parts aging after 5 years, and driving conditions like frequent traffic jams or mountain roads. I usually start checking all fluid conditions at 30,000 km, and change the transmission fluid early if it turns black. Although EVs don’t require oil changes, their cooling systems need special attention. Remember to replace the cabin air filter twice a year, especially before the spring pollen season. This year, I changed the brake fluid before the rainy season, and driving in heavy rain felt much safer.