How Often Should a Car Be Maintained?
2 Answers
Typically, minor maintenance is performed every 5,000 kilometers or 6 months, while major maintenance is usually conducted every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers or every 2 years. 4S shops often recommend car maintenance every 6 months or 5,000 kilometers. Below is extended knowledge about maintenance: The routine maintenance items for a car include changing the engine oil and oil filter. Different types of engine oil have varying replacement cycles. The type of oil used determines the vehicle's maintenance interval. Engine oils are roughly categorized into three types: mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and fully synthetic oil. Mineral oil should be replaced every six months or 5,000 kilometers. Semi-synthetic oil has a replacement cycle of 8 months or 7,500 kilometers. Fully synthetic oil, being the best among the three with the longest service life, should be replaced every year or 10,000 kilometers. Both the time interval and mileage must be noted; maintenance is required as soon as either criterion is met. It is recommended to perform a 'minor maintenance' every 5,000 kilometers, which involves replacing the oil filter and engine oil. During major maintenance, three filters are replaced: the fuel filter, air filter, oil filter, along with the engine oil.
With over 30 years of driving experience, I've gained deep insights into maintenance frequency. Generally speaking, visiting the repair shop every 5,000 kilometers or six months is sufficient. This allows early detection of minor issues like dirty engine oil or worn brake pads before they escalate into major failures. If you frequently encounter city traffic congestion where the engine runs at higher RPMs with greater load, it's advisable to shorten the maintenance interval to around 4,500 kilometers. For those accustomed to long highway trips, the interval can be extended to 6,000 kilometers, but never exceed one year – especially during extreme summer heat or winter cold when battery and cooling systems are prone to problems. Additionally, if the car sits idle for extended periods, start it monthly to check electrical circuits and tire pressure to prevent battery drain or aging. The key is to consult your owner's manual as different brands have varying requirements. My advice: always heed professional advice rather than cutting corners to save small amounts that may lead to costly consequences. Regular maintenance can easily extend your vehicle's lifespan by a decade.
