How often should a car be serviced?

2 Answers
MaximusMarie
07/24/25 4:31am
Generally, a car should be serviced every 5,000 kilometers. Below is relevant information about car maintenance: First maintenance time: Some manufacturers determine the first maintenance time based on either time or mileage. The exact first maintenance time should be referred to in the vehicle's user manual or warranty manual. The first maintenance is very important and is usually free, so it is essential to remember to do it to avoid missing it, which could affect the car's third maintenance. Maintenance items: Main car maintenance items include replacing engine oil, oil filters, transmission oil, spark plugs, air conditioning filters, air filters, brake fluid, etc. However, not all these items need to be replaced during every maintenance session, as it depends on their service life. Additionally, maintenance involves the inspection and upkeep of dozens of items across multiple systems, including the engine, transmission, air conditioning system, steering system, braking system, suspension, body, and tires.
Was this review help?
11
4
Share
MaggieMarie
08/11/25 12:06am
Actually, this issue is quite common. From my observation of my own car, I usually go for maintenance every six months or around 5,000 kilometers. The key is to follow the requirements in the vehicle manual, as different car brands can vary significantly. For example, my German car requires maintenance once a year or every 10,000 kilometers, while my friend's Japanese car needs it every six months. If you mostly drive in the city with heavy engine load, I'd recommend doing it earlier; if you drive more on highways, you can delay it slightly. Last time I forgot to change the engine oil, and the engine noise became noticeably louder. The technician later said excessive sludge buildup can indeed damage the engine. For new cars, it's safest to follow the manual for the first few years, but after five years, you can shorten the interval. Now, before the weather gets hotter, I plan to check the cabin air filter and get the maintenance done at the same time.
Was this review help?
10
0
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

What are the reasons for a car's inability to accelerate?

There are several reasons why a car may struggle to accelerate, including clutch slippage, poor fuel quality, and carbon buildup in the throttle body. Clutch slippage: The symptom of clutch slippage is when you press the accelerator hard, the engine RPM rises quickly, but the vehicle speed does not increase accordingly, resulting in a noticeable lack of acceleration. Solution: Replace the clutch disc. The main causes of clutch slippage are incorrect driving habits, such as coasting with the clutch pedal depressed for extended periods, not fully depressing the clutch when shifting gears, or keeping the car in a semi-clutch state for too long. Poor fuel quality: Using low-quality fuel can affect the gasoline filter and fuel lines, potentially leading to insufficient fuel supply and resulting in poor acceleration. Solution: Seek professional repair at a 4S shop. Throttle body carbon buildup: Carbon deposits accumulating in the throttle body can restrict air intake, leading to insufficient engine power and difficulty in accelerating. Solution: Clean the throttle body.
18
0
Share

What are the penalties for vehicle overloading, and are there fines?

For private cars, overloading by one person results in a 2-point deduction and a fine. For passenger vehicles, overloading by one person leads to a 6-point deduction. Generally, exceeding the limit by 50% incurs a fine and the revocation of the driver's license. The maximum capacity for private cars is only 5 people. Carrying just one extra person means an overloading rate of up to 20%, so even a slight oversight could result in a heavy penalty of a 6-point deduction.
18
1
Share

What Causes Low Engine Coolant Temperature?

Low engine coolant temperature in vehicles is typically caused by a faulty thermostat or abnormal radiator fan operation. Generally, the normal operating temperature for most vehicles is around 90 degrees Celsius, though this may vary slightly between different car brands. The engine requires a specific operating temperature to function properly, and both excessively high and low temperatures can adversely affect engine performance. Faulty Thermostat: The thermostat regulates engine temperature based on coolant temperature. If the thermostat malfunctions and fails to close, coolant will continuously circulate through the large cooling circuit, potentially causing the engine to run too cold. Some owners remove the thermostat during summer to lower temperatures, which also results in abnormally low engine temperatures. Solution: After starting the engine, check for coolant flow in the radiator; inspect whether water flows through the radiator inlet hose; monitor the temperature gauge for abnormal readings. Abnormal Radiator Fan Operation: If electrical issues cause the cooling fan to run continuously, it will reduce the warming efficiency of both the engine and coolant, resulting in slow temperature rise and significantly increased fuel consumption. During cold starts, observe whether the fan is running (without turning on the AC) to help diagnose the issue. After ruling out sensor failure and radiator fan malfunction, persistent abnormal temperatures usually indicate thermostat problems. Solution: Professional repair shop service is recommended.
15
1
Share

What Are the Effects of Leaving a Car Unused for a Long Time?

Leaving a car unused for a long time can cause the paint to age faster, accelerate body corrosion, and lead to premature tire aging. Hazards of prolonged car inactivity: Brake system corrosion: The brake system is most susceptible to rust when left idle for extended periods, as it reacts with moisture and oxygen in the air, affecting braking performance. Severe corrosion may even cause direct damage to the brake system. Battery discharge: Battery discharge is the most common issue. If a car remains unused for over six months, the battery will likely drain completely, making it impossible to start the vehicle. Engine oil oxidation and deterioration: Typically, engine oil has a shelf life of about one year inside the engine. Since engine oil is somewhat contaminated, prolonged inactivity accelerates its oxidation and deterioration. Moisture, such as water vapor, can quickly emulsify the oil if it enters the system. Precautions for long-term car storage: Minimize fuel in the tank: Once opened, engine oil containers can oxidize, especially if the car remains stationary frequently. Oxidized oil not only loses its lubricating effectiveness but can also produce acidic substances that severely corrode engine components. Maintain cleanliness inside and outside the car: Under the influence of moisture and oxygen in the air, prolonged inactivity can cause metal parts of the car to rust. It is advisable to wash the car, apply wax, and then cover it with a car cover.
4
0
Share

How to Practice Straight-line Driving for Those with Poor Car Sense?

When driving straight, look ahead and pay attention to both sides. You must select a reference point to maintain straight-line driving, promptly correct the direction, and always be aware of various traffic situations ahead to detect and handle them in time. The driver should adjust the viewing distance ahead according to the speed and use peripheral vision to monitor the surrounding conditions of the vehicle. When driving straight, look far ahead and pay attention to both sides. Choose a reference point to maintain straight-line driving, promptly correct the direction, and always be aware of various traffic situations ahead to detect and handle them in time. When correcting the direction, steer early and minimally, with adjustments followed by returns. Use one hand to pull and the other to push, coordinating both hands to keep the vehicle moving straight. Incorporate all dynamic information from the road lanes, sidewalks, and edges into your field of vision. Analyze and judge various obstacles and conditions observed to take preemptive measures. Straight-line driving is a mandatory item in the driving test (Subject 3) and is usually set in the middle or later sections of the test route. It doesn’t require much operation—the key is to stabilize the steering wheel, maintain straight-line movement, and reasonably choose lanes and speed based on traffic conditions. Key points: Maintain a consistent driving posture to easily detect deviations during straight-line driving with minimal errors. Stay highly focused while monitoring road conditions and the vehicle’s direction. Normally, drivers should be aware of their habits—if excessive force is applied to the steering wheel, correct it during practice. Operate the steering wheel with one hand pulling and the other pushing, ensuring smooth and natural movements. Keep both hands shoulder-width apart without excessive force. When correcting direction, steer early and minimally, with adjustments followed by returns. Coordinate both hands to pull and push, maintaining the vehicle’s straight-line movement.
16
2
Share

What Are the Consequences of a Car Running Low on Engine Oil?

When a car runs without engine oil, it can lead to engine crankshaft seizure, cylinder scoring, and bearing wear in the engine. Engine oil not only lubricates but also helps in cooling, cleaning, and sealing within the engine. Without oil, engine components operate under dry friction, generating extreme heat instantly, which can cause parts to burn or melt. During operation, engine oil forms a protective film on component surfaces, preventing direct contact and reducing abnormal wear and excessive temperatures between parts. If a car's engine lacks oil, it must not be driven further. In such cases, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe location, turn off the engine, and call for professional assistance. Since the engine relies on oil for lubrication, continued driving with low oil pressure can cause severe internal wear, unusual noises, and part damage. In worse cases, it may lead to bearing seizure, piston burning, and mechanical failure, requiring major repairs or even a complete engine replacement.
5
0
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.