How Often Should a Car Be Serviced for Optimal Maintenance?

[DeAlivia]

Car maintenance intervals are as follows: Generally, minor maintenance is recommended every 5,000 kilometers or 6 months; major maintenance is typically required every 20,000-30,000 kilometers or approximately every 2 years. Below is an introduction to car maintenance: 1. Minor Maintenance: It is advisable to perform a minor maintenance every 5,000 kilometers. During minor maintenance, the oil filter and engine oil are replaced. It is recommended to choose an authorized 4S dealership for maintenance. Although the cost may be slightly higher, the quality is guaranteed. 2. Major Maintenance: During major maintenance, the 'three filters' should be replaced, which include the fuel filter, air filter, oil filter, and engine oil. Currently, most cars use gasoline as fuel, so the fuel filter is also known as the gasoline filter, abbreviated as 'fuel filter.' The function of the 'fuel filter' is to filter out impurities generated during gasoline combustion. After prolonged driving, the oil filter and fuel filter accumulate many impurities, leading to incomplete gasoline combustion, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased fuel consumption. Therefore, it is advisable to replace them regularly. The air filter also accumulates dust and bacteria. If not replaced, such air circulating inside the car can affect human health.

[Jenkins]

I've been driving for ten years and have owned three cars. There's really no fixed standard for maintenance. For the first two years with a new car, just follow the manual—no questions asked. The dealership recommends an oil change every 5,000 kilometers or six months, so just do it. After driving for a while, you can be more flexible. For example, I don't drive much for my daily commute, covering less than 8,000 kilometers a year, so I use full synthetic oil and stretch the interval to one year. For those who frequently take long trips or drive in poor road conditions, I'd recommend shortening the interval to 7,000–8,000 kilometers. The key is to monitor the oil condition—pull out the dipstick and check the color; if it's dark and thick, it's time for a change. Also, it's best to check the brake fluid and coolant before seasonal changes between winter and summer. These small details can add years to your car's life.

[DiBennett]

The maintenance interval largely depends on your driving frequency and environment. I commute 60 kilometers daily, typically hitting 10,000 kilometers in six months, so I stick to a six-month service schedule. If your car is often stuck in city traffic with significant engine carbon buildup, I recommend servicing before 8,000 kilometers. Full synthetic oil allows slightly extended intervals, but never exceed one year as the oil oxidizes and degrades. I pay special attention to tires and brake systems, requesting mechanics prioritize these checks during each service – safety comes first. In humid southern regions, prioritize underbody rustproofing and schedule extra inspections before rainy seasons for peace of mind.

[BradyAnn]

From a cost-effective perspective, maintenance intervals are particularly important. For ordinary family cars with low mileage, using fully synthetic oil for an annual service is the most economical, saving several hundred dollars compared to servicing every six months. I've personally recorded the costs of maintenance at different mileages: a minor service at 5,000 kilometers costs over 400, around 500 at 8,000 kilometers, and up to 600 at 10,000 kilometers due to additional items like air filter replacements. Therefore, a compromise at 7,000 to 8,000 kilometers offers the best value for money. Don't skimp on oil by buying no-name brands; reputable semi-synthetic oils are more than sufficient. Also, a reminder: don't focus solely on mileage for maintenance—time is equally important. Even cars that sit idle should have their oil changed once a year.

[SanJuliet]

I've worked on many cars that required major engine overhauls, most of which were caused by inadequate maintenance. I strongly recommend performing maintenance at least every 8,000 kilometers after the first service for new cars, and turbocharged vehicles should adhere even more strictly to the schedule. Oil lifespan depends on two factors: mileage and time in use. Even if you've only driven 3,000 kilometers, the oil must be changed once it's been a year. I've seen cases of cylinder scuffing due to oil emulsification, all because the car went two years without maintenance. In northern winters with frequent cold starts, it's best to check oil viscosity as early as 6,000 kilometers. Always clean the cabin air filter during each maintenance service—this is especially important for families with children, as it's crucial for respiratory health.