How often should a car undergo maintenance?
3 Answers
Generally, a car should undergo maintenance every 5,000 kilometers. More relevant information is as follows: 1. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. 2. Car maintenance mainly includes the maintenance of the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, etc. 3. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life. In addition, consumable parts of the vehicle should also be replaced on time, such as brake pads, wiper blades, tires, belts, batteries, brake fluid, etc.
Based on my driving experience, new cars should have their first maintenance after running about 5,000 kilometers or six months in the first year to ensure proper engine break-in. After that, regular maintenance every 7,000-8,000 kilometers or eight months is ideal. My old Toyota has lasted ten years by sticking to this schedule. For those who frequently drive long distances, it's best to check the engine oil and filters before trips, especially in summer when high temperatures can cause oil degradation. Cars parked in garages might extend maintenance intervals by two months, but vehicles parked outdoors require more frequent attention as exposure to wind and rain significantly impacts their condition.
My neighbor, a car mechanic, said that the maintenance cycle shouldn't solely rely on the odometer—it's all about how the car is used. His advice is that for regular family cars, a basic service every 8,000 kilometers is reasonable, but vehicles frequently driven on mountain roads or often fully loaded might need an oil change every 5,000 kilometers. He mentioned that many people forget the maintenance manual is the golden standard, with requirements varying greatly between brands. German cars typically require servicing every six months, while some Japanese models can go up to a year. Last time I forgot to change the air filter, my fuel consumption inexplicably increased by 20%.
