How often should a car undergo major maintenance?
2 Answers
Major maintenance is generally performed every 20,000-30,000 kilometers or every 2 years. Typically, changing the engine oil and oil filter is a mandatory item for each maintenance service. Under the harsh conditions of high temperature and high pressure inside the engine, the shelf life of engine oil is significantly shortened, and its performance deteriorates substantially. Over time, it fails to protect the engine effectively. The oil filter is designed to prevent impurities from mixing with the oil, which can cause oxidation and produce sludge that clogs the oil passages. Relevant details are as follows: 1. The air filter's function is to block dust and particles inhaled during the engine's intake process. If the filter is not cleaned for a long time, dust can enter the engine, causing abnormal wear on the cylinder walls. The air filter must also be replaced during major maintenance. 2. The cabin air filter operates similarly to the air filter, filtering out impurities and large amounts of dust before delivering clean air into the vehicle. Generally, the cabin air filter is also replaced during major maintenance, though it might be replaced during minor maintenance as well. The key point is that cabin air filters are not expensive, and replacing them is not difficult, so car owners can consider replacing them themselves.
I drive to work every day, and the city traffic is congested. After just thirty kilometers, the car gets extremely hot. For this kind of daily usage, I insist on a major maintenance every two years or 30,000 kilometers to check the oil, fluids, filters, brakes, and tires. If neglected, sludge buildup and accelerated brake wear can occur, potentially leading to a breakdown on the road and doubling the repair costs. The manual says it can be delayed until 50,000 kilometers, but in reality, if you drive aggressively, you need to do it earlier, especially for older cars where parts age faster. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected failures, saving money and giving peace of mind.
