How often should a car undergo minor maintenance?

[StRylee]

Minor maintenance is typically performed every 5,000 kilometers or 6 months. Minor maintenance generally refers to routine maintenance items carried out when a vehicle hasn't traveled long distances, aimed at ensuring vehicle performance. It mainly includes oil changes, oil filter replacement, and routine inspections. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of a vehicle, also known as vehicle servicing. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean and tidy, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life. The items that need to be replaced and inspected during car maintenance are as follows: Engine oil, oil filter, air filter, built-in cabin air filter, external cabin air filter, fuel filter (integrated with fuel pump), brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, spark plugs, etc.; Inspection of poly-V belt, battery, brake pedal and parking brake, air conditioning system, engine coolant, exhaust pipe and assembly, brake friction linings and brake discs; Inspection of brake fluid, brake lines and hoses, tires and inflation pressure, drive shaft boots, automatic transmission fluid, steering wheel and steering column, ball joints and dust covers, front and rear suspension devices, vehicle electrical equipment, and radiator. The cost of car maintenance depends on the vehicle model and equipment, as well as whether additional maintenance and statutory inspections are required. Usually, dealers will inform the owner of the required maintenance hours and material costs. Regular maintenance of the vehicle is more recommended to be carried out at brand-authorized dealers. Dealers have modern specialized tools and equipment, well-trained professional technicians, and a comprehensive range of spare parts available for dispatch.

[DelCooper]

Having driven a sedan for over a decade, I'm very attentive to the frequency of minor maintenance. Generally, minor maintenance should be done every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers or every six months to a year, depending on your car's condition and the manual's recommendations. From my experience, older cars require more frequent maintenance—about every 5,000 kilometers—to change the oil and filter, preventing carbon buildup from damaging the engine. For new cars using full synthetic oil, you can stretch it to 10,000 kilometers or even longer. Daily driving habits are crucial; if you're often stuck in city traffic, the oil oxidizes faster, so it's advisable to shorten the interval to six months. Minor maintenance only costs around 200-300 RMB, which can save you thousands on major repairs. Never skimp on maintenance to save money, or you might face engine overheating or a sudden spike in fuel consumption. Safety comes first—timely maintenance ensures smooth and worry-free driving.

[DeEden]

As a millennial, I currently drive a compact sedan. I usually get a minor service every 8,000 kilometers or once a year, as recommended by the manufacturer's manual. I use my phone to set reminders so I don't forget. Changing to a new brand and type of engine oil, along with the filter, is affordable and practical. If you have a new car, I suggest focusing more on mileage; for older cars or frequent rough-road driving, sticking to time intervals is safer. In hot weather or dusty conditions, I also check the tires and brakes in advance to prevent unexpected issues. Overall, don't wait for problems to arise before thinking about maintenance—regular upkeep keeps the car running quieter and more fuel-efficient. I also check the oil color weekly while cleaning the car; if it turns black, I address it promptly to extend the car's lifespan.

[DanielAnn]

I come across many cars frequently, and minor maintenance mainly involves changing the engine oil and filters. It's recommended to check every six months or 6,000 kilometers—too frequent is a waste of money, while too infrequent harms the car. Depending on driving habits, those who drive more on highways can extend it to 10,000 kilometers, but city stop-and-go traffic requires earlier maintenance. During maintenance, a quick check of tire pressure and lights is sufficient. Timely maintenance protects the engine and avoids major repairs. The manual will specify the exact intervals—don't guess randomly.

[LeAbigail]

As a housewife, I drive a family sedan to take my kids to school and do grocery shopping. I stick to a minor maintenance every six months, spending just two to three hundred yuan to change the oil filter. It's convenient and affordable, saving me from waiting in line for repairs. If the mileage exceeds 4,000 kilometers, I also check the manual for reminders. Paying more attention, like changing dirty oil for smoother and quieter driving, prevents breakdowns on the road. For frequent short trips, doing maintenance a bit earlier can extend the car's lifespan and save unnecessary expenses. It's good to develop the habit of checking the oil dipstick and tire pressure before daily drives.