How Often Should a Major Car Maintenance Be Performed?
2 Answers
Major car maintenance is typically performed every three years or 60,000 kilometers. Additional information about major car maintenance is as follows: 1. Major maintenance primarily involves replacing more parts and fluids. The required inspections include checking all vehicle fluids, such as brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission oil. Additionally, tasks like carbon deposit removal, battery replacement, spark plug replacement, and timing belt replacement are also addressed. For turbocharged engine vehicles, the primary focus is on carbon deposit removal. Excessive carbon deposits can lead to reduced engine power, difficulty starting, increased fuel consumption, and even engine stalling, making it a critical aspect of major maintenance. Battery maintenance is also important, as modern cars are equipped with numerous electronic devices that consume significant battery power. Forgetting to turn off the air conditioning after shutting off the engine can drain the battery, so regular battery checks are essential. 2. Car owners should also develop daily maintenance habits. Daily maintenance includes pre-drive, during-drive, and post-drive checks, summarized as: cleaning, tightening, inspecting, and replenishing. Regular daily maintenance helps keep the vehicle in optimal condition while allowing owners to monitor the technical status of various components, preventing mechanical failures and accidents.
I've always been quite fond of cars, and major maintenance is often on my mind. Generally speaking, it's advisable to perform a major maintenance every two years or around every 20,000 kilometers, adjusted according to driving habits. If the car frequently travels long distances on highways, more frequent maintenance is necessary when the mileage accumulates, such as checking around 15,000 kilometers. If it's mainly used for commuting with low mileage, then focus on the time interval and don't exceed two years. The core of major maintenance is a comprehensive inspection, including oil changes, air filter replacements, checking brake fluid and the cooling system, as well as the suspension and electrical circuits—don't underestimate these items. Delaying maintenance can turn minor issues into major problems, like reduced engine efficiency or increased fuel consumption, which can be more costly to fix. My own car mostly runs in the city, so I stick to a two-year maintenance schedule, having it checked by professionals, and the car has always been in top condition. In short, referring to the owner's manual or consulting a mechanic is always a good idea—don't skimp on small expenses only to incur bigger losses.
