How Often Should a Major Car Service Be Performed?
2 Answers
A major car service should be performed every three years or 60,000 kilometers. The items included in a major service are: 1. Inspection of the engine, chassis, and transmission; 2. Replacement of the oil filter, cabin air filter, and engine air filter; 3. Cleaning of the engine and throttle body; 4. Inspection of the wheels and braking system; 5. Replacement of spark plugs; 6. Replacement of the engine belt; 7. Cleaning of the air conditioning system; 8. Inspection of the battery. The benefits of car maintenance include: 1. Ensuring the vehicle remains in optimal performance condition; 2. Effectively improving vehicle efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, and minimizing wear on parts and tires; 3. Enhancing driving safety by preventing sudden breakdowns; 4. Avoiding minor malfunctions and improving overall vehicle performance.
I've been driving for over a decade, and the frequency of major maintenance really depends on your vehicle's condition and driving habits. Generally speaking, it should be done every two to three years or every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers, just as important as regular health check-ups for humans. Each time I get it done, I ask the mechanic to check the spark plugs, transmission fluid, braking system, and suspension components, because repairing these when they fail can be very costly. In colder regions, I make it a habit to do it earlier to avoid freezing damage to parts. If you frequently drive long distances or tow heavy loads, you might need to do it more often – don't wait for major problems to arise before fixing them, safety comes first. Also, remember to refer to the user manual's recommendations, as different models have different requirements. Don't overlook the cumulative effect of minor maintenance; keeping good habits can extend your car's lifespan by several years.
