
A minor maintenance should be performed every six months or every 5,000 kilometers driven. Below are relevant details: 1. The duration of a minor maintenance typically ranges from twenty minutes to about an hour. 2. The scope of a minor maintenance is relatively limited, primarily involving inspections of some wear-prone components on the vehicle, including engine oil and the three filters. Generally, the first maintenance for a car is due at 5,000 kilometers or one year of use, while the second maintenance is due at 10,000 kilometers or two years of use. The maintenance primarily involves inspections of the car's three major components: the engine, chassis, and transmission. 3. It is essential to keep detailed records during car maintenance for future reference in case of issues. Typically, for major maintenance, it is advisable to visit a 4S shop, as although the cost may be higher, the quality is guaranteed. For minor maintenance, external auto repair shops can be used. Just ensure that original manufacturer fluids are used during oil changes, which will not adversely affect the vehicle and will be much more cost-effective. However, it is crucial to choose high-quality repair shops and parts to prevent quality issues post-maintenance.

I usually drive to and from work, and the city traffic is often congested, so I recommend getting a minor service every 6 months or 5,000 kilometers—don’t delay it too long. Short-distance driving leads to heavy carbon buildup, and engine oil gets dirty faster. Neglecting it can accelerate engine aging. Adjust based on your driving habits—if you do more long-distance highway driving, you can extend it to 10,000 kilometers or a year, especially with full synthetic oil for peace of mind. I’ve had friends forget maintenance and end up spending a fortune on repairs, so regular check-ups are crucial. Just go to a reputable shop—it’s safe and reliable. Keep an eye on dashboard alerts, and make it a habit.

As a frequent long-distance driver, I believe the frequency of minor maintenance depends on the driving environment. If you mostly drive on highways with good road conditions, a full synthetic oil change every 8,000 km or 10 months is sufficient, saving both money and time. However, in congested city driving, it's advisable to shorten the interval to every six months to avoid carbon buildup issues. The key is to check the air filter and coolant during each maintenance session to ensure smooth engine operation. From my experience, don't blindly follow fixed intervals—using a diagnostic tool to check oil quality is more practical, ensuring your beloved car remains durable.

When I first got my new car, I was also confused about how often to do minor maintenance. Later, I found the simplest way is to check the owner's manual. Most cars recommend maintenance every 5,000-8,000 kilometers or every six months to a year, with specifics varying by brand. Remember to change the oil filter on time – don't skip it to save trouble as a beginner, as it can easily lead to minor issues. Pay attention to changes in your car's condition during daily driving, like checking if fuel consumption increases. Developing a regular maintenance habit is crucial.

In my years of driving, I've found that getting minor maintenance done every 6-12 months is the safest approach—don't wait until the warning light comes on. Neglecting it accelerates oil degradation, which can cause engine noise or even damage, leading to costly repairs. Adjust the frequency based on driving conditions: every 6 months for frequent city driving, or up to a year for less frequent suburban use. Good habits can extend a car's lifespan by over 10 years. Pair this with simple filter checks to easily prevent major issues.


