How often should a new car undergo major maintenance?
4 Answers
Major maintenance for a car is typically performed every three years or 60,000 kilometers, while minor maintenance is done every three months or half a year. Major maintenance is based on the existence of minor maintenance, and these two types of maintenance are generally alternated. Below is more information about car maintenance: 1. Inspection and maintenance items after receiving the car: Check and replenish fuel and lubricants. Clean the interior and exterior of the vehicle, as well as the engine and chassis. 2. First-level maintenance items for the vehicle: Clean the body and wipe the engine and chassis parts. Clean and maintain the air filter. Clean the gasoline filter. 3. Lubrication tasks for first-level vehicle maintenance: Check the oil levels in the engine, transmission, rear axle, and steering gear, and add lubricating oil as required. 4. Inspection and tightening tasks for first-level vehicle maintenance: Check the steering gear, tie rods, drag links, and the connection and tightening of all steering arms.
I have quite some experience with the maintenance cycle for major car services. Most vehicles are recommended to undergo a major service every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers or once a year, but it's crucial to check your owner's manual for specific recommendations. From my years of driving, I've noticed that city drivers who frequently encounter traffic congestion should schedule services earlier due to faster engine wear, while those who often drive on highways can slightly delay it. Remember, a major service isn't just about changing the oil filter; it also involves checking brake fluid, tire balance, and more. Proper maintenance can prevent costly repairs like engine overheating or transmission damage. Environmental factors also play a role—for instance, frequent cold starts in winter may require more frequent servicing to maintain optimal performance. It's advisable to check oil levels every six months to catch any issues early.
As a new car owner, I was completely clueless at first about when to schedule a major service. The salesperson told me that after the first maintenance at 5,000 km, the official major service is generally at 10,000 km or a one-year interval, and you must follow the manual to avoid voiding the warranty. I once missed the deadline, and my fuel consumption skyrocketed with noticeable stuttering. A friend of mine had it worse—brake failure, which was really dangerous. Now, I make sure to visit the dealership every year after driving 8,000 km for a full service, including checks on the battery, tire pressure, filters, etc., to keep the car safe and reliable, making driving more comfortable. A reminder: in mountainous or dusty areas, you might need to take preventive measures against carbon buildup or rust earlier.
I don't think it's necessary to spend too much on major maintenance, but safety comes first. Basically, doing it every 10,000 km or once a year is sufficient. If you drive less, like me—just commuting to work and occasional trips—you can reasonably extend it to once every two years, but keep an eye on oil pressure and water temperature. Don't skimp on key items like oil and filter changes; saving a few hundred now could lead to much costlier engine repairs later. A money-saving tip: learn to check the air filter and tire wear yourself to reduce reliance on professionals. In hot climates, the cooling system tends to age faster, so pay extra attention to it for better durability and a longer vehicle lifespan.
