How often should a sedan 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 usually alternated. Below is information about car maintenance: 1. Post-driving inspection and maintenance items: Check and replenish fuel and lubricants. Clean the interior and exterior of the vehicle, as well as the engine and chassis. 2. Vehicle primary maintenance items: Clean the body and wipe the engine and chassis parts. Clean and maintain the air filter. Clean the gasoline filter. 3. Vehicle primary maintenance lubrication tasks: Check the oil levels of the engine, transmission, rear axle, and steering gear, and add lubricating oil as required. 4. Vehicle primary maintenance inspection and tightening tasks: Inspect the steering gear, tie rod, drag link, and the connection and tightening condition of each steering arm.
My car has been running for over a decade, and I feel the timing of major maintenance really depends on the specific condition of the vehicle. The manufacturer's manual suggests every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers, but in reality, it's not that rigid. For someone like me who mainly drives in the city with relatively low engine load, it's acceptable to wait until 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers for a full inspection. However, key fluids like brake fluid and coolant need changing every two years at the very least, otherwise it could compromise safety. The wear on tires and brake pads also directly determines whether maintenance should be done earlier—last week, I noticed obvious cracks in the tires and went in ahead of schedule. In short, don’t just rely on mileage; paying attention to unusual noises or vibrations from the car is the most reliable approach.
Last time at the repair shop, the mechanic mentioned that major maintenance intervals actually vary by vehicle. German cars have stricter requirements, needing full fluid changes every 20,000 km, while Japanese cars may extend to 40,000 km. The key factor is usage conditions: vehicles frequently driven on highways can have longer maintenance intervals, but those mainly used for short trips are prone to carbon buildup and should undergo maintenance earlier. I typically perform a thorough maintenance every 3 years, including tasks like changing transmission fluid and inspecting chassis rubber bushings. Don’t skimp on the timing belt to save money—replacing it once can last 80,000 km, and a broken belt could lead to much costlier engine repairs. Remember to ask the mechanic to check critical components during every minor maintenance service.
Young people should consider their actual needs when deciding on major maintenance. I mainly use my car for commuting to and from work, driving less than 10,000 kilometers a year, so I only do a major maintenance every four years. Focus on replacing brake fluid, coolant, and spark plugs, as their performance degrades over time. Transmission oil can last an extra 20,000 kilometers if there are no abnormal noises. You can save 200 yuan by buying and replacing the air filter yourself online. However, pay attention to the condition of the chassis, especially for cars that frequently drive on rough roads, as the suspension bushings are prone to aging. I recommend buying a maintenance manual for your specific car model for the most accurate reference, and don’t be fooled by the dealership’s over-maintenance suggestions.
