How often should a vehicle be serviced?
4 Answers
Vehicles should be serviced every six months or 5,000 kilometers. The maintenance typically includes replacing engine oil, oil filters, air conditioning filters, fuel filters, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and requires a full vehicle inspection. Modern vehicle maintenance mainly covers the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, and more. Vehicle maintenance, also known as vehicle upkeep, refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the vehicle. The main purpose of vehicle maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent failures, and extend the service life.
I always recommend checking the owner's manual before driving, as the maintenance intervals specified there are the most reliable. For most vehicles under normal driving conditions, it's best to service them every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers or every 6 months. This includes changing the engine oil and air filter, as well as checking the brake pads and tire pressure. If you frequently drive in city traffic with frequent stops and starts, wear and tear will be more severe, and you should consider inspections around every 4,000 kilometers. In extreme weather conditions, such as hot and dusty summers, engine oil degrades faster, possibly requiring attention every three months. Regular maintenance like this can extend your engine's lifespan by several years and save you from costly major repairs. I once skipped a service, and it led to an engine failure costing over 8,000 yuan—regret came too late. In short, the manual is your foundation, but adjusting based on your actual driving conditions ensures smooth and safe operation.
As a seasoned driver like me who drives daily, the maintenance interval depends on driving habits. If you love speeding on highways or frequent acceleration, which causes higher oil consumption, I recommend servicing every 7,500 kilometers. But if it's just stop-and-go commuting with heavy engine carbon buildup, you might need a check-up every 5,000 kilometers. I once encountered a case: a friend drove slowly in rural areas and didn't service until 20,000 kilometers—the clogged filter caused engine overheating and failure. Also, don't forget routine checks on fluids and brakes; act immediately if you notice any unusual noises. This consistent maintenance approach saves money and ensures peace of mind.
Maintenance intervals primarily depend on climate and road conditions, which are my top priorities. For instance, in cold regions, engine oil should be changed every 5,000 kilometers; in areas with heavy dust, the air filter should be checked every three months. Under normal circumstances, maintenance every 8,000 kilometers or six months is sufficient to ensure the brake system functions properly and prevent accidents. Timely maintenance saves hassle.
