How Often Should a Vehicle Be Serviced?

[MacEmery]

Maintenance intervals generally depend on the type of oil used. Conventional mineral oil should be changed every 5,000 kilometers, synthetic oil can be extended to 7,500 kilometers, and full synthetic oil can be changed around 10,000 kilometers. Below is an introduction to vehicle maintenance: 1. Minor maintenance typically refers to routine service items performed at the manufacturer's specified time or mileage to ensure vehicle performance. This mainly includes changing the engine oil and oil filter. 2. Major maintenance refers to the routine service performed at the manufacturer's specified time or mileage, which includes changing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter.

[NathanLee]

I've been driving this small car for several years, commuting and going on weekend road trips, covering over 2,000 kilometers per month. Let's talk about maintenance intervals. For the first few years of a new car, the manufacturer recommends maintenance every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. For someone like me who mainly drives in the city with frequent stops and starts, oil pressure can fluctuate easily, and engine oil wears out faster, so I always change the oil and filter every 5,000 kilometers on the dot. For older cars, don’t delay even more—you might need to check the brake pads and tire wear every 3,000 kilometers. Environmental factors also play a big role. In summer, the AC puts extra pressure on the system, and in winter, checking the antifreeze is a must. Don’t forget to refer to the owner’s manual—different models have different requirements. For example, SUVs and sedans have different maintenance frequencies. Regular maintenance isn’t expensive and can prevent major repairs. If you delay too long and the engine has issues, repairs can cost thousands. In short, calculate your mileage and months, and set your own reminders.

[McGavin]

As a driver who frequently travels long distances, I pay special attention to the connection between maintenance and driving safety. It is recommended to perform basic maintenance every 5,000 kilometers or every six months, with a focus on checking the brake system and tire pressure. If you frequently drive on highways or your vehicle is over five years old, it's best to shorten the interval to every three months due to higher risks of engine aging and component loosening. I also emphasize seasonal adjustments, such as checking the wipers and water tank before the rainy season to avoid accidents caused by blurred vision. Timely oil changes can prevent carbon buildup from affecting braking. Remember, neglecting minor maintenance issues can lead to a chain reaction, such as transmission damage, which is not only costly but also dangerous. After decades of driving, developing a habit of regular maintenance is the most worry-free approach—don't wait until the warning light comes on to take action.

[DeClayton]

Our family of three uses the car frequently for shopping and school runs, so the maintenance schedule is based on usage. For a new car, getting serviced every 10,000 kilometers initially is cost-effective and reasonable. However, if you often drive on muddy roads or in mountainous areas, inspections for the chassis and filters should be done every 8,000 kilometers. I usually check the tires and coolant myself every thousand kilometers by looking at the odometer. The vehicle manual is a crucial reference, as maintenance intervals vary significantly between brands—German cars tend to have tighter schedules, while Japanese models are more flexible. From an economic standpoint, skimping on maintenance to save money but ending up with higher repair costs isn’t wise. For family cars, safety comes first, so a professional inspection every six months can help prevent unexpected issues like tire blowouts.