How Often Should Cars Be Serviced?
4 Answers
Car servicing intervals are as follows: 1. Generally, service every 5,000 kilometers or every six months. 2. Change the engine oil every 5,000 kilometers, replace the air filter and oil filter every 10,000 kilometers, and replace the fuel filter and spark plugs every 25,000 kilometers. Additional information on car maintenance: 1. Car maintenance refers to the regular inspection, cleaning, replenishment, lubrication, adjustment, or replacement of certain parts as a preventive measure, also known as car servicing. Modern car maintenance primarily includes the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, and more. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean, ensure normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent faults, slow down deterioration, and extend the service life. 2. Minor maintenance generally refers to the routine servicing performed at intervals specified by the manufacturer to ensure vehicle performance, mainly involving oil and oil filter replacement. The interval for minor maintenance depends on the effective duration or mileage of the oil and oil filter used. The validity periods of mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and full-synthetic oil vary by brand and grade, so follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Oil filters are typically divided into standard and long-life types, with standard filters replaced along with the oil, while long-life filters last longer. Major maintenance refers to the routine servicing performed at intervals specified by the manufacturer, involving the replacement of oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter. Major maintenance builds on minor maintenance, and these two types of servicing are usually alternated. The intervals vary depending on the car brand.
I've driven many cars and feel that maintenance intervals really depend on the specific situation. For example, during the first few years of a new car, the manual recommends service every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers or 6 months to prevent minor issues from becoming major ones. But since I don't drive much and often get stuck in city traffic, where engine carbon buildup happens quickly, I check the engine oil and air filter every three months. If driving an SUV on mountain roads where brake pads wear out faster, maintenance should be more frequent—don't exceed three months. Also, pay attention to fluid levels and top them up immediately if they're low. Regular maintenance extends a car's lifespan, spending a little now to save on major repairs later. Before long trips, I always do a quick check to ensure safety. In short, don't rigidly stick to one interval—adjust based on your driving habits for the best results.
When I first started driving, I was completely clueless. I asked several mechanics, and they all said the standard is to service the car every 8,000 kilometers or every six months, as per the manufacturer's manual. Checking the engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant is essential to prevent engine overheating or failure. If you're on a tight budget, you can opt for cheaper parts but never skip maintenance. For daily urban short trips where the engine is under heavy load, it's recommended to check every three months. If you drive mostly on highways, the wear is lighter, so you can slightly extend the interval. I found that regular maintenance improves handling, making the car drive smoother. New drivers should never delay—timely maintenance is the most hassle-free approach.
Maintenance intervals are closely related to driving habits. If you frequently drive in stop-and-go city traffic, leading to more engine carbon buildup, it's recommended to check every 5,000 kilometers or three months. For those who mainly drive steadily on highways, an annual check might suffice. Vehicle age also matters – older cars are prone to fluid leaks, making more frequent changes safer. Personally, I prefer a comprehensive maintenance every six months, including tire and brake system checks. In areas with poor air quality, change the air filter regularly to prevent dust from affecting the engine. Regular minor maintenance helps prevent major breakdowns.
