How Often Should Chassis Maintenance Be Performed?
3 Answers
Chassis maintenance primarily consists of three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary maintenance: Primary Maintenance (around 5,000 km): This involves tightening and lubrication-focused maintenance tasks for vehicles that have traveled a certain mileage. It includes inspecting and tightening bolts and nuts on exposed parts of the vehicle, applying lubricant to designated areas, checking and topping up oil levels in various assemblies, and cleaning air filters. The goal is to maintain the vehicle's optimal technical condition and ensure smooth operation. Secondary Maintenance (around 10,000 km): This centers on inspection and adjustment tasks for vehicles that have covered a certain distance. Beyond the primary maintenance tasks, it involves checking and adjusting the engine and electrical equipment, dismantling and cleaning the oil pan and oil filter, inspecting and adjusting steering and braking mechanisms, and servicing front and rear wheel hub bearings. Lubricants are replenished, tires are inspected and rotated. The aim is to ensure all components, mechanisms, and assemblies function properly between two secondary maintenance intervals. Tertiary Maintenance (around 20,000 km): This involves comprehensive disassembly, cleaning, inspection, adjustment, and hazard elimination for vehicle assemblies. In addition to primary and secondary maintenance tasks, it includes engine disassembly to remove carbon deposits, sludge, and cooling system contaminants. The chassis assembly may be disassembled for cleaning, inspection, adjustment, and hazard resolution as needed. The frame and body are inspected, rust-treated, or repainted. The objective is to reinforce the normal performance of all assemblies and components, ensuring reliable operation.
I've been driving for almost 15 years, and chassis maintenance is something you really need to take seriously. I remember once forgetting to check before a long trip, and accumulated mud on the chassis caused suspension wear, costing me over a thousand yuan to repair. Since then, I've been taking my car to the shop every 6 months or 5,000 kilometers, especially before and after rainy or snowy seasons, focusing on checking exhaust pipe rust and the condition of the chassis protective coating. If you frequently drive on highways or gravel roads, increase the frequency to every 3 months. Simple cleaning by yourself is fine, but professional inspections are more comprehensive, such as using a lift to check the steering system. The maintenance cost isn't high, around 200 yuan, and it's no exaggeration to say it can extend your car's lifespan by 10 years. It's also effective to glance at the chassis after parking and clean out any mud or debris. In short, regular maintenance keeps your driving stable and prevents unexpected issues.
As a young driver just starting out, I underestimated the importance of chassis maintenance. After a heavy rain left water pooled under the car, I only realized something was wrong when the vehicle became sluggish to start days later. My mechanic later advised maintenance every 6 to 12 months or every 10,000 kilometers. Frequency depends on road conditions—city driving with heavy dust may require semi-annual care, while coastal areas with high salt exposure need more frequent attention. Maintenance includes inspecting suspension shock absorbers and applying anti-rust treatment to the exhaust pipes—don’t just focus on exterior cleaning while neglecting internal wear. Now, I regularly visit a quick-service shop where it takes just half an hour at an affordable cost. Neglecting this can lead to serious risks, like unbalanced tire pressure compromising safety. Making it a habit saves hassle, time, and money, especially for beginners who should prioritize this to avoid unnecessary learning curves.
