How Often Should Major and Minor Maintenance Be Performed?
3 Answers
Minor and major maintenance are performed alternately at certain intervals. For most vehicle models, minor maintenance is required every 5,000 kilometers or six months, while major maintenance is needed every 20,000 kilometers or one year. Minor maintenance refers to routine maintenance tasks performed at the manufacturer's recommended time or mileage intervals to ensure vehicle performance, including oil and oil filter replacement. Major maintenance includes additional tasks such as replacing the oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter at the manufacturer's specified intervals. Vehicle maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as vehicle servicing. Below is a detailed explanation of minor maintenance tasks: Oil Replacement. Engine oil must be replaced as it is considered the "blood" of the engine. The engine is the most critical and vulnerable component of a vehicle, and any issues with it can severely impact the car's performance. Engine oil plays a vital role in lubrication, shock absorption, cooling, and reducing engine wear. Oil Filter Replacement. Replacing the oil filter is essential as it filters out impurities such as dust, carbon deposits, and metal particles from the oil, thereby better protecting the engine. Major maintenance includes the following additional tasks beyond minor maintenance: Fuel Filter Replacement. The fuel filter should be replaced according to the vehicle's manual, as the replacement intervals and mileage vary for different cars. Cabin Air Filter Replacement. The cabin air filter effectively filters harmful substances from the air, maintaining fresh air inside the vehicle and creating a comfortable driving environment. If not replaced for a long time, it can lead to unpleasant odors in the car. Antifreeze Replacement. Antifreeze primarily prevents freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and also protects against scale and corrosion. Therefore, regular antifreeze replacement is necessary. Brake Fluid Replacement. Due to its water-absorbing properties, brake fluid can separate into oil and water over time. Since their boiling points differ, the fluid's performance degrades, affecting braking effectiveness. Brake fluid is recommended to be replaced after 40,000 kilometers. Power Steering Fluid Replacement. Power steering fluid is crucial as it is the hydraulic fluid used in the power steering pump. It allows for easy steering wheel operation, similar to automatic transmission fluid and brake fluid, and should be replaced periodically. Spark Plug Replacement. Spark plugs are vital for engine performance. Over time, worn spark plugs can cause uneven engine operation, leading to vibrations. In severe cases, cylinder deformation may occur, increasing fuel consumption. Spark plugs should be replaced at around 60,000 kilometers, but immediate inspection is advised if they fail or fuel consumption rises. Transmission Fluid Replacement. For automatic transmission vehicles, fluid replacement is recommended at around 80,000 kilometers, while manual transmission vehicles can consider replacement at 120,000 kilometers. Transmission fluid ensures proper transmission operation and extends its lifespan. After replacement, gear shifts will feel smoother, preventing transmission vibrations, noise, and gear jumping. If abnormal shifting, vibrations, or gear jumping occur, inspect the transmission fluid promptly. Tire Replacement. Common reasons for tire replacement include reducing noise, wear and tear, or personal preference. Except for wear-related replacements, others depend on the owner's specific needs.
After driving for so many years, I've concluded that minor maintenance is generally needed every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers or every six months, mainly involving an oil change and filter replacement—simple and inexpensive. Major maintenance is more comprehensive, required every two to three years or 40,000 kilometers, including checks on the braking system and spark plug replacements. It really depends on how you use your car. For instance, if you frequently drive on highways or get stuck in city traffic, you'll need more frequent minor maintenance to prevent engine carbon buildup. Delaying maintenance can lead to major issues. Last time I forgot, it resulted in a transmission failure, costing thousands in repairs. Regular maintenance not only keeps the car running smoothly but also extends its lifespan—definitely not something to be lazy about.
When I was a new car owner, I checked the manual and consulted experienced drivers. A minor service is required every six months or 5,000 kilometers, while a major service involves a comprehensive inspection every two years or 30,000 kilometers. I use a mobile app to set reminders, which is very practical, especially for someone like me who does a lot of short-distance commuting and tends to overlook the mileage. Sticking to the schedule is crucial; otherwise, like my colleague who missed a service, the car might break down halfway, causing big trouble. The app also tracks fuel consumption changes, and I noticed better fuel efficiency after servicing. I’ve added some personal habits too, like driving more smoothly to reduce wear and tear.
