How often should the engine be maintained?
4 Answers
Engine maintenance is recommended every 5,000 kilometers or every six months. The maintenance interval also depends on the type of oil used. For ordinary mineral oil, it's every 5,000 kilometers, while for better semi-synthetic oil, it can be extended to around 7,000 kilometers. Key points of engine maintenance: 1. Use the appropriate grade of engine oil and change the oil and filter regularly; 2. Maintain the air filter frequently and replace it periodically; 3. Clean the fuel system regularly and replace the fuel filter; 4. Maintain the radiator mesh regularly; 5. Replace spark plugs periodically. Essential maintenance tasks include changing the engine oil and oil filter. Regular car maintenance should include frequent car washing, and key areas to check regularly are tire surface and pressure, oil level, coolant level, and brake fluid level.
From my decade-plus experience running an auto repair shop, engine maintenance intervals definitely aren't one-size-fits-all. For the first two years of a new car, following the manual is foolproof - most require oil and filter changes between 5,000 to 10,000 km. After the break-in period, it depends on driving intensity: vehicles crawling in city traffic daily might have blackened oil by 8,000 km, while highway cruisers can stretch full synthetic oil to 12,000 km. Like that old Passat I serviced last week - the owner forgot an oil change, and sludge built up like sesame paste, costing over 8,000 yuan in major repairs. The key is learning to check the dipstick - take immediate action when the oil turns black and thin.
As a commuter who travels 60 kilometers daily, I've developed a foolproof maintenance routine: Every month when washing my car, I check the engine oil (the white paper drip method taught by the 4S shop is super simple). For regular commuting, I use semi-synthetic oil and schedule maintenance when the odometer reaches 7,500 km. Important reminder: Don't neglect the air filter! Last time during maintenance, I found the filter completely clogged with willow catkins - the technician said this puts extra strain on the engine. Changing the cabin air filter yourself is extremely easy; just 30 yuan on Taobao can save your engine from premature aging.
Veteran car enthusiasts reveal three key figures: Mineral oil lifespan ≤5,000 km, semi-synthetic 7,500±500 km, and full synthetic can easily last 12,000 km. My BRZ with modified exhaust insists on ester-based full synthetic oil, and the oil still appears amber-colored at every 10,000-km oil change. But remember, aggressive driving shortens oil life by 30%—after 200 laps on the track day, the oil deteriorated at just 6,000 km. For modified cars, it's recommended to install an oil temperature gauge; ease off immediately if it exceeds 120°C.
