How Often Should You Service Your Car?
2 Answers
Car service intervals are typically recommended every 5,000 kilometers or every six months, whichever comes first. However, the actual maintenance frequency may vary depending on the owner's driving habits and operating conditions. Vehicles frequently driven in harsh environments may require more frequent servicing. Car maintenance, also known as vehicle servicing, refers to the preventive work involving inspection, cleaning, replenishment, lubrication, adjustment or replacement of certain components. Its purposes are to maintain vehicle cleanliness, ensure proper technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent malfunctions, and extend the vehicle's service life.
Every time I'm asked about maintenance intervals, I feel it really depends on the specific condition of the car. For my own Japanese car, I change the oil and oil filter every 8,000 kilometers or six months, even though the manual suggests 10,000 kilometers—I prefer to do it a bit earlier. Last time, the technician at the 4S shop mentioned that if you often drive on mountain roads with a lot of dust, it's best to check the air filter every three months. I remember once when I didn’t drive my car for half a year due to a business trip, and when I came back, I found the brake pads had actually gotten damp and started making strange noises. Now, I always do a minor service before leaving the car idle for a long time. The key is not to focus solely on mileage—things like tire wear and battery condition also need attention. A seasoned driver’s advice: don’t exceed 150% of the manufacturer’s standard for maintenance intervals; saving small amounts now might cost you big later.
