Is a major maintenance necessary at 60,000 kilometers?
2 Answers
A major maintenance is required at 60,000 kilometers. If your vehicle has reached 60,000 kilometers, it is recommended to perform a comprehensive maintenance. In addition to changing the engine oil and three filters, it is advisable to clean the throttle body and replace the spark plugs. The brake fluid and transmission fluid should also be changed. All vehicle fluids, including brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant, should be replaced. For manual transmission vehicles, the transmission fluid does not need to be changed, and for electric power steering vehicles, there is no power steering fluid to replace. Timing belt: If your vehicle has a timing chain, this can be ignored, but if it has a timing belt, it should be replaced. This is because the belt is constantly under tension, and aging significantly affects its lifespan. There are no warning signs before a timing belt breaks, and even inspections may not detect an impending failure. If the belt breaks, it can cause significant engine damage, requiring major repairs. Besides the timing belt, there is also an accessory belt, which is usually replaced at the same time. While a broken accessory belt won’t damage the vehicle, it will leave you stranded as it powers components like the alternator and power steering. Cleaning carbon deposits in the fuel system: Carbon buildup in the engine can cause various issues, such as difficulty starting in the morning, intermittent idle shaking, poor acceleration, and increased fuel consumption. If the fuel system hasn’t been cleaned before, now is the time to do so. Delaying this process can cause the carbon deposits to harden, making them difficult to remove thoroughly without disassembly.
In my years of driving experience, a major service at 60,000 kilometers isn't always mandatory—it largely depends on your vehicle model and driving habits. For instance, an older car I owned required timing belt and transmission fluid changes per the manual, while a newer SUV with chain design made these less urgent. Since I drive smoothly during city commutes with good maintenance records, I postponed mine until 80,000 km. However, if you frequently take long trips or face poor road conditions causing faster engine wear, prompt checks are advised. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations in your owner's manual rather than following neighbors' cost-cutting advice that may lead to major failures.
