Is a Major Maintenance Service Absolutely Necessary at 60,000 Kilometers for a Car?

[AliceAnn]

Yes, a major maintenance service is required at 60,000 kilometers for a car. For vehicles using fully synthetic oil, maintenance should be performed every 10,000 kilometers or once a year, while for those using semi-synthetic oil, it should be done within 7,000 kilometers or every 7 to 9 months. Additional information on car maintenance: Minor Car Maintenance: The frequency of minor car maintenance depends on the type of engine oil used, which is mainly categorized into two types: fully synthetic oil and semi-synthetic oil; mineral oil is largely obsolete. The current common maintenance schedule is to change semi-synthetic oil within 7,500 kilometers or every 7 to 9 months, while fully synthetic oil is typically changed once a year or every 10,000 kilometers, especially SN-grade fully synthetic oil, which can even extend to over 12,000 kilometers before needing a change. Minor maintenance is also closely related to the driver's habits and the vehicle's driving conditions. More aggressive driving with frequent hard acceleration consumes more engine oil, thus shortening the maintenance interval. Similarly, frequent city driving with low speeds and constant stop-and-go conditions also reduces the maintenance cycle. However, under normal driving conditions without special requirements, fully synthetic oil can be changed every 10,000 kilometers or once a year, and semi-synthetic oil within 7,000 kilometers or every 7 to 9 months, both within safe limits. Major Car Maintenance: Engine Coolant Maintenance: The coolant should generally be replaced every 2 to 3 years or 40,000 kilometers. Prolonged use without replacement can lead to aging, deterioration, increased deposits, reduced flow, and diminished cooling capacity, which may cause overheating in summer. Engine Timing Belt Replacement: The timing belt is a critical component of the engine's valve system, ensuring accurate intake and exhaust timing by connecting to the crankshaft at a specific ratio. Replacement intervals vary but are typically between 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. Regular inspections are advised, and if signs of cracking, sudden increases in fuel consumption, or poor performance appear, replacement should be considered. Engine Spark Plug Replacement: Spark plugs introduce high voltage from the ignition coil into the engine cylinders, generating sparks to ignite the air-fuel mixture. Damaged spark plugs can lead to misfires and irregular engine vibrations. Replacement intervals vary, but generally, spark plugs should be replaced after 60,000 kilometers. Transmission Fluid Maintenance: Transmission types include MT, AT, CVT, and DCT. MT and DCT transmissions require minimal fluid maintenance, often considered lifetime-free. AT transmissions are more mature and rarely need fluid changes, but if concerned, a change every 100,000 kilometers is optional. CVT transmissions demand higher fluid quality and should be serviced periodically, though intervals can extend beyond 80,000 kilometers. Brake Fluid and Brake Pad Maintenance: Brake fluid should be replaced when its water content exceeds 4%, as high temperatures can cause vaporization, leading to reduced braking efficiency. Brake pads should be replaced when their thickness falls below 5mm or if uneven wear is detected. New pads are about 15mm thick. Tire Maintenance: As the only contact point between the car and the road, tires significantly impact safety. Maintenance is based on either time (3 to 5 years) or mileage (50,000 to 60,000 kilometers). Rubber deteriorates over time, reducing tire strength, and excessive wear or thinning requires prompt replacement.

[DeAdaline]

When my car had just passed 60,000 kilometers, my friends all advised me to get a major service, so I went to the repair shop. The technician explained that 60,000 kilometers is a critical milestone, and many wear-and-tear components need inspection, such as changing the oil and filters, checking the brake system, etc. It's not mandatory but highly recommended because long-term driving accumulates minor issues, like degraded oil or a loose drivetrain, which could damage the engine or cause accidents. For example, my friend ignored checking the rear brake pads and nearly had an accident. I opted for the full service, which cost 800 yuan, but the car runs smoother now, and its lifespan is extended. Every car is different—newer models might not need it as often—but for safety, I suggest not delaying and consulting a technician in advance. Don’t risk saving money; prevention is much cheaper than repairs.

[Albuquerque]

As a business professional who frequently drives for work, I believe the 60,000-kilometer major maintenance is worth doing. The manual usually recommends oil changes, air filter replacements, etc., at this mileage, though it's not mandatory; the key lies in maintenance costs versus future risks. I consulted repair shops and learned that neglecting it could lead to engine failure or sudden issues, potentially increasing future repair costs by thousands. Crunching the numbers, maintenance costs around 500-1,200 yuan, far less than post-failure expenses. Safety is also critical—unchecked brakes or cooling systems could cause accidents at high speeds. After completing the service, my car feels more reliable. My advice: tailor the service to your driving habits—urban commuters can streamline items, but highway-heavy drivers must do it. Don’t hesitate—small investment, big protection.

[AdamDella]

Having driven for decades, my experience is that a major maintenance service should be performed when the car reaches 60,000 kilometers. At this point, the spark plugs may be worn out, the filters could be clogged, and the braking system also needs inspection. It's not absolutely mandatory, but it's advisable to do it regularly to prevent minor oversights from turning into major issues, such as neglecting coolant checks leading to engine overheating and failure. For safety's sake, I always check the tires and electrical system during oil changes, which saves both hassle and money. The vehicle model makes a big difference: new cars can afford slight delays, but older cars should be serviced promptly. Maintenance extends the vehicle's lifespan—never skimp on it to save a few bucks.