Is an annual car service sufficient if the vehicle is not driven frequently?

[LaJasper]

Car maintenance does not strictly require an annual service. If the vehicle is not driven frequently and goes several months without maintenance, it generally has no adverse effects. Below is an introduction to car maintenance: 1. Overview: There are no subsidies for car maintenance, and it is not mandatory to service the vehicle every 5,000 kilometers. If the time interval between services is short, it has little impact on the car. If you only drive 5,000 kilometers in a year, servicing every seven to eight months is also acceptable. 2. Engine oil change cycle: The standard oil change interval is 5,000 kilometers, but the exact cycle and quantity depend on the specific vehicle model. The 5,000-kilometer service recommendation applies to general conditions. For household cars that are rarely used, covering less than 10,000 kilometers or even less annually, it is important to schedule maintenance based on time. Prolonged parking can be more damaging to a car. Only when the car is started and all parts are adequately engaged through operation can the vehicle maintain good condition over the long term.

[ClaraAnn]

My car doesn't run much, at most a few thousand kilometers a year, but I really don't dare to service it only once a year. Even if the engine oil isn't used, it will oxidize and deteriorate over time, just like yogurt that clumps when left for too long, causing its lubrication and protection capabilities to drop sharply. Moreover, the battery will lose charge and become useless if not charged and discharged regularly, tires will deform from prolonged pressure on a single spot, brake discs will rust and seize up, and those parked in underground garages may even develop mold spots. My neighbor didn't service his car for a year, and the engine developed severe cold-start noises, resulting in a major repair that cost over ten thousand yuan. So even with low mileage, I insist on changing the oil every six months or so and doing a full service once a year—spending a little now to save a lot later.

[LeClayton]

According to the manual, the manufacturer-recommended maintenance cycle is typically based on whichever comes first: time or mileage. Low mileage doesn't equate to good vehicle condition. Engine oil expires after one year at most, while coolant and brake fluid absorb moisture and deteriorate. Tire rubber aging isn't affected by driving distance. Through my frequent contact with such low-usage vehicles, I've observed that prolonged neglect of transmission fluid changes can lead to valve body sticking, and chassis bushings may deform under static parking stress. Electronic systems like anti-theft modules might malfunction due to unstable battery voltage. Therefore, regardless of mileage, it's more reliable to follow time-based maintenance intervals, with a comprehensive annual inspection being essential.

[VanZoe]

Long-term parking does more harm to a car than daily driving. Engine oil is like blood in the engine; prolonged inactivity causes sludge to settle and clog oil passages, while rubber seals dry out and crack, leading to leaks. Last time I helped a friend inspect an old, parked Lexus, we even found water rust inside the engine because moisture had condensed in the oil pan. A car battery loses 1% of its charge daily when unused and can be completely dead in three months. Not to mention unexpected issues like rodents chewing wires or tires becoming out of round. I make it a habit to start the car and let it warm up for ten minutes every month and perform minor maintenance every quarter to ensure the brake pads don’t stick. A car isn’t an antique—the less it moves, the more likely it is to break down. Maintenance cycles of six months to a year really shouldn’t be skipped.