Is Car Maintenance Based on Mileage or Time?
2 Answers
Car maintenance is categorized into two types: time-based maintenance and mileage-based maintenance. Whether to perform maintenance depends on which condition is met first. Even if the car is driven very little daily, maintenance should still be conducted when the time interval is reached. The car's maintenance manual typically specifies intervals such as six months or 5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. Here are some details about car maintenance: 1. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the vehicle, also known as vehicle upkeep. 2. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent faults, slow down deterioration, and extend the vehicle's lifespan. 3. Vehicle maintenance is crucial as it not only ensures driving safety for the owner but also enhances the car's residual value.
With over a decade of driving experience, my maintenance routine has taught me to consider both mileage and time. Every visit to the 4S shop, technicians remind me that oil changes should occur every 5,000 kilometers or six months, whichever comes first. Once, due to business travel, I only drove 2,000 kilometers but went eight months without an oil change, resulting in increased engine noise. Upon inspection, degraded lubricant was found contaminating components. Items like air filters primarily depend on mileage for dust accumulation, but fluids such as brake fluid and coolant absorb moisture or oxidize into acidity over time—the manual recommends inspection every two years or 30,000 kilometers. Ignoring time-based maintenance accelerates part aging, leading to sudden failures and costlier repairs. By regularly combining both checks, my car enjoys a longer lifespan, enhanced safety, and hassle-free operation. After making it a habit, I’ve rarely faced the embarrassment of roadside breakdowns.
