Is Car Maintenance Better Based on Mileage or Time?
2 Answers
Car maintenance intervals should be determined based on whichever comes first between mileage and time. The specific interval depends on the type of engine oil used in the vehicle. 1. Generally, engine oils are categorized into three types: full synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral oil. 2. Full synthetic oil typically requires replacement every 10,000 kilometers or once a year. 3. Semi-synthetic oil usually needs to be changed every 7,500 kilometers or every 7-8 months. 4. Mineral oil generally requires replacement every 5,000 kilometers or every six months. Relevant information about engine oil is as follows: 1. Introduction: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant (English name: Engine-oil), has a density of approximately 0.91×10³ (kg/m³). It serves functions such as lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, and shock absorption. It is often referred to as the 'blood' of a car. 2. Composition: Engine oil consists of base oil and additives. Base oil is the primary component of lubricating oil, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil, providing certain new properties. Additives are an essential part of lubricating oil.
I think car maintenance should follow the 'whichever comes first' principle. The manual usually specifies both mileage and time intervals, such as 5,000 kilometers or 6 months. If you only consider mileage, for those who drive less—like many people who just commute—only covering a few thousand kilometers a year, the engine oil can still degrade and oxidize. This is especially true in humid or high-temperature conditions where internal engine components are prone to corrosion. I've seen a friend's car sit unused for a year, and when started, the engine made strange noises, leading to costly repairs. When the time comes, inspections are necessary, as brake fluid and coolant can also deteriorate, affecting safety. In short, combining both factors is the safest approach. Don't just save a little money; maintaining your car well ensures a longer lifespan and safer trips.
