Is Car Maintenance Required If the Mileage Hasn't Been Reached?
3 Answers
Car maintenance is not required if the mileage hasn't been reached. The accurate maintenance cycle mainly depends on the actual usage of the vehicle. Below is the relevant introduction to car maintenance: Maintenance Time: The first maintenance for a new car should be performed after driving 3,000-5,000 kilometers or around 5 months. After the first maintenance, it is recommended to perform maintenance every 10,000 kilometers. Most cars drive about 10,000 kilometers a year, so annual maintenance is also acceptable. Car Maintenance Precautions: When determining the car maintenance cycle, refer to the maintenance cycle recommended by the car manufacturer, and make appropriate adjustments based on the car's technical condition and actual usage conditions. Apart from gasoline, lubricating oil is another major expense for car owners. As one of the most important protective products for cars, lubricating oil needs to be changed frequently.
I think maintenance shouldn't just be based on mileage - timing matters too. Last time my car only drove 3,000 km in 6 months, but the mechanic said engine oil starts oxidizing after being opened for half a year, and prolonged storage can corrode the engine. Especially in northern winters, frequent short trips generate more carbon deposits. My neighbor delayed maintenance by half a year and ended up with a sludge-filled oil pan, costing over 8,000 yuan for major repairs. Now I've developed a habit: when the wrench icon pops up on the dashboard, I schedule service immediately, or set semi-annual reminders on my phone. Even with low mileage, changing fluids at least annually definitely helps prolong the car's lifespan.
The maintenance cycle follows dual criteria of time and mileage, just like how you need to consider both the expiration date and the 'use-by after opening' for food. My daily commute is only 3 kilometers one way, so I don't even reach 5,000 km in six months. But there's good reason why the service manual states '6 months or 5,000 km, whichever comes first.' Prolonged parking can cause brake fluid to absorb moisture and tires to deform. Last week, I noticed a strange odor from the AC, and inspection revealed mold in the evaporator. Now, I check tire pressure and fluid levels monthly and change engine oil with filter every six months - this is far more cost-effective than waiting for breakdowns to occur.
