Is it a problem if a car hasn't been serviced for a year?
2 Answers
It's generally not a big problem if a car hasn't been serviced for a year, as long as the vehicle is performing well in actual use. Typically, the first maintenance for a new car should be done after driving 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers or around 5 months. After the initial service, maintenance is recommended every 10,000 kilometers. Since most cars are driven about 10,000 kilometers per year, an annual service is usually sufficient. Modern car maintenance mainly includes servicing the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, and more. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean, ensure normal technical conditions, eliminate potential issues, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the vehicle's lifespan. Common car maintenance products include fuel system no-disassembly cleaners, intake system no-disassembly cleaners, air conditioning system purifiers, catalytic converter cleaners, power steering system cleaners, power steering system full-protection agents, transmission cleaners, transmission protectants, and other related series.
It's indeed problematic that my car hasn't been serviced for a year. I noticed something unusual during my last drive. The engine noise has become louder, and fuel consumption has increased. After inspection, I realized the engine oil has severely deteriorated, significantly reducing its lubricating effect. Continuing to delay would cause more severe engine wear. The tire wear is also uneven, making it prone to skidding in rainy conditions, which poses a significant safety risk. If the battery hasn't been checked for a year, it might be low on charge, leading to starting difficulties. Additionally, the brake fluid in the braking system may have degraded, affecting braking performance. I think these issues shouldn't be underestimated. They might be manageable for short trips, but problems could escalate during long-distance drives or bad weather. I recommend going to a professional shop for a comprehensive check-up as soon as possible to prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs. After all, car maintenance is about developing good habits—don't wait until something goes wrong to regret it.
