Is it a problem if a car hasn't been serviced for a year?
4 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.
I think neglecting car maintenance for a year is quite problematic, especially from a safety perspective. You might not notice worn brake pads, but their efficiency decreases during emergency braking. If tires age and deform, they're prone to blowouts at high speeds, which is extremely dangerous. Without battery maintenance, it might fail to start in winter. I've seen a friend's car develop severe engine carbon buildup due to unchanged engine oil, costing a fortune to repair. Without regular maintenance, the cooling system could malfunction, leading to engine overheating. In short, maintenance is crucial—don't overlook it. Timely servicing prevents accidents and ensures safe travels for you and your family, as even minor vehicle issues can lead to major troubles.
Skipping car maintenance for a year will definitely cause problems – I've experienced it firsthand. Trying to save money by skipping maintenance ends up costing more in the long run. For example, if you don't change the engine oil, it thickens and makes the engine run less smoothly, increasing fuel consumption. Over time, the repair costs become much higher. Uneven tire wear means you'll have to replace them, costing hundreds per tire. If the battery ages without inspection and suddenly fails, you'll need to replace the entire unit. Even small issues like clogged filters can accumulate into major problems. While it might seem like you're saving a few hundred bucks on maintenance, repairs can easily cost thousands, making it far less cost-effective. My advice: don't delay – get your car checked at a shop ASAP to minimize risks.
