Is it acceptable to exceed 5000 kilometers for car maintenance?
3 Answers
It is acceptable to exceed 5000 kilometers for car maintenance. Below is the relevant introduction to car maintenance: 1. Minor maintenance: Minor maintenance includes engine oil and oil filter, air filter, cabin air filter, wheel alignment, and tire pressure monitoring. During minor maintenance, it is important to note: when changing the engine oil, the remaining old oil must be completely removed before adding new oil. 2. Major maintenance: Generally, a major maintenance is required every 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers. In addition to changing the engine oil and three filters, major maintenance also involves replacing brake fluid, transmission fluid, timing belt, cleaning the engine's throttle body and fuel injectors, cleaning the fuel system, replacing spark plugs, inspecting the ignition system including ignition coils, and finally checking whether the tires need replacement and cleaning carbon deposits.
I've experienced this situation before. Going over 5,000 kilometers for maintenance might not cause immediate problems, but I don't recommend making it a habit. The 5,000-kilometer maintenance interval is set for a reason - mainly because engine oil may start to degrade after this mileage, losing its lubricating properties and causing increased internal engine wear. If you're only slightly over, say 5,100 or 5,200 kilometers, and the oil color still looks okay, it's probably not a big issue. However, consistently exceeding the interval, especially in urban stop-and-go traffic, can lead to increased carbon buildup and potentially bigger repair problems down the line. Personally, I recommend sticking to the scheduled maintenance at authorized service centers to prevent small issues from becoming major headaches. Also, different car models have different tolerances - my Japanese car can handle slight delays better than American models which tend to be more sensitive. Bottom line: safety first - don't risk major expenses just to save a little money.
Last time I forgot the maintenance schedule and didn’t get the car checked until it had driven 5,200 km. The technician said the engine oil was a bit dirty but there were no major issues—just needed an oil change. However, I know I got lucky, as not all cars can handle that. The 5,000 km interval is a recommended value aimed at protecting the engine and transmission. Delaying too long, say by over 1,000 km, accelerates component wear due to oil degradation, especially noticeable during high-speed driving. Personally, I now set calendar reminders to avoid missing maintenance due to a busy schedule. Maintenance isn’t just about oil changes; it also includes inspecting filters, brake systems, and more. In short, slight delays are acceptable, but don’t make it a habit. Regular upkeep ensures your car runs longer and smoother.
