Is it necessary to service a car every 5,000 kilometers?
3 Answers
It is necessary to service a car every 5,000 kilometers. Car maintenance is based on a cycle. Generally, the first maintenance time for a car is between 3 to 5 months, with the first maintenance mileage ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers, and even up to 8,000 kilometers for some cars. Below are the daily maintenance items for cars and their precautions: Maintenance and replacement of car fluids: Antifreeze, also known as coolant, primarily serves the functions of antifreeze and cooling. Cars are equipped with long-life antifreeze when they leave the factory, which can last up to 10 years or more than 100,000 kilometers. Under normal circumstances, it requires little maintenance unless sediments or flocculants are observed in the antifreeze. Car tire maintenance: Under-inflation or over-inflation of tires will lead to abnormal wear, shorten the tire's lifespan, increase fuel consumption, and even raise the risk of a blowout. It is recommended to check the tire pressure once a month to ensure normal tire pressure and the wear level of the tread pattern, and to rotate the tires as needed. Replacement of car consumable parts: The engine's spark plugs are consumable parts and should be replaced every 20,000 kilometers. In addition, components such as brake fluid, transmission oil, the battery, the throttle, the fuel injectors, and brake pads are all inspection items during routine maintenance, and should be serviced and maintained based on their condition.
Nowadays, talking about maintenance every 5,000 kilometers is not an absolute must. In fact, it depends on the vehicle's manufacturer manual and personal driving habits. Many new cars using full synthetic oil can extend the service interval to over 7,500 kilometers without issues. For example, some German cars recommend 10,000 kilometers. My car only gets an oil change every 10,000 kilometers, and the engine runs incredibly smooth. Only aggressive driving or frequent rough road conditions require shortening the interval slightly. Regular maintenance aims to keep the engine lubricated and prevent issues like carbon buildup, but blindly checking every 5,000 kilometers is just a waste of money and effort. It's best to follow the dashboard alerts or use an app to set reminders. Don’t be bound by outdated notions—smart car care is what really matters. In short, the manual is key; setting a suitable plan is both hassle-free and efficient.
As a seasoned driver with decades of experience, I must say that maintenance every 5,000 kilometers isn't mandatory. Consulting the owner's manual is most accurate—many Japanese cars recommend maintenance intervals of 7,500 to 10,000 kilometers, with synthetic oil lasting even longer. My advice: observe your driving conditions. If you're often stuck in city traffic with heavy dust, service sooner; if mostly highway driving with less dust, you can stretch it out. To save money, extending intervals reasonably makes sense—don't let maintenance become a burden. By the way, regularly checking oil condition is more useful than rigidly following mileage, preventing minor issues from turning into major repairs. Develop the habit of glancing at the dipstick every time you refuel—it keeps your car in stable condition effortlessly. Trust the manufacturer's recommendations and don't arbitrarily change the schedule.
