Is it necessary to service the car after running 5,000 kilometers?
3 Answers
It is necessary to service the car after running 5,000 kilometers, as car maintenance is based on a cycle. Below are the specific details: 1. First service time: The first service for a car should be done within 3-5 months. 2. First service mileage: The first service mileage ranges from 3,000 kilometers to 5,000 kilometers, and for some cars, it can even extend up to 8,000 kilometers. Here are some other details: 1. Maintenance items: Apart from changing the engine oil and oil filter, the first car service includes a comprehensive inspection and diagnosis of the vehicle's condition and usage. Usually, the first service items are free. If the technician suggests performing items not included in the first service, the car owner must inquire whether there will be additional charges before deciding whether to proceed. 2. Purpose of maintenance: During the first service of a new car, the vehicle's information such as the chassis number and frame number will be registered and uploaded to the manufacturer's nationwide warranty system. Missing the first service may likely result in the loss of warranty coverage.
I usually drive pretty aggressively and often take mountain roads, so I change my engine oil every 5,000 kilometers. But honestly, there's no need to rigidly stick to that number. Last time at the 4S shop, I saw a Corolla that went 8,000 kilometers before maintenance, and the mechanic said full synthetic oils these days are really durable. The best thing is to check your car's maintenance manual—my Honda recommends oil changes every 10,000 kilometers, and my neighbor's BMW can even go up to 12,000. It really depends on your driving conditions: if you're driving around construction sites every day, changing at 5,000 kilometers might already be late; but if it's just city commuting, checking the oil condition at 7,500 kilometers before deciding is perfectly fine.
When I first bought my car, I also blindly believed in the 5,000 km oil change myth. Later, a repair shop owner enlightened me: today's oil filters are three times better than a decade ago, and full synthetic oils have superior high-temperature stability. My old Tiguan now goes 7,000-8,000 km between services, and after 120,000 km the engine still runs strong. What really needs attention is tire wear – my colleague's car wore out its rear tires completely after just 5,000 km last week, far more urgent than an oil change. Remember not to get fooled by dealerships into unnecessary cleaning packages – basic maintenance is all you need.
