Is it necessary to service the car every 5,000 kilometers?

[DiTravis]

It is not mandatory to service the car at exactly 5,000 kilometers; it depends on the condition of the vehicle. Below are the relevant details about car maintenance: Maintenance intervals: The first service should be performed within 5,000 kilometers or three months, followed by subsequent services every 5,000 kilometers or six months. Maintenance items: Engine oil, oil filter, transmission fluid, spark plugs, cabin air filter, air filter, fuel filter, brake fluid. Purpose of maintenance: Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the vehicle, also known as vehicle upkeep. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent faults, slow down deterioration, and extend the service life.

[ValentinaMarie]

Having driven for so long, I don't think the 5,000 km service interval is a rigid rule. My car's manual recommends maintenance every 7,500 km or six months, but since I often drive on highways and the oil quality remains good, I extend it to 8,000 km. Modern cars using full synthetic oil have a longer lifespan, and excessive maintenance just wastes money and time. The key is to monitor whether the oil dipstick turns black or if the engine sounds abnormal. Regularly checking tire pressure and brake pads is more practical—this way, you protect your car without frequent garage visits. Adjusting based on driving habits is the smart approach; don't be bound by outdated notions.

[OliveDella]

As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've found that 5,000-kilometer maintenance isn't absolutely necessary. Early vehicles using mineral oil did require frequent changes, but modern full synthetic oils are far more durable. My suggestion is to refer to the owner's manual—for example, Japanese cars often recommend 10,000 kilometers, while German models may specify shorter intervals. If you frequently encounter city traffic congestion or often carry heavy loads, advancing the schedule to 6,000 kilometers might be reasonable. The key is monitoring the oil condition and filter cleanliness—there's no need to queue up for an oil change every 5,000 kilometers. Paying attention to your car's actual needs saves both money and hassle.