Is it okay not to perform maintenance at 5,000 kilometers?
3 Answers
It is not okay to skip maintenance at 5,000 kilometers. Engine oil needs to be replaced every 5,000 kilometers. The impact of not performing regular maintenance on the car includes: 1. A dirty air filter can obstruct fresh air from entering the cylinder, leading to an overly rich fuel mixture, incomplete combustion, reduced power, and excessive emissions. 2. A clogged oil filter can hinder the flow of lubricating oil, causing poor engine lubrication, increased wear, and even bearing failure. The oil filter should be replaced every 8,000 kilometers, or every 5,000 kilometers in dry climates. If the oil deteriorates or exceeds the replacement cycle, it should be replaced promptly. Engine oil should be replaced every 8,000 kilometers or every six months, brake fluid every 20,000 to 40,000 kilometers or every two years, coolant every 1 to 2 years, and hydraulic oil every year or every 10,000 kilometers.
I think this issue should be considered from the fundamental nature of vehicles. Every car has its own maintenance cycle, and 5,000 kilometers isn't excessive but happens to be a critical point after the break-in period. A friend of mine once thought delaying maintenance wouldn't matter, but when he finally went in at 7,000 kilometers, the engine was full of debris and the oil was black as ink. Actually, this is precisely when changing the oil and filter becomes crucial—all the residue from new part break-in accumulates in the oil, and failing to replace it promptly leads to engine wear. Additionally, technicians will routinely inspect critical components like tires and brake pads during maintenance; identifying potential issues early can prevent major troubles. So for your car's longevity and safety, I recommend sticking to scheduled maintenance—trying to save small money might end up costing you big.
As someone who drives frequently, I believe car maintenance is not something to be taken lightly. 5,000 kilometers may not seem like much, but it's right after the break-in period of a new car when it needs extra care. I once tried delaying maintenance to save some money, only to find the throttle response became sluggish shortly after, and fuel consumption inexplicably increased. The mechanic later told me this was caused by deteriorating engine oil performance, where insufficient lubrication affected overall engine efficiency. Each maintenance service isn't just about changing oil—it also includes checking various fluid levels, tire wear, lighting systems, etc., so any issues can be addressed early. In short, don't risk damaging your car to save a few hundred bucks on maintenance, because repairs will cost way more than that.
