Is it okay to service a car once a year?
4 Answers
If the car is driven relatively little, servicing it once a year is acceptable, but it is recommended to service it at least twice a year. Automobile Maintenance and Care: Generally, a car should be serviced every 5,000 kilometers or every six months. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. The Scope of Car Maintenance: Modern car maintenance mainly includes the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, etc. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the car clean and tidy, ensure normal technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life.
As a driver with over a decade of experience, I believe that servicing a car once a year can be acceptable under certain circumstances, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. For example, if you drive infrequently, like me, mainly using the car for short city commutes, covering only about six to seven thousand kilometers a year, then following the owner's manual recommendation (many cars now suggest servicing every 10,000 kilometers or 12 months) is perfectly fine. However, if you drive more, like my friend who makes long-distance deliveries, covering 20,000 kilometers a year, the oil degrades faster and the filters clog more quickly, making once-a-year servicing clearly insufficient. Brake pads and tires also need frequent checks to avoid safety issues. In short, you need to consider your driving habits—low-mileage city driving might be okay, but for frequent highway driving, servicing every six months is better. A small tip: I check the oil dipstick and tire pressure every six months to prevent issues in advance, avoiding costly and time-consuming repairs later.
I'm a typical urban office worker, driving an economy car with an extremely busy work schedule. If the car only needs servicing once a year, I find it very convenient, especially for someone like me with low commuting mileage (at most 5,000–6,000 km annually). The manufacturer's manual recommends every 10,000 km or one year, which fully meets my needs, saving both time and money. However, I don’t recommend completely neglecting maintenance—for example, if the brakes slip in rainy weather or the engine starts slowly, it's best to visit the shop early. Urban traffic congestion puts extra strain on the engine, and the air filter can easily clog, affecting fuel efficiency. I make it a habit to check fluid levels monthly and fix any issues immediately. For low mileage, once-a-year servicing is reasonable, but safety should always come first—don’t take chances. Pro tip: Choosing a high-quality full synthetic oil can extend intervals and reduce environmental impact.
I often DIY car repairs, so I'll be straightforward. Annual maintenance is fine, but pay attention to the oil type and mileage. Mineral oil may degrade in half a year, while full synthetic oil can last a year or 10,000 km without issues. Don't wait too long if the air filter is clogged and affecting performance. Brake fluid absorbs moisture and turns cloudy—waiting a year is too risky; I change it every six months. Saving money with low usage is feasible, but regularly check items like tire wear and battery life—DIY replacements can save hassle. The key is not to be lazy: proper maintenance keeps the engine running smoothly and extends its lifespan.
