Is it okay to service a car once a year if it's not driven often?
2 Answers
It is acceptable to service a car once a year. Here are the details: 1. Maintenance cycle: During the entire lifespan of a car, 40,000 kilometers is a crucial milestone for maintenance. 2. Inspection and replacement items during maintenance: Everything from the engine to the transmission, and from the chassis to the brake pads, needs to be thoroughly inspected. During each service, it is advisable to check the brake system and always monitor its wear and tear. Here is additional information on car maintenance precautions: 1. Car engine maintenance: The car engine should be cleaned at appropriate intervals. Prolonged use can lead to the formation of a thick layer of carbon deposits on the engine's surface, which can significantly corrode the rubber components inside the engine. 2. Preventing evaporation of gasoline and water: In summer, temperatures are generally higher, making gasoline and water more prone to evaporation than usual. Regularly check the radiator and fuel tank, and promptly refill them when levels are low. 3. Maintaining hygiene inside the car: Summer is the season when bacteria multiply the fastest. Therefore, the car's interior should be kept clean, especially items that are prone to dirt, such as car seat covers, steering wheel covers, and floor mats.
If your car isn't driven frequently, there are some areas to pay attention to with annual maintenance. I also don't drive often, sometimes leaving the car untouched for months. Initially, I tried saving money this way too, but later discovered that even with low mileage, engine oil gradually oxidizes and deteriorates, affecting engine lifespan. For example, full synthetic oil typically has a shelf life of about one year - beyond that it may lose lubricating effectiveness. Additionally, batteries left idle for long periods tend to discharge insufficiently, leading to failure to start; tires develop deformation from prolonged pressure on single points; brake fluid absorbs moisture which impacts braking performance. I've now switched to inspections every six months, or regularly checking tire pressure and battery voltage myself to avoid sudden issues. Overall, annual maintenance is feasible but ensure the inspection focuses on items affected by prolonged parking - don't just look at mileage.
