Is it okay to service the car only after 10,000 kilometers?
3 Answers
According to the regulations of different car manufacturers, servicing the car only after 10,000 kilometers may have certain impacts. This means exceeding the first service interval, which could lead to a decline in the lubricating performance of the engine oil, thereby increasing engine wear and potentially causing louder engine noise during operation. Therefore, it is recommended that car owners adhere to the first service interval for vehicle maintenance. The first service, also known as the initial maintenance, is generally performed after using a new car for 3 months or driving 5,000 kilometers (however, the interval may vary depending on the car model, and the car manual clearly specifies the first service mileage). After that, the car needs to be serviced based on whichever comes first—time or mileage. For example, if the car hasn't been used for 3 months but has already reached 5,000 kilometers, it should be taken to a 4S shop for maintenance promptly. In addition, routine car maintenance is divided into minor and major services. Generally, for household cars, the minor service interval is 3 months or 5,000 kilometers, while the major service interval is 40,000 kilometers. A minor service typically refers to the routine maintenance performed after the car has traveled a certain distance or within the manufacturer's specified time to ensure vehicle performance. It mainly includes changing the engine oil and oil filter. A major service refers to the routine maintenance performed at the manufacturer's specified time or mileage, which includes replacing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter. If the car is serviced only after 10,000 kilometers, the following maintenance items should be performed: Replace engine oil and oil filter: The engine oil needs to be changed at 10,000 kilometers. Since engine oil lubricates the car during operation, its performance may degrade or even fail over time. It should be replaced during maintenance to prevent abnormal engine wear. Car inspection: After driving 10,000 kilometers, the car's engine, transmission, air conditioning system, steering system, braking system, suspension, body, tires, and other aspects should be inspected to ensure performance during operation. Clean or replace air and cabin air filters: After 10,000 kilometers, it is recommended to clean the air and cabin air filters. If the daily driving environment is harsh, these filters can be replaced after 10,000 kilometers to ensure better driving safety. These parts can be replaced by the owner, but if unsure, a professional can handle it. Check various car fluids: After 10,000 kilometers, check the coolant, brake fluid, tire pressure, etc. Abnormal fluid levels during operation may lead to abnormal wear and affect car performance.
As a long-time expert in automotive maintenance, I believe that strictly adhering to a 10,000-kilometer service interval isn't always ideal. It's crucial to consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific requirements. Certain European brands, for instance, recommend maintenance every 7,500 kilometers. Pushing it to 10,000 kilometers may lead to oil degradation, reduced viscosity, increased internal engine friction, and even component wear. In urban stop-and-go traffic conditions, engines operate under higher stress with faster fluid contamination, shortening mechanical lifespan. I always advise friends to follow manual specifications rather than just mileage – driving habits and environmental factors matter too. Regular maintenance prevents minor issues from becoming major repairs, such as simultaneous inspection of braking systems and filters, ensuring both driving safety and cost savings.
Hey, as an experienced driver who's been behind the wheel for decades, I've learned you shouldn't just stick to the 10,000 km service interval. Your car's manual is the real compass. Take my old Honda for example - it was supposed to get serviced every 5,000 km, but once I stretched it to 10,000 km. The oil got so dirty the engine started making knocking sounds, and the repair cost me nearly a thousand extra bucks. If you're constantly driving on highways or hauling heavy loads, the wear accelerates noticeably - changing oil earlier does your car good. Remember, maintenance isn't just about oil changes; you've got to check the oil filter and belts too to avoid roadside breakdowns. Regular maintenance keeps your ride smooth and saves you big money in the long run.
