Is Maintenance Required Every 5,000 Kilometers?
3 Answers
Maintenance does not necessarily have to be performed every 5,000 kilometers, as a 5,000-kilometer service typically involves an oil change and inspection of the vehicle's functions. Below are relevant details about maintenance: 1. Definition: Automobile maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of a vehicle, also known as vehicle upkeep. 2. Scope: Modern vehicle maintenance mainly includes the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, and other related areas. 3. Purpose: The goal of vehicle maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean, ensure normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent malfunctions, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life.
After driving for ten years, I finally realized that the 5000-kilometer maintenance interval isn't set in stone! Today's engine oil technology is far superior to what it was twenty years ago, especially full synthetic oils. Manufacturer manuals clearly state intervals of 8000-15000 kilometers for oil changes. My own car's manual specifies maintenance at 12000 kilometers, yet the dealership keeps pushing for 5000-kilometer visits—clearly just trying to make more money on service fees. What really matters is your driving conditions: frequent stop-and-go traffic or mountain driving may require more frequent oil changes. Before each oil change, I always check the dipstick—if the oil is black or contains metal particles, then it's truly time for a change. Don't let shops trick you into unnecessary spending.
You youngsters might not know that the 5,000-kilometer standard is an outdated rule from twenty years ago! Modern cars now use full synthetic oil, and German cars generally require maintenance at 10,000 kilometers. My neighbor's BMW manual clearly states an oil change interval of 15,000 kilometers. I've seen too many people fall for dealership tricks during repairs—getting talked into changing oil at just 6,000 kilometers. Remember these three key points: always check your car's maintenance manual for the most accurate information; full synthetic oil can definitely last 10,000 kilometers; cars that frequently drive on highways actually have more durable oil than those stuck in city traffic every day.
