Is There Any Harm in Exceeding the Car Maintenance Mileage?
4 Answers
Occasionally exceeding the maintenance mileage by a small margin will not cause any harm to the car. However, frequently exceeding the maintenance mileage by a significant amount can be detrimental to the vehicle. Car maintenance is something many car owners pay close attention to, but some may delay it due to busy schedules. In reality, exceeding the maintenance mileage slightly will not have any significant impact on the car. Below is some relevant information: Categories of Car Maintenance Mileage: Generally, minor maintenance is recommended every 5,000 kilometers or 6 months, while major maintenance is suggested every 20,000-30,000 kilometers or every 2 years. 4S shops often recommend maintenance every 3 months or 5,000 kilometers. Considerations for Car Maintenance Mileage: Maintenance intervals vary significantly across different car makes and brands due to differences in technical specifications. Different brands of cars are equipped with engines of varying designs; some engines are made of better materials and have higher precision, resulting in relatively less wear, while others may require higher-quality engine oil or even have special requirements. Therefore, most brand-name cars require corresponding original manufacturer oil for proper lubrication.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have experienced multiple unfortunate incidents of exceeding maintenance intervals, which is absolutely harmful. For example, engine oil aging and losing effectiveness leads to poor lubrication, increased wear on pistons and cylinders, and a spike in fuel consumption; air filters clogged with dust result in restricted airflow and reduced power; it can also cause carbon buildup, cooling system malfunctions, and breakdowns at critical moments. I remember one time when I exceeded the interval by 2,000 kilometers—the check engine light stayed on, and eventually the turbocharger burned out, costing me thousands in repairs. Not only is it costly and time-consuming, but it also poses significant safety risks. If the drivetrain fails and the car loses control, the consequences could be disastrous. Regular maintenance may cost a little, but it prevents disasters and saves a lot of hassle. Don’t be lazy—follow the manual to avoid major regrets later.
As an ordinary office worker, I've done the math: exceeding maintenance mileage might seem like saving small money, but the hidden risks are enormous. First, the probability of oil leaks increases, with oil contamination corroding chassis components. Second, deteriorated brake fluid or transmission oil can affect braking response, potentially causing failure to stop in highway emergencies. Another example is worsened emissions, which may lead to annual inspection failures requiring costly repairs. I delayed maintenance once two years ago, resulting in a broken drive belt – the towing and repair costs totaled three months' salary, far exceeding regular maintenance expenses. Now I use a mobile app to set reminders for timely oil and filter changes. The car runs smoother and safer, with 2%-3% lower fuel consumption. Avoiding big troubles is wiser than saving small money – this lesson was worth learning.
In terms of vehicle maintenance, exceeding the maintenance mileage can trigger a chain of problems. Degraded engine oil loses its viscosity, leading to excessive internal friction and overheating, which can easily cause cylinder block damage; a clogged air filter reduces combustion efficiency and increases emissions beyond standards; carbon buildup on spark plugs causes misfires, resulting in engine shaking and warning lights. Additionally, a failing lubrication system accelerates bearing wear and increases transmission noise. If not addressed promptly, repair costs can double or even require complete assembly replacement. It is recommended to perform a check every 5,000 kilometers, as simple maintenance can significantly extend component lifespan and keep the car running efficiently. This habit saves time and money, avoiding the embarrassment of a breakdown on the road.
