Should Car Maintenance Be Based on Time or Mileage?
2 Answers
Car maintenance can be based on either time or mileage, whichever comes first. For a new car, the first maintenance should be done within 3 to 5 months or when the mileage reaches 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers. In addition to changing the engine oil and oil filter, the first maintenance also includes a comprehensive inspection and diagnosis of the vehicle's condition and usage. The first maintenance items include: replacing the engine oil and oil filter, cleaning the air filter, checking the levels of various fluids, inspecting the generator belt and wiper blades for damage, checking tire pressure and condition, and examining the chassis and all switches in the vehicle.
I always believe that car maintenance should not be taken lightly when it comes to time or mileage—both should be considered! The car manual clearly states "every 6 months or 5,000 kilometers," meaning whichever condition is met first should trigger maintenance. If you ignore the time factor, even if the car is rarely driven, certain components will naturally degrade: for example, engine oil exposed to air oxidizes and thickens, affecting lubrication; coolant may also deteriorate and lose effectiveness. A friend of mine left his car in the garage for six months without driving it, thinking that since the mileage hadn’t been reached, it was fine—but ended up with a clogged cooling system and a hefty repair bill. On the other hand, mileage is crucial too, as engine wear increases with distance, and frequent highway driving requires more timely oil changes. I recommend car owners regularly check their manuals or set phone reminders to avoid missing service intervals. Those who frequently make short trips should pay extra attention to additional wear caused by frequent starts and stops, adjusting maintenance based on actual usage. This approach helps prevent major breakdowns and ensures safety and long-term reliability.
