Should Car Maintenance Be Based on Time or Mileage?

[Maxine]

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.

[StJulian]

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.

[StRicardo]

As someone who has driven for many years, I understand that maintenance depends on personal driving habits: both mileage and time are important, but flexibility is key. If you frequently drive in the city like I do, with heavy traffic and frequent stops and starts, the engine wears out faster, so pay more attention to mileage standards—change the oil and get a check-up every 5,000 kilometers. However, if the car is mostly idle, such as only being driven short distances on weekends, then time becomes more critical. Leaving the car without maintenance for six months may cause oil stratification or moisture absorption, leading to part corrosion. Once, I left my car unused for three months during a business trip, and when I returned, the air filter was clogged, causing the AC to malfunction. Experience has taught me not to rely on a single indicator: frequent drivers should follow mileage, while occasional drivers should follow the calendar. By keeping track of both mileage and time based on real-world usage, you can save hassle and extend your car's lifespan.

[DiMorgan]

Automotive maintenance items vary by different standards. Core components like engine oil and brake systems depend on mileage, as friction wear increases with distance traveled. However, others such as coolant and batteries deteriorate over time and require regular checks even if the car isn't driven. In my daily maintenance routine, I pay attention to these distinctions: oil changes at 5,000-kilometer intervals, coolant replacement every 6 months to prevent aging, and monthly self-checks of tire pressure. This targeted approach is both simple and effective. I advise car owners not to conflate time and mileage—prioritize which parts are more prone to degradation: mechanical wear depends on mileage, while chemical products depend on time.