Should the car maintenance cycle be calculated based on mileage or time?
3 Answers
If the mileage is reached first, maintenance is required even if the scheduled time has not arrived. The car maintenance cycle is determined by whichever comes first. The following are the maintenance items: 1. Routine maintenance including replacing engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter; 2. In addition to regular oil and filter changes, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant should be replaced every 2 years or 60,000 kilometers; 3. It is generally recommended to clean carbon deposits within 20,000 kilometers. Brake discs should also be replaced based on actual usage, and tire lifespan is 4 years or 100,000 kilometers.
I think the maintenance cycle depends on how you use your car. I've been driving for over a decade, mostly on highways, and the mileage piles up quickly. If I don't change the engine oil according to the mileage, the engine can't handle it. But time is also crucial. Even if the car sits idle, like when I parked it for three months during the pandemic last year, the fluids oxidized and deteriorated, making it feel rough upon starting. So the best strategy is to service whichever comes first, referring to the owner's manual recommendations. For example, service every 8,000 kilometers or every six months, depending on the oil type. Additionally, the environment plays a big role. In hot summer areas, oil evaporates faster, and in cold winters, the battery drains more easily. Regular check-ups are always a good idea. To keep your car durable, you need to maintain it diligently—don't just focus on saving time and money.
As an urban office worker who drives less than 1,000 kilometers a month, I prioritize the time factor. Even with low mileage, prolonged parking can degrade fluid performance – like brake fluid aging which threatens driving safety. I insist on maintenance every six months to check all fluid levels and tires, ensuring smooth starts. The manual specifies clear intervals (typically 5,000 km or six months), but for low-mileage users like me, time matters more. Remember, batteries and tires also age – they require maintenance after extended parking. Maintenance isn't just mechanical; it's about daily reliability and efficiency.
