What are the differences between first, second, and third-level maintenance?

[DiChloe]

The differences between first, second, and third-level maintenance lie in their respective service contents. First-level maintenance is commonly referred to as the initial service, second-level maintenance is routine maintenance, and third-level maintenance is known as "major maintenance." First-level maintenance primarily involves tightening fasteners and changing lubricants. Its purpose is to maintain the vehicle's optimal technical condition and ensure smooth operation. Key tasks include: inspecting and tightening exposed bolts and nuts; lubricating designated areas; checking oil levels in various assemblies and adding lubricants as needed; and cleaning air filters. Second-level maintenance aims to keep all vehicle components, machinery, and assemblies in good working condition. In addition to first-level tasks, it includes: inspecting and adjusting the engine and electrical systems; removing and cleaning the oil pan and oil filter; checking and adjusting steering and braking mechanisms; disassembling and cleaning front and rear wheel hub bearings; adding lubricants; and inspecting and rotating tires. Third-level maintenance focuses on disassembling, cleaning, inspecting, adjusting, and addressing potential issues in major vehicle assemblies. Its goal is to ensure the longevity of assemblies and components by replacing parts that may fail after prolonged use. Major maintenance tasks include: beyond routine maintenance, disassembling the engine to remove carbon deposits, sludge, and cooling system contaminants; dismantling, cleaning, inspecting, and adjusting chassis assemblies to eliminate hidden dangers; and inspecting the frame and body for rust or damage, followed by touch-up painting if necessary.

[LaAnna]

Last time we had an interesting discussion about this in the car owners' group, so let me use my family's old car as an example. The basic maintenance refers to the routine service performed every 5,000 kilometers, including oil and filter changes, checking tire pressure and brake pads - these are quick 30-minute procedures. Intermediate maintenance has longer intervals, usually done every 20,000-30,000 kilometers. Besides the basic items, it involves replacing the cabin air filter and brake fluid, plus inspecting the chassis and suspension system. My car took about two hours last time. Advanced maintenance is like giving your car a comprehensive physical examination, performed every 50,000-100,000 kilometers. It requires engine disassembly for carbon cleaning, timing belt inspection, and transmission fluid replacement. Last time I saw technicians working on it for an entire day at the shop. The longer the maintenance interval, the more in-depth the procedures become. But don't wait until advanced maintenance to care for your vehicle - regular basic maintenance acts like periodic check-ups, helping to keep your car in better condition.

[MacPaige]

Speaking of this, I have deep personal experience. The primary maintenance ensures daily driving safety, with mandatory checks on lights, wipers, tires, and other components that directly affect driving. Once during maintenance, a nail was found in the tire, and fortunately, it was patched in time. Intermediate maintenance involves in-depth inspections for brake line leaks, steering system play, and even checks the water content in brake fluid. I remember one time after maintenance, the technician recommended replacing aged rubber bushings, citing it as a standard item in intermediate maintenance. High-level maintenance is more comprehensive, checking for carbon buildup in the engine combustion chamber, inspecting transmission oil quality, and even requiring disassembly to examine spark plug electrode gaps. Different levels of maintenance are like health check-ups at different life stages—basic checks suffice when young, but deeper screenings are necessary as one ages.

[SanReese]

These three types of maintenance differ in operational depth. The basic level mainly involves oil and filter changes, tasks that can be completed in 15 minutes. The intermediate level requires professional equipment, such as measuring brake disc thickness and coolant freezing point, and needs a lift to inspect the chassis. Last year during my car's intermediate maintenance, the technician used a borescope to check for carbon buildup inside the cylinders. The advanced maintenance is like a repair project, involving the removal of the intake manifold to clean the throttle body and inspect the transmission valve body. Maintenance intervals also progress: basic every 5,000 kilometers, intermediate every 20,000 kilometers, and advanced every 80,000 kilometers. But don't just look at the mileage; cars parked for long periods may require advanced maintenance earlier despite low mileage, as rubber components naturally age.