What are the differences between major and minor car maintenance?
3 Answers
Differences between major and minor car maintenance lie in the scope of work, timing, and required materials. The specific distinctions are as follows: Scope of work: Minor maintenance refers to routine service tasks performed within the manufacturer-specified time or mileage intervals to ensure vehicle performance. It primarily includes oil and oil filter replacement. Major maintenance, conducted at manufacturer-recommended intervals, involves comprehensive routine services such as replacing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter. Timing: The interval for minor maintenance depends on the effective duration or mileage of the engine oil and oil filter used. Major maintenance intervals build upon minor maintenance, with these two services alternating. The exact intervals vary by vehicle brand and should follow manufacturer recommendations. Materials: Materials for minor maintenance include engine oil and oil filters. Major maintenance requires engine oil, oil filters, air cleaners, and fuel filters.
I usually enjoy studying car maintenance. The biggest difference between minor and major maintenance lies in the scope of services. Minor maintenance is a routine check-up, typically performed every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers. The core tasks are changing the engine oil and oil filter, along with basic inspections like tire pressure and lights. On the other hand, major maintenance is more like a comprehensive health check for your car, usually done every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. In addition to oil and filter changes, it includes replacing critical components such as the air filter, cabin air filter, brake fluid, and spark plugs. During my last major service, the mechanic even inspected the undercarriage components and replaced the transmission fluid. I recommend following the maintenance schedule in your manual. Although major maintenance is more expensive, it helps avoid costly repairs down the road.
When I first started driving, I couldn't tell the difference between minor and major maintenance either, but now I finally understand. Simply put, minor maintenance is like fast food—quick and cheap, mainly ensuring the normal operation of the engine's lubrication system by changing just the oil and filter. Major maintenance, on the other hand, is like a full-course meal, much more comprehensive. It not only addresses lubrication issues but also maintains the entire vehicle system. The major maintenance I've experienced includes replacing various fluids, cleaning the throttle body, and checking brake pads, among other items. The mileage intervals also differ: minor maintenance is done every six months, while major maintenance is needed every two years or so. A key reminder: before major maintenance, it's best to have a mechanic perform a thorough inspection first to avoid unnecessary expenses.
