What are the items included in a major maintenance service?
3 Answers
A major maintenance service includes the following items: 1. Inspection of the engine, chassis, and transmission; 2. Replacement of the oil filter, cabin air filter, and engine air filter; 3. Cleaning of the engine and throttle body; 4. Inspection of the wheels and braking system; 5. Replacement of spark plugs; 6. Replacement of the engine belt; 7. Cleaning of the air conditioning system; 8. Inspection of the battery. Vehicle maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. The purpose is to keep the vehicle clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent failures, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life.
Let me tell you as an experienced driver, a major service isn't a one-size-fits-all package. Simply put, it's about giving your car a thorough check inside and out: engine oil and oil filter must be replaced; air filter and cabin air filter should at least be cleaned or replaced; spark plugs typically need changing every 60,000-80,000 km; don't skimp on transmission fluid - it must be replaced; brake fluid should be changed every two years for safety; coolant should be checked for freezing point and replaced. The most critical part is the timing belt - if it snaps, you're in trouble, so check for wear at 80,000 km. Last year during my major service, I had to replace two belts - the mechanic said they could fail any moment. Oh, and checking all rubber components in the chassis is crucial - things like ball joints will creak if there's play, and replacing them makes the car feel new again. Finally, have the mechanic test all lights and the battery for peace of mind. The whole process takes about half a day.
For car owners who just had a major service, here's some practical advice. The core items can be divided into four main areas: For the engine, it's essential to replace all vehicle fluids, with engine oil and the three filters being the basics. Pay special attention to inspecting the timing system. For the transmission, it's recommended to change the gearbox oil and filter. The braking system requires fluid replacement and checking the brake pad thickness. For the chassis, inspect the suspension bushings and ball joints. From personal experience, don't skip the item where the mechanic uses an endoscope to check for carbon buildup in the cylinders—my car needed cleaning at just 60,000 km, and fuel consumption noticeably dropped afterward. Many shops don't mention power steering fluid, but if your older car's steering feels heavy, this is likely the reason. Costs can vary based on preference, but never skip inspecting the cooling system pipes and the alternator belt—breaking down from overheating will cost you much more to fix.
