
The 40,000-kilometer maintenance for the Vios includes several items. Maintenance items: These include six items: engine oil, oil filter, air filter, cabin air filter, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Additionally, the engine belt needs to be replaced. The drive shaft also requires lubrication. The maintenance covers the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, and more. Maintenance purpose: The purpose of maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life.

When my own Vios reached 40,000 kilometers, the maintenance service was quite thorough. The essential tasks included changing the engine oil and oil filter, and the semi-synthetic oil I chose was completely sufficient. The air filter looked clean but was actually full of dust, so I replaced it with a new one. The cabin air filter was a no-brainer—I replaced it with a fresh one before using the AC in summer to keep the car odor-free. The brake fluid was a key replacement, as over time, moisture content can affect braking response. Tire rotation and dynamic balancing were a must to prevent shaking at high speeds. The mechanic used a flashlight to check the brake pad thickness and a multimeter to test the battery voltage. The chassis also needed inspection—if the ball joint rubber boots cracked and weren’t replaced in time, they’d cause strange noises. The spark plugs were removed, and the electrode gap had widened; replacing them made the throttle noticeably more responsive. After all this, the engine ran much quieter, and fuel consumption even dropped a bit.

Last time I meticulously planned my 40,000 km maintenance for the Vios: Using ordinary mineral oil for the engine oil and filter saved me 200-300 yuan, and I bought the air filter online to replace it myself, saving on labor costs. The cabin air filter must be replaced, but choosing one with activated carbon doubles the odor removal effect. Brake fluid should be changed at the 4S shop for peace of mind, as improper bleeding can lead to spongy brakes. If the spark plugs show no issues, keep using them until 60,000 km for better cost efficiency. Rotate the tires and perform a wheel alignment together to prevent uneven wear and save on tire costs. Have the technician measure the brake pad thickness with calipers—no need to replace if it's above 3 mm. Don’t overlook checking the spare tire pressure in the trunk; it’s your lifesaver in case of a flat. Test all the lights, as faulty fog light connections can be especially dangerous in rainy weather. Managing these items well ensures both safety and savings.

When driving a Vios to 40,000 kilometers, pay attention to several technical points. The engine oil lubrication deteriorates noticeably, and the decrease in high-temperature shear performance will increase engine wear—it's best to replace it. A clogged air filter can cause an overly rich air-fuel mixture, and long-term neglect can increase fuel consumption by about 1 liter. Brake fluid absorbs moisture, lowering its boiling point to around 150°C, which may cause vapor lock during hard braking, resulting in a softer pedal. Excessive carbon buildup on spark plugs can delay ignition, making the vehicle noticeably sluggish at low RPMs. If tire rotation is neglected, front tires wear about 30% faster than rear tires, leading to uneven steering grip. Inspect the CV joint boot—if cracked, sand and debris can enter and damage the universal joint within months. Loose chassis bolts by even 2mm can cause metal knocking sounds on bumpy roads; tightening them early prevents suspension deformation.


