What does the third car maintenance include?
3 Answers
Car third maintenance is generally required after driving about 15,000 kilometers, which includes changing the engine oil and oil filter, checking whether the air filter needs to be replaced, inspecting tire pressure, windshield washer fluid level, coolant level, and brake fluid level. To ensure the cleanliness of the oil circuit, the engine is equipped with an oil filter in the lubrication system. The replacement cycle of the oil filter is the same as that of the engine oil, and it must be replaced simultaneously with the engine oil. Spark plugs directly affect the engine's acceleration performance and fuel consumption. When the driver feels the engine lacks power, maintenance should be performed. The service life of spark plugs varies depending on the material. Generally, spark plugs made of standard materials should be replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers.
The third maintenance is actually just a minor service, mainly changing the engine oil and oil filter, which you absolutely can't skip. The air filter depends on your local air quality. For example, in our area with frequent smoggy days, it's definitely time to replace it during the third maintenance. The dealership will also check your brake pad thickness, playing music to cover up the beeping sound during tire pressure checks. They'll strongly suggest you clean the throttle body—consider this if your car often sits in traffic. Finally, they might try to upsell you on an AC system sanitization, which isn't a bad idea before summer, but don't get tricked into adding unnecessary services. Remember to review and sign off on all work orders before any work begins.
The third maintenance service is basically similar to the previous two, with engine oil and oil filter being mandatory items. I usually ask the technician to tighten all the chassis screws, as they tend to loosen over time. Many people overlook tire rotation, which is actually crucial for extending tire lifespan. If the air filter can still be used after cleaning, it saves some money. What annoys me the most is when the 4S shop pushes fuel additives – new cars really don't need them. Battery testing is practical though, to avoid being stranded with a dead battery. Always remember to test drive after maintenance – last time I discovered steering wheel noise during the test drive. Finally, make sure they stamp the maintenance manual to avoid disputes.
