What is Major Maintenance and What is Minor Maintenance?
2 Answers
Minor maintenance refers to routine service items performed at the manufacturer-specified time and mileage intervals to ensure vehicle performance after a certain distance of driving, including oil and oil filter replacement. Major maintenance involves additional items such as oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter replacements at the manufacturer-specified time and mileage intervals. Automotive maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the vehicle, also known as vehicle upkeep. Minor and major maintenance are performed alternately at specific intervals. For most vehicles, minor maintenance is required every 5,000 kilometers or six months, while major maintenance is needed every 20,000 kilometers or one year. Below is a detailed explanation of minor maintenance items: Oil Replacement. Oil must be replaced as it is considered the "blood" of the engine. The engine is the most critical and vital component of a vehicle, and any issues with it can severely impact the car's usability. Oil plays a crucial role in lubrication, shock absorption, cooling, and reducing engine wear. Oil Filter Replacement. Replacing the oil filter is essential as it helps filter out impurities such as dust, carbon deposits, and metal particles from the oil, thereby better protecting the engine. Major maintenance includes the following additional items beyond minor maintenance: Fuel Filter Replacement. The fuel filter should be replaced according to the intervals specified in the vehicle's manual, as different cars have varying time and mileage requirements for fuel filter replacement. Cabin Air Filter Replacement. The cabin air filter effectively filters harmful substances from the air, maintaining fresh air inside the vehicle and creating a pleasant driving environment. If not replaced for a long time, it can lead to unpleasant odors in the car. Antifreeze Replacement. Antifreeze primarily prevents freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and also prevents scaling and corrosion. Therefore, regular antifreeze replacement is necessary. Brake Fluid Replacement. Due to its water-absorbing properties, brake fluid can separate into oil and water after prolonged use. This separation, caused by different boiling points, reduces performance and affects braking effectiveness. It is recommended to replace brake fluid after 40,000 kilometers. Power Steering Fluid Replacement. Power steering fluid is crucial as it is the hydraulic fluid used in the vehicle's power steering pump. It allows for easy steering wheel operation, similar to automatic transmission fluid and brake fluid, and should be replaced periodically. Spark Plug Replacement. Spark plugs are vital for engine performance. After prolonged use, the engine may run unevenly, causing vibrations. In severe cases, cylinder deformation can occur, leading to increased fuel consumption. Spark plugs should be replaced at 60,000 kilometers, but immediate inspection is necessary if they fail or fuel consumption rises. Transmission Fluid Replacement. For automatic transmission vehicles, fluid replacement is recommended around 80,000 kilometers, while manual transmission vehicles can consider replacement at around 120,000 kilometers. Transmission fluid ensures proper transmission operation and extends its lifespan. After replacement, gear shifts will feel smoother, preventing transmission vibrations, unusual noises, and gear slippage. If abnormal shifting, vibrations, or gear slippage occur, transmission fluid should be checked promptly. Tire Replacement. Common reasons for tire replacement include reducing noise, wear and tear, or personal preference. Except for wear-related replacements, others depend on the owner's specific needs.
When I first started with car maintenance, I was quite confused too. A minor service is the most basic upkeep, usually done every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers or every six months. The main tasks include changing the engine oil and oil filter, checking the tires and brake fluid, costing just a few hundred bucks. The key is to keep the engine lubricated and prevent wear. A major service is different, typically performed every two to four years or after driving 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers. It involves more components: replacing the air filter, spark plugs, transmission fluid, and even inspecting the cooling system and suspension parts. It can cost over a thousand yuan but significantly extends the car's lifespan and reduces the risk of major repairs. New cars might not need major services in the first few years, but it becomes crucial as the car ages. Never skip it to save money—regular maintenance ensures your car runs smoothly and reliably.
