What is the difference between major and minor car maintenance?
2 Answers
Car major maintenance and minor maintenance differ in their meanings and intervals. The specific details are as follows: Major maintenance refers to the routine service performed at the manufacturer's specified time or mileage, which includes replacing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter. Major maintenance is typically done every two years. Compared to minor maintenance, major maintenance involves not only changing the engine oil but also replacing the three filters and spark plugs. The three filters refer to the air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter, which are used to filter impurities—dust from the air, sludge and carbon deposits from the oil, and impurities from the fuel. Minor maintenance generally refers to the routine service performed when the car has not traveled a long distance, aimed at maintaining the vehicle's performance. It mainly includes oil changes, oil filter replacement, and routine inspections. Minor maintenance is typically done every six months. Usually, during car maintenance, technicians will perform additional inspections based on the vehicle's specific condition and may add other maintenance items, such as inspection and cleaning of engine-related systems, tire alignment checks, and inspection of various fastening components. The purpose of maintenance is to: ensure the vehicle's optimal performance; improve driving safety; reduce engine noise; and extend the vehicle's lifespan.
There's a significant difference between minor and major maintenance in car care. Minor maintenance is typically done every six months or 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, mainly involving oil and filter changes, along with basic checks like tire pressure, lights, and brake pads. The whole process takes about half an hour and usually costs a few hundred yuan. Major maintenance has a much longer interval, roughly every two to three years or 20,000 to 40,000 kilometers. Besides oil and filter changes, it includes replacing key components like air filters, cabin air filters, brake fluid, coolant, and spark plugs—essentially a comprehensive check-up. I always notice my car responds more nimbly and has slightly better fuel efficiency after major maintenance. It's advisable to refer to your vehicle's manual, as requirements vary quite a bit between different brands and models.
