What is the difference between minor and major maintenance?

[DiCorbin]

Differences between minor and major maintenance: 1. Minor maintenance refers to routine service items performed at the manufacturer's specified time and mileage intervals to ensure vehicle performance, including oil and oil filter replacement. Major maintenance refers to replacing the oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter at the manufacturer's specified intervals. Major maintenance builds upon minor maintenance. 2. Minor maintenance is typically required every 5,000 kilometers, while major maintenance is needed every 20,000 kilometers. 3. Minor maintenance generally involves routine service items for vehicles with shorter driving distances to maintain performance, primarily including oil and oil filter replacement along with routine inspections. In contrast, major maintenance goes beyond minor maintenance by requiring replacement of the three filters and spark plugs in addition to oil changes. The three filters refer to the air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter.

[VanJustin]

When I first started driving, I often confused minor and major maintenance. Later, I learned the difference. Minor maintenance is basic work that needs to be done every six months or around 5,000 kilometers. It mainly involves changing the engine oil, cleaning the air filter, and checking the brakes and tires. It costs about three to four hundred yuan, saves time and effort, and can help detect small issues early, preventing them from turning into big problems. Major maintenance is more troublesome, usually done every two years or after driving 20,000 kilometers. It includes comprehensive tasks like checking the transmission, cleaning the cooling system, and even replacing spark plugs or timing belts, with costs easily exceeding a thousand yuan. The benefit is that it extends the engine's lifespan and keeps the car running more smoothly. I have a friend who skipped major maintenance and ended up damaging the transmission system, costing several thousand yuan in repairs. Following the manual for regular maintenance without cutting corners ensures the car runs long and safely.

[Jade]

After playing with cars for a long time, I've learned that minor and major maintenance are tiered. Minor maintenance is part of routine upkeep, like doing it every 8,000 kilometers. The core tasks are changing the oil filter and basic inspections—quick and efficient, costing just a few hundred yuan, focusing on preventing wear. Major maintenance is an upgrade, scheduled every 20,000 to 40,000 kilometers. It not only covers the tasks of minor maintenance but also adds in-depth checks like brake fluid replacement and transmission optimization, possibly even replacing high-voltage wiring harnesses. It takes longer and costs more, potentially exceeding a thousand yuan. This investment is worthwhile, as it enhances power efficiency and reduces aging risks. I’ve noticed that well-maintained cars tend to have lower fuel consumption. Remember, don’t skimp on these costs—otherwise, engine or cooling system failures could lead to much higher expenses.

[ValentinaMarie]

After driving for so many years, I see minor maintenance like getting a haircut—simple and common: every six months, just change the oil and check the tires, and it's done, costing a few hundred bucks easily. Major maintenance is like plastic surgery: done every two years or so, involving a full check-up of the transmission, brake discs, and more, plus replacing some parts, doubling the cost. The upside is the car lasts much longer and needs fewer repairs. Ignore it? Get ready for major component failures.