What is the difference between minor maintenance and major maintenance?
3 Answers
Minor maintenance and major maintenance differ in the following aspects: 1. Maintenance items: Minor maintenance mainly includes oil change, oil filter replacement, and routine inspections; Major maintenance requires replacing the three filters (air, fuel, and oil) and spark plugs in addition to oil change. 2. Maintenance intervals: Minor maintenance is typically performed every 5,000 kilometers, while major maintenance is conducted approximately every 20,000 kilometers. The benefits of maintenance include: 1. Ensuring the vehicle operates in optimal condition; 2. Enhancing vehicle efficiency and reducing wear on parts and tires; 3. Improving driving safety; 4. Preventing potential hazards caused by vehicle malfunctions; 5. Reducing noise and environmental pollution; 6. Maintaining a clean exterior appearance and preventing damage.
The difference between minor and major maintenance is quite noticeable. Having driven for several years, I get a minor service every six months, mainly involving oil and filter changes, checking tire pressure and brake fluid. It takes about half an hour, is affordable and convenient, keeping the engine running smoothly. Major maintenance is much more complex, required every two years or 40,000 kilometers, with a comprehensive checklist including spark plugs, transmission fluid, and the entire braking system. It’s significantly more expensive but prevents major issues. Neglecting it can lead to vehicle malfunctions; last time I delayed mine, the engine noise increased, and repairs ended up costing more. So, sticking to the maintenance schedule is key to saving money and hassle.
I always pay attention to my car maintenance budget. Minor maintenance is low-cost, focusing on oil and filter changes to keep basic operations running smoothly, costing just a few hundred yuan each time. Major maintenance is much more expensive, involving comprehensive checks of the cooling system, air filters, and drivetrain components, potentially costing over a thousand yuan. The difference lies in frequency: minor maintenance is needed every 5,000 kilometers to prevent minor issues, while major maintenance has longer intervals to prevent major overhauls. From my experience, timely major maintenance can save on repair costs, such as avoiding transmission damage, which could cost tens of thousands to fix. Planning for this expense is crucial.
