What is the difference between regular maintenance and major maintenance?
5 Answers
Regular maintenance and major maintenance differ in their basic definitions and maintenance intervals. Basic definitions differ: Minor maintenance refers to the routine maintenance items performed at the manufacturer's specified time or mileage to ensure vehicle performance, primarily involving oil and oil filter replacement. Major maintenance refers to the conventional maintenance performed at the manufacturer's specified time or mileage, including oil and oil filter replacement, air filter replacement, and fuel filter replacement. Maintenance intervals differ: The interval for minor maintenance depends on the effective time or mileage of the oil and oil filter used; the interval for major maintenance is based on the existence of minor maintenance, with these two types of maintenance alternating.
Regular maintenance is simply checking things at the shop or doing a basic self-inspection each time—changing the engine oil and oil filter, adjusting tire pressure, topping up the windshield washer fluid. It’s usually done every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers—cost-effective and hassle-free, mainly to prevent minor issues like engine carbon buildup. Major maintenance is far more involved, done every 20,000 to 40,000 kilometers, requiring a thorough inspection. Beyond the basic oil change, it includes checking brake pads, coolant, replacing spark plugs, and even the timing belt to avoid sudden engine failure. As someone who commutes daily, I see regular maintenance like daily brushing and washing up, while major maintenance is like an annual health checkup. Skipping major maintenance can lead to serious breakdowns, costing much more to repair. It’s best to stick to regular maintenance on schedule and get periodic major maintenance to keep the car running longer and safer—don’t slack off and neglect it.
I'm the kind of person who pays close attention to budget. A regular maintenance usually costs around 300-400 yuan, with fewer items—just an oil change, oil filter replacement, and a basic inspection, without taking too much time. A major maintenance service is much more expensive, starting at over 1,000 yuan, because in addition to all the items included in a regular maintenance, it also involves replacing the air filter, checking the brake fluid, inspecting the cooling system, and so on, which significantly drives up the cost. I think regular maintenance is suitable for budget-conscious people, setting aside some money each month for it. Major maintenance is like a big investment for family cars, done every few years to prevent risks like transmission failure. Just drive carefully in daily use, follow the maintenance manual, and don't skimp on small expenses at the risk of bigger problems.
When it comes to maintenance, the regular version is more basic, like oil changes, tire balancing, and filter cleaning. Driving smoothly usually doesn't cause major issues. A major service is much more in-depth, almost like a full surgery—brake discs, spark plugs, timing belts all need replacing, and the engine internals require thorough inspection. I think regular maintenance is like maintaining daily condition, while a major service can uncover hidden risks, such as coolant leaks leading to overheating and explosion hazards. Pay attention to your car's condition daily, and stay alert if you hear any unusual noises.
Driving safety is the top priority. Regular maintenance only checks basic items like oil level and wipers, which is frequent but limited in scope, helping to avoid minor issues such as a dead battery. Major maintenance is different—it thoroughly addresses the brake system, transmission fluid, and cooling system replacements to prevent major incidents like brake failure. As someone who is particularly cautious, I recommend performing regular maintenance monthly or at specified mileage intervals, and scheduling major maintenance periodically. Don't wait until the car breaks down to regret it—spending a little money protects your life and safety. Make it a habit to check maintenance light warnings and never ignore any unusual noises or strange smells.
