What is the maintenance interval for cars?
2 Answers
Cars require both minor and major maintenance services. Generally, for family sedans, the minor maintenance interval is every 3 months or 5,000 kilometers, while major maintenance is recommended every 40,000 kilometers. Regular maintenance items: Regular maintenance primarily includes oil and oil filter replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, pollen filter replacement, as well as spark plug maintenance/replacement, and transmission fluid checks among other system inspections. Major maintenance items: Major maintenance builds upon regular maintenance, typically alternating between these two services. Key maintenance items include replacing engine oil, oil filters, air filters, cabin air filters, fuel filters, brake fluid, transmission fluid, spark plugs, etc. First maintenance regulations: The initial car maintenance, also known as the first service, shares the same content as regular maintenance. Vehicle manuals clearly specify the first maintenance mileage. New cars require their first maintenance after three months of use or upon reaching 5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.
I think the car maintenance cycle isn't set in stone. When you first buy a new car, the manual suggests a minor service every 5,000 kilometers or six months, mainly changing the engine oil and oil filter, as these parts can accumulate carbon deposits over time, affecting engine performance. For older cars or those frequently driven on rough roads, the interval might need to be shorter—for example, I check the oil and coolant system every 4,000 kilometers to avoid breakdowns. A major service every two years is generally sufficient, covering in-depth items like brake fluid and transmission oil. Don’t wait until major issues arise, as repairs then can be costly and time-consuming. While it’s good to pay attention to dashboard warnings, keeping a personal mileage log as a reference is even more reliable. In short, adjusting the maintenance frequency based on your car model and driving habits can help your vehicle run longer and more smoothly.
