What is the mileage for the second maintenance?
4 Answers
The second maintenance is recommended at 10,000 kilometers or 9 months, whichever comes first. The scope of the second maintenance includes all the tasks of the first-level maintenance, as well as checking and adjusting the working condition of the engine and electrical equipment, removing and cleaning the oil pan and oil filter, inspecting and adjusting the steering and braking mechanisms, removing and cleaning the front and rear wheel hub bearings, adding lubricating oil, removing and inspecting tires for rotation. The purpose of the second car maintenance is to maintain the good working performance of various parts, mechanisms, and assemblies of the vehicle, ensuring their normal operation between two secondary maintenance intervals. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing.
The mileage for the second maintenance after buying a car varies significantly among different brands. Having driven for over a decade and owned several cars, I've noticed that Japanese cars typically require the second service around 10,000 km, while German cars might need a return to the shop at 8,000 km, and domestic new energy vehicles can often go up to 15,000 km without issues. The key is to carefully check your car's user manual, which clearly states the manufacturer's recommended maintenance intervals—don’t fall for the dealership’s push to service early. The second maintenance is quite crucial; besides changing the oil and oil filter, it includes checks on the chassis suspension and battery condition. Skipping it can lead to increased engine carbon buildup and higher fuel consumption. For instance, during my last second maintenance, a cracked rubber boot was spotted and replaced early, preventing a major repair.
The timing for the second car maintenance mainly depends on two factors: First, your driving environment. For someone like me who drives short distances in the city every day, the engine accumulates more carbon deposits, so the second maintenance should be done at 8,000 kilometers. For cars that frequently drive on highways, it can be delayed until 12,000 kilometers. Second, the type of engine oil used matters. Mineral oil needs to be changed at 5,000 kilometers, semi-synthetic at 7,500, and full synthetic can last up to 10,000 kilometers without issues. Make sure to clearly communicate the specific items to the mechanic: replacing the three filters is a basic procedure, and additional checks like tire wear and brake pad thickness are necessary. It's advisable not to rely solely on mileage. If you notice issues like sluggish acceleration or a sudden increase in fuel consumption, you should get it checked even if it hasn't reached the recommended mileage.
New car owners often ask about the mileage for the second maintenance, but there's no standard answer. For my domestic SUV, the second maintenance was done at 12,000 kilometers as recommended by the 4S dealer, following the first maintenance at 5,000 kilometers. However, the actual interval should be based on your car's maintenance manual, typically ranging between 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers. The second maintenance includes slightly more items than the first one. Besides the basic oil and oil filter change, it also involves checking the coolant's freezing point and the steering system's sealing. Important reminder: Many brands now have remote monitoring systems. If the central control screen displays a maintenance reminder, don't delay, as it may affect the vehicle's warranty.
