What items need maintenance for a car at 20,000 kilometers?
3 Answers
Regular maintenance items for a car at 20,000 kilometers include changing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, cabin air filter, spark plugs, etc. Below is extended information about car maintenance at 20,000 kilometers: 1. Changing the engine oil and oil filter is essential: Due to the harsh conditions of high temperature and pressure inside the engine, the shelf life of engine oil is significantly shortened, and its performance greatly declines. Over time, it fails to protect the engine. The oil filter prevents impurities from mixing into the oil, which can cause oxidation, leading to the formation of sludge and clogging the oil passages. Therefore, both the engine oil and oil filter should be replaced simultaneously. 2. If the air filter and cabin air filter were not replaced during the 10,000-kilometer maintenance, they must be replaced at the 20,000-kilometer service. 3. If the car uses standard material spark plugs, preparations should be made to replace them at 20,000 kilometers.
My car just hit 20,000 kilometers, and the 4S dealership recommended several key maintenance items: the engine oil and oil filter must be changed, as they said full synthetic oil typically degrades by this point. The cabin air filter also needs replacement—not changing it before using the AC in summer can lead to odors. The mechanic also suggested a tire rotation, claiming it can extend tire life by about six months. Checking the brake pad thickness is crucial too; I nearly rear-ended someone last time it rained, which was terrifying. Whether to clean the throttle body and fuel injectors depends on driving habits, so I added that service since I often deal with traffic jams. They’ll also test the battery life and top up the tire pressure. Finally, they’ll adjust all lights and refill the windshield washer fluid for safer night driving.
20,000 kilometers is not considered a major maintenance interval, but it still shouldn't be taken lightly. For basic maintenance, change the engine oil and oil filter. Replace the cabin air filter as needed, preferably before summer starts. A tire rotation is highly recommended to evenly distribute wear across all four tires. Ask the mechanic to thoroughly inspect the chassis bushings and ball joints – if you hear strange noises when going over speed bumps, there's an 80% chance they're worn out. Don't skip the brake fluid moisture test; if the water content exceeds 3%, it must be replaced. The engine air filter can still be cleaned and reused, but buying a new one online and replacing it yourself only costs about 30 yuan. Finally, remind them to inflate the spare tire properly – it could be a lifesaver in case of a flat tire.
