What maintenance is needed at 15,000 kilometers?

[ValeriaRose]

15000-kilometer maintenance falls between 10,000 kilometers and 20,000 kilometers. The main maintenance items include changing the engine oil and the three filters (oil filter element, air filter element, and cabin air filter element). Below is an introduction to engine maintenance: 1. Engine oil and engine oil filter element (also called engine oil filter), which are the most basic and essential items for every maintenance. The key is to maintain the lubrication system properly. Engine oil operates in a harsh environment of high temperature and high pressure, so its shelf life and performance will significantly decrease over time, and it will no longer provide protection for the engine. 2. Conventional engine oil needs to be replaced approximately every 5,000 kilometers; semi-synthetic engine oil, approximately every 7,500 kilometers; and full-synthetic engine oil, approximately every 1,000 kilometers. 3. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. 4. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life.

[StMaximus]

Just completed the 15,000 km service for my car, and the list of items was extensive: engine oil and oil filter had to be replaced, with the full synthetic oil costing around 400 yuan. The mechanic said the air filter could still be used after cleaning, but I noticed leaves stuck in the gaps and opted for a new one, which was about a hundred yuan. The cabin air filter was pulled out completely covered in dust and even smelled musty—definitely not something to skip. During the tire inspection, uneven wear was found on the front right tire, so a free tire rotation was done. I also asked the mechanic to check the brake pad thickness, and the left rear one was down to just 5mm, so I replaced the brake pads on the spot for safety. Finally, all the chassis bolts were tightened one by one, and half a liter of coolant was topped up. The total cost was 1,200 yuan, but the car definitely runs much smoother now.

[McLandon]

The most crucial aspect of a 15,000 km maintenance is preventive inspection. From my experience: basic maintenance like oil and filter change is standard procedure, air filter replacement is recommended (especially in dusty northern regions), and cabin air filter replacement is essential for respiratory health. Have the mechanic focus on four key areas: check if tire wear is even—rotate if uneven; ensure brake pads have at least 3mm thickness remaining; inspect suspension bushings for cracks; verify battery voltage meets standards. Last year, my friend skipped brake inspection during maintenance, resulting in abnormal brake noise at 20,000 km and an extra 800 RMB repair cost. The full basic service costs around 800 RMB, with an additional 300 RMB for thorough inspection being well worth it.

[MacAiden]

Following the manual for a 15,000 km service doesn't actually cost much. I just had mine done last week: mineral oil plus oil filter materials cost 280, labor was 80. The air filter was taken out, cleaned by tapping, and put back, but I decisively replaced the cabin air filter for 35. The key is in the free inspection items: tire rotation to extend lifespan, brake fluid moisture content test, and clearing fault codes from the onboard computer. They unexpectedly found the coolant was below the minimum level and topped it up with half a bottle at no charge. Finally, they reminded me that the wiper blades were worn out, so I bought new ones online for 29 and replaced them myself. Total cost was just over 400, and after the service, the throttle felt noticeably lighter.