What maintenance is needed when a car reaches 60,000 kilometers?
3 Answers
Here are the maintenance items required when a car reaches 60,000 kilometers: 1. Change the engine oil, oil filter, air conditioning filter, and air filter. Check the clogging condition of the car itself—if it's not clogged, replacement may not be necessary. 2. Replace the spark plugs. For normal cars, the lifespan of spark plugs is 30,000 kilometers, while platinum ones last longer, typically between 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. For naturally aspirated engines, the original spark plugs are generally recommended for replacement at 60,000 kilometers. 3. Change the transmission fluid. Manual transmission fluid should be replaced at 60,000 kilometers, while automatic transmission fluid should be replaced between 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. If driving in major cities, the replacement interval may need to be advanced. 4. Replace the brake fluid. Brake fluid tends to absorb moisture easily. If the moisture absorption rate exceeds 2%, braking performance may be compromised, leading to potential brake failure. It's advisable to have this checked professionally—if within the normal range, replacement may not be necessary. 5. Replace the tires. The aging period for tires is typically five years, roughly equivalent to 70,000 kilometers. Therefore, at 60,000 kilometers, it's essential to check whether the tires have worn down to the safety line. If significant wear is observed, tire replacement is necessary.
I've been driving for almost ten years, and 60,000 kilometers is a significant milestone. Besides the basic oil and oil filter changes, there are several areas that need attention. Can you imagine how dirty the air filter and cabin air filter are? They should be replaced when necessary. The thickness of the brake pads on all four wheels should be carefully measured to see if they need replacing. The spark plugs are probably due for a change, especially the original nickel alloy ones. Don’t forget the transmission fluid—manual transmissions might hold out a bit longer, but automatic transmissions really should be serviced; a gravity drain is a simpler option. If the fuel filter hasn’t been replaced, it’s time to take care of that too. Checking the brake fluid for moisture and the antifreeze’s freezing point is essential. Finally, remember to tighten all the chassis bolts and inspect the tires for uneven wear or bulges. This money is well spent.
I just completed the 60,000 km major maintenance on my car, and it was quite an eye-opener. It's common to focus on engine oil and the three filters, but paying attention to the braking system is crucial—it's a matter of life and death! If the brake fluid absorbs too much moisture, it can feel spongy when you need it most. After changing the spark plugs, the throttle response felt much smoother, especially for cars that had minor vibrations before. Replacing the air and cabin filters made a noticeable difference in the air conditioning's performance. I hesitated about changing the automatic transmission fluid, but the mechanic warned that prolonged neglect could damage the valve body, so I went ahead with a gravity change. Checking the tires is also essential—replace them if they're worn or have sidewall bulges, as these are particularly hazardous. Oh, and don’t forget to have the mechanic inspect all belts and rubber bushings; aging rubber components need preventive care.
