
Maintenance required for a car at 15,000 kilometers includes: 1. Engine oil and oil filter; 2. Engine oil; 3. Air filter; 4. Fuel filter. Inspection items for maintenance include: 1. Lighting, warning lights, turn signals, and car horn; 2. Performance of windshield wipers and cleaning devices; 3. Clutch pedal travel for manual transmission models; 4. Rear wheel hub bearing clearance and lubrication condition; 5. Condition of spark plugs; 6. Whether the seat belts are intact; 7. Whether the exhaust system is damaged; 8. Steering tie rod joint clearance, tightness, and dust cover sealing.

The 15,000 km maintenance mainly involves basic items and inspections. Since I usually drive carefully, at this stage, it's basically just changing the engine oil and oil filter—after all, the engine relies on this to stay healthy. Check the air filter to see if it's dirty; if there are leaf debris or it appears black, replace it, otherwise it will affect throttle response. The cabin air filter is often overlooked, so it's recommended to replace it while you're at it, especially if there's a musty smell when the AC is on. Tire rotation and balancing are a must—I skipped it last time and ended up with uneven wear, having to pay for new tires out of pocket. Also, have the mechanic measure the brake pad thickness and replace them early if they're thin—safety first. Finally, inspect the chassis bolts and fluids, topping up the coolant if it's low. Don’t fall for the dealership’s upsell on fuel system cleaning—it’s completely unnecessary at 15,000 km.

At 15,000 kilometers, I prioritize key components. Engine oil and filter must be replaced—opt for full synthetic for better engine protection. Replace the air filter directly—it's cheap but boosts power efficiency. Focus on inspecting the brake system, especially disc and pad wear—safety can't be overlooked. Rotate and balance the tires to prevent uneven wear and extend lifespan. Check all fluids—test brake fluid for water content and coolant for freezing point. Remove spark plugs to inspect gaps; if heavily carbon-fouled, spray with cleaner. Retighten all chassis bolts and inspect suspension bushings for cracks. Replace wiper blades—clear visibility during rainy seasons is crucial. This routine ensures peace of mind and cost-effectiveness; over-maintenance is just a waste of money.

For the 15,000 km maintenance, I focus on three key points: oil change, filter replacement, and brake inspection. Changing the engine oil and oil filter is a must, and selecting the correct viscosity as per the manufacturer's recommendation is crucial. It's best to replace both filters—the air filter, as a clogged one affects fuel efficiency, and the cabin air filter, as a dirty one harms health. Have the mechanic measure the brake pad thickness clearly; replace them if they're below 3 mm. Rotate the tires to prevent uneven wear and adjust the tire pressure to the standard 2.5 bar. Don't overlook the lighting check—insufficient headlight brightness is dangerous. Also, test the windshield washer system and add some concentrated windshield fluid. Finally, use a lift to inspect the undercarriage, and address any cracked ball joint boots immediately. These items are sufficient to ensure driving safety—don't be fooled into expensive unnecessary services.


