What maintenance items are included in a 30,000-kilometer major service?
4 Answers
For a 30,000-kilometer vehicle maintenance, the service items include oil change, oil filter replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, throttle body cleaning, spark plug replacement, etc. Below is a detailed introduction: 1. Engine oil and four filters: The four filters in engine oil maintenance include: oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, and cabin air filter. We know that the oil filter needs to be replaced every maintenance, while the air filter is recommended to be replaced every 10,000–15,000 kilometers, and the fuel filter is recommended to be replaced every 30,000 kilometers. The cabin air filter is recommended to be replaced every six months. 2. Throttle body cleaning: Throttle body cleaning is not necessary before 30,000 kilometers. After prolonged intake, the throttle body accumulates a lot of carbon deposits at the throttle opening, leading to reduced airflow. The vehicle may exhibit slight idle instability, idle vibration, and poor acceleration, indirectly increasing fuel consumption. At this point, we should inspect components like the throttle body and spark plugs that may cause these issues. 3. Spark plugs: Spark plugs should be replaced at 30,000 kilometers. Although spark plugs at 30,000 kilometers have not completely lost their ignition performance, their ignition capability has significantly degraded. Reduced ignition performance directly affects idle vibration, cylinder misfires, and poor acceleration. The decline in ignition performance increases engine load, which is also a factor affecting fuel consumption. 4. Air conditioning cleaning: Air conditioning cleaning removes dust and dirt from the AC ducts and provides a sterilizing effect. This service is optional.
Having driven for several years, the 30,000-kilometer major maintenance is essentially a mid-term comprehensive check-up for the car. Engine oil and oil filter must be replaced as they are crucial for engine lubrication. Air filter and cabin air filter also need changing, otherwise, you'll get a dusty smell when turning on the AC. Brake pads should be measured for thickness—replace them if they're too thin. Tires require rotation and balancing to prevent uneven wear. Brake fluid must be tested for water content—replace immediately if exceeded, which is critical. Spark plugs should be replaced as needed, especially for turbocharged vehicles. All chassis bolts need tightening, and inspect all rubber bushings for cracks. The most important thing is to refer to the owner's manual, as requirements vary significantly by model. After my last maintenance, the throttle felt lighter, and the car ran much smoother.
As an auto mechanic, I want to emphasize that the 30,000-kilometer maintenance is particularly crucial—it's essentially a health checkup for your vehicle. Changing the engine oil is a fundamental task, and I recommend using full synthetic oil. For filters, both the air filter and cabin air filter should be replaced; otherwise, it can affect engine performance and increase fuel consumption. The brake system inspection must be thorough—measure brake disc thickness and check brake pad wear. Tires require rotation and wheel balancing. Pay special attention to brake fluid and coolant levels, using instruments to test for moisture content and freezing points. Inspect all ball joints and bushings in the undercarriage for looseness, and check the engine compartment for oil or coolant leaks. Spark plugs should be replaced based on their material type—many modern vehicles require replacement at this mileage. Finally, don't forget to update the ECU software and clear any diagnostic trouble codes.
Ladies, don't be afraid of the hassle when it comes to maintenance - the 30,000 km mark is a major milestone. Changing the engine oil is like giving your skin a treatment, and replacing the air filter is like installing an air purifier. I always make sure to have the brake pads and tires thoroughly checked, as they're directly related to safety. Cleaning the throttle body works wonders - it makes the accelerator feel lighter and reduces vibrations. When inspecting the AC system, remember to add disinfectant so there's no odd smell when using it in summer. A full electrical system check is crucial - test all lights and windows. My favorite part is how the car feels after maintenance - it runs quietly and fuel-efficiently, giving you that brand-new feeling all over again.
