What Maintenance Items Are Required for a Car After Running 80,000 Kilometers?
2 Answers
When a car has traveled 80,000 kilometers, the maintenance items required, in addition to the regular replacement of engine oil and the three filters, should include cleaning the throttle body, replacing the spark plugs and brake fluid, and replacing the auxiliary belt and timing belt. Below is a detailed introduction to the maintenance items at 80,000 kilometers: 1. Engine oil and related fluids: All fluids in the car should be replaced on time, as they have a shelf life. After the shelf life expires, their performance will degrade and may even have adverse effects. The fluids include: brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Windshield washer fluid can generally be topped up by yourself, or you can have it added by staff during maintenance, car washes, or refueling. 2. Various filters: For example, the oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, cabin air filter, and transmission fluid filter. The oil filter should be replaced every time the engine oil is changed. The air filter and fuel filter are typically replaced every 10,000 kilometers, while the cabin air filter is usually replaced twice a year—once in winter and once in summer. These filters must also be replaced. 3. Spark plugs, belts, tires, brake pads, and the battery: If you don’t change cars too frequently, these five components will generally need replacement. The lifespan of spark plugs is approximately 40,000–80,000 kilometers, depending on the type used, as different types have varying lifespans. The lifespan of belts is about 3–6 years or 60,000–100,000 kilometers. It’s best to replace them when they reach the recommended age or mileage, or to inspect them regularly, as a broken belt can render the car undrivable, and a broken timing belt can damage the engine. The lifespan of tires is 3–5 years, with no specific mileage requirement. Replacement is based on wear reaching the minimum tread depth. Most family cars will need tire replacement due to age, even if the tread is still in good condition. Brake pads do not have a specific mileage limit; they should be replaced when worn out. The battery also has no specific mileage or age limit but should be replaced when its charge-holding capacity significantly declines. A battery tester can detect this, and the typical lifespan is between 3–6 years.
When your car reaches 80,000 kilometers, like me who often drives for trips, maintenance should not be taken lightly. Start with the basic items: change the engine oil and oil filter, which should be done every 10,000 kilometers or so. Check and replace the spark plugs if they are worn, as this can affect starting performance and cause stalling. The braking system needs careful inspection—replace the brake pads if they are too thin, and change the brake fluid once to avoid reduced braking efficiency, which can be dangerous at high speeds. It's recommended to change the transmission fluid, especially for automatic cars, to prevent rough shifting. Rotate the tires and check for wear and balance, adjusting the tire pressure to the proper value to extend their lifespan. Also, add or replace the air filter and coolant to prevent engine overheating. If the belts show cracks, replace them to avoid breakdowns on the road. A comprehensive maintenance saves money and gives peace of mind—don’t delay until bigger problems arise.
