What maintenance should be done at 20,000 kilometers?
4 Answers
The maintenance items to be performed at 20,000 kilometers are as follows: 1. Check the engine oil and oil filter, which are essential tasks for every maintenance service. Due to the harsh conditions of high temperature and high pressure inside the engine, the shelf life of engine oil is significantly shortened, and its performance greatly declines. Over time, it can no longer protect the engine effectively. 2. Check the air filter. The air filter reduces the intake of air containing impurities and particles, thereby decreasing the likelihood of wear and damage. During the 20,000-kilometer maintenance, inspect whether the air filter is dirty. If it is too dirty, replace it; if not, simply blow it with an air gun. 3. Check the spark plugs. In gasoline engines, spark plugs introduce high-voltage current into the cylinders to generate sparks, igniting the combustible air-fuel mixture. 4. During the 20,000-kilometer maintenance, inspect the thickness of the brake pads. If they are excessively worn, it is recommended to replace them to ensure driving safety.
When it comes to the 20,000-kilometer maintenance for my car, I remember taking it in for a full check-up as soon as it hit that mileage. The main tasks included changing the engine oil and oil filter, as old oil tends to thicken over time, affecting engine lubrication and potentially leading to increased wear or higher fuel consumption. The braking system was also inspected to check if the brake pads were thin enough to warrant replacement—ignoring this could result in longer braking distances and higher accident risks. Tire rotation and balancing were done to prevent uneven wear, which can affect handling. My car’s front-right tire wears out faster, so the technician recommended rotating the tires every 20,000 kilometers. The air filter was replaced as well, since a clogged filter restricts airflow and reduces engine performance. Finally, the battery, lights, and coolant were checked—overlooking these minor items could lead to breakdowns. I make it a habit to perform a minor inspection every 8,000 kilometers or so, which helps avoid costly repairs and extends the car’s lifespan by over 100,000 kilometers. Sticking to this routine keeps the car running smoothly, almost like new.
For the 20,000 km maintenance, I love doing it myself—changing the oil and filter is simple and saves money. Buying an oil change kit online costs around 80-100 yuan and gets the job done in under 10 minutes, using just a wrench and a funnel. Next, check the air filter; if it's clogged, replace it for just a few dozen yuan to ensure smooth airflow and better acceleration. The brake system is a priority—visually inspect the brake discs for cracks or unusual noises, and apply grease if necessary to reduce wear. For tires, I rotate them to extend their lifespan, using a jack to lift the wheels and swap their positions—just remember to tighten the nuts, as loose ones can cause accidents. Also, test the battery voltage to prevent leaks, as a faulty battery can stall the car unexpectedly. I recommend getting an OBD scanner to monitor the car's condition and catch small issues early. Regular DIY maintenance keeps your car in top shape.
My car has reached 20,000 kilometers, so I promptly took it to a professional shop for maintenance to ensure my family's safety. The key focus was checking the brake pad thickness—it shouldn't be too thin to avoid potential failure, which would make the kids anxious while riding. We also inspected the tire tread depth to ensure sufficient grip on wet roads. The engine oil was definitely changed to maintain lubrication and prevent overheating damage. The cabin air filter was replaced as well to avoid stale air inside the car, which could cause the kids to cough. The lighting system was tested to confirm both high and low beams work properly for clear visibility during night driving—safety comes first. An additional recommendation is to service the car at least once a year and pay attention to cleaning the engine bay during regular car washes. By sticking to these practices, the car will remain as good as new even after five years, providing reliable and worry-free transportation for taking the kids to and from school.
