What to Do If the Maintenance Time Is Exceeded?

[OAlexis]

If the maintenance time is exceeded, you should go to a 4S shop for maintenance as soon as possible. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly checking, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. Modern car maintenance mainly includes the maintenance scope of the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, etc. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the car clean and tidy, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service cycle. Daily maintenance, also known as daily servicing, is the work carried out before driving, during driving, and after parking, which is the responsibility of the driver. The main content of the work is cleaning, supplying, and safety inspection, which is a regular and necessary work to keep the vehicle in normal working condition.

[LeDominic]

I once missed my scheduled maintenance because I was too busy with work and ended up driving over 2,000 kilometers past the due date. Don’t take it lightly—it can cause significant wear and tear on the engine. Later, I checked the manual, which stated that the maintenance interval is mainly based on oil life. Going over by 1,000–2,000 kilometers isn’t a big deal, but don’t make it a habit. Now, I’ve learned my lesson—I set reminders on my phone two weeks in advance and contact the dealership early. When going for maintenance, remember to bring your vehicle license and service manual. The technician will first perform a full inspection, focusing on oil viscosity, the braking system, and filter conditions. If you delay too long and hear abnormal engine noises, it might require major repairs.

[SanBrantley]

My relative's car ended up with major issues due to delayed maintenance. He went half a year overdue before remembering to service it, and when they opened up the engine, the sludge buildup looked like asphalt. The mechanic said this happens when oil changes are neglected long-term, and even the piston rings were worn. For owners with overdue maintenance, here's a self-check suggestion: When the engine is cold, pull out the dipstick—if the oil is black or contains metal shavings, don't drive it further. Be alert if you hear a ticking sound from the engine. Also, check the odometer—if it's over 5,000 km past due, the car must be towed to a repair shop. It's best to stick a maintenance date label in the glove compartment so you see it every day while driving.

[Reyn]

I remember last winter when I exceeded the maintenance schedule, the accelerator pedal felt unusually heavy while driving. In fact, delaying maintenance is most risky in winter because low temperatures make old engine oil thicker, and cold starts can be particularly damaging to the engine. Later, I researched and found that manufacturers set maintenance intervals with a safety margin—exceeding by 20% is generally safe, but you need to consider driving conditions. For example, since I often drive on mountain roads, I need to replace the air filter earlier if overdue. If your car has a maintenance reminder function, a small wrench icon will flash on the dashboard when overdue, indicating it's time for immediate service.