What to Do When the Maintenance Time is Due but the Mileage Hasn't Been Reached?
1 Answers
The maintenance cycle for a car is determined by two standards: time and mileage. Generally, whichever standard is reached first indicates that the car needs maintenance. Here’s what to do if the time is due but the mileage hasn’t been reached: 1. Within the warranty period. If your car is still under warranty and the maintenance time is due but the mileage is far from being reached—for example, the recommended maintenance is at 5,000 km, but your car has only driven around 2,000 km—you can contact the 4S dealership to explain your situation and ask if the maintenance can be postponed. Failing to notify them might void the warranty. If an agreement is reached, record the phone call or ask them to send you a message as proof. Delaying the maintenance slightly shouldn’t be a big issue. Postponing maintenance doesn’t affect the car itself, as the correct maintenance cycle is specified in the vehicle’s manual, while 4S dealerships often shorten the cycle for profit. However, if the mileage is almost reached—only a few hundred kilometers short—it’s advisable to follow the dealership’s maintenance schedule. 2. Out of warranty. For cars out of warranty, if you’re still using the oil and parts specified in the manual, follow the manual’s maintenance cycle. If you’re using higher-grade oil or better-quality parts, you can appropriately extend the maintenance cycle based on the car’s actual condition.
