
Car second maintenance is generally required at either 10,000 kilometers or 9 months, whichever comes first. The content of the second maintenance for a car and the items that do not require maintenance are as follows: Content of the second maintenance for a car: The second maintenance involves checking and adjusting the working condition of the engine and electrical equipment; removing and cleaning the oil pan and oil filter, checking and adjusting the steering and braking mechanisms, removing and cleaning the front and rear wheel hub bearings; adding lubricating oil, removing and inspecting tires, and performing tire rotation, etc. The purpose is to maintain the good working performance of various parts, mechanisms, and assemblies of the vehicle, ensuring their normal operation between the two maintenance intervals. Items that do not require maintenance: For the second maintenance of a car, other replacements and cleaning, such as engine cleaning, are not necessary. Performing these items during the second maintenance is premature, wasting both money and time.

When I first bought my new car, I paid special attention to the maintenance schedule. The second maintenance is usually around 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers after the first service, depending on your car model's manual. Last time, I went at 8,000 kilometers, which included an air filter and brake pad check in addition to the first service. Many people easily forget that maintenance is also required every six months, even if they don't drive much. Remember to bring your maintenance manual, as some 4S shops might push for paid services—decide if you need them. My advice is not to delay too long, otherwise, engine carbon buildup can become a serious issue, especially for cars that frequently drive in the city.

As an experienced car owner, the most crucial aspect of the second maintenance is checking the engine oil condition. I usually go for maintenance every 10,000 kilometers when using full synthetic oil, but for turbocharged cars, it's recommended to advance it to 7,000 kilometers. Last time, the mechanic taught me a little trick: after parking, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it. If the oil appears pitch black or is below the marked line, it's time for maintenance. Don't forget to ask the mechanic to check tire rotation and chassis screws, as these are potential hazards that are hard to spot on your own. My neighbor's car ended up with a leaking steering gear due to delayed maintenance.

The second maintenance is actually quite flexible, mainly based on two criteria: either 6 months after the first maintenance or exceeding 5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. In the north, I tend to perform maintenance earlier because low winter temperatures can harm the car. Remember, changing the engine oil and oil filter are basic items, while the air filter can be replaced as needed. It's recommended to change it every time if you frequently drive on dirt roads. After maintenance, make sure to get the work order, which will indicate the suggested mileage for the next maintenance. I like to stick a note on the dashboard to remind myself.