Why Must Cars Be Serviced Every Six Months?
3 Answers
Regular six-month maintenance is beneficial for a car's overall performance, helping to slow down the deterioration process and extend its service life. However, it's not mandatory to service a car every six months; annual maintenance is also an option. Reasons for regular car maintenance: Maintain a clean and tidy vehicle appearance; ensure normal technical conditions and eliminate potential hazards; prevent faults from occurring; slow down the deterioration process; extend the service life. Scope of regular car maintenance: Replace engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter; check if the coolant level meets specifications; inspect the brake and clutch fluid levels; verify the power steering fluid level complies with standards; examine all oil pipe interfaces for leaks; check the battery fluid level and windshield washer fluid level; inspect the tension and aging of the generator, air conditioning, water pump, and power steering pump belts; ensure all front and rear lights are functional; check tire pressure and wear conditions; verify that the vehicle's exhaust emissions meet standards.
Last time in the team chat, we talked about half-year maintenance. My understanding is that cars, like people, need regular check-ups. The six-month mark is particularly crucial. For instance, engine oil gradually oxidizes and deteriorates under high-temperature operation in the engine, especially for vehicles frequently stuck in traffic, where constant stop-and-go driving is even more damaging to the oil. My neighbor once delayed maintenance until nine months, and the engine was full of sludge. Then there are those hidden consumables, like brake fluid, which is most easily overlooked. It has strong water absorption, and once the water content exceeds 3%, it affects braking performance. Fluids are like the blood of a car. Six months is just enough time for the cabin air filter to clog with dust, and tires may wear unevenly or develop bulges. Regular maintenance costs are small change compared to the hefty bills you’ll face when parts fail and require major repairs.
As someone who frequently drives long distances, I place great importance on maintenance schedules. Around six months or roughly 7,000-8,000 kilometers is the ideal time to inspect the chassis and suspension – vehicles that frequently traverse rough roads may have cracked ball joint bushings. During my last service, the mechanic noticed grease leakage from the driveshaft boot; catching it any later would have required replacing the entire driveshaft. Air conditioning refrigerant also tends to lose about 10% over six months, making summer the perfect time for a top-up. For those who think maintenance is expensive, consider this: regularly replacing a hundred-dollar oil filter is far more economical than repairing a turbocharger costing thousands. Developing a habit of recording maintenance can also help detect issues like battery degradation in advance.
