Car Maintenance Levels: Categories, Costs and Processes

Car maintenance is the process of checking, adjusting, and replacing car components and systems to ensure effective operation, maintaining the safety, durability, and longevity of the vehicle.

Based on the number of kilometers, car maintenance includes 5 main levels: level 1 maintenance, level 2 maintenance, level 3 maintenance, level 4 maintenance and advanced maintenance. Based on the nature, car maintenance is divided into three levels: periodic maintenance, advanced maintenance and unexpected maintenance.

Car maintenance costs range from 1 - 10 million VND depending on the level of maintenance, vehicle type, level of damage...

Regarding the process, when undergoing maintenance, a car will go through 5 main stages: receiving the vehicle, general inspection, performing maintenance, post-maintenance inspection, handover and consultation.

Properly maintaining your car will help ensure driving safety, increase longevity, save costs and protect the environment.

According to research by the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), proper periodic maintenance can help save 10-15% of fuel, extend engine life by up to 30% and reduce fuel consumption. The risk of sudden failure is up to 50%.

Let's explore in more detail car maintenance levels check out the next post!

Classification of Maintenance Levels According to Number of Kilometers

According to the number of kilometers, car maintenance levels are divided into level 1 maintenance, level 2 maintenance, level 3 maintenance, level 4 maintenance and advanced maintenance.

1. Level 1 maintenance (5.000 km)

Level 1 maintenance is usually performed after the vehicle travels the first 5.000 km or after 3-6 months of use. Main maintenance items include:

• Change engine oil and oil filter.
• Check and add solutions: coolant, glass washer fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid,...
• Check the condition: tires, battery, brake system, light system,...

Level 1 maintenance costs range from 800.000 - 1.500.000 VND.

2. Level 2 maintenance (10.000 km)

After every 10.000 km or 6 months, level 2 maintenance will begin with level 1 maintenance and add:

• Replace engine air filter, air conditioner filter.
• Check and clean fuel injectors.
• Check the drive system.

Level 2 maintenance costs range from 1.200.000 - 2.500.000 VND.

3. Level 3 maintenance (20.000 – 30.000 km)

Level 3 maintenance is performed every 20.000 - 30.000 km, including items of level 1 and 2 maintenance and additional:

• Replace fuel filter (if necessary).
• Check and replace aging rubber parts.
• Check the electrical system.

Level 3 maintenance costs range from 2.000.000 - 4.000.000 VND

4. Level 4 maintenance (40.000 – 60.000 km)

Level 4 maintenance is conducted every 40.000 - 60.000 km, including items of level 1, 2 and 3 maintenance, and in addition:

• Clean the engine combustion chamber.
• Check and replace spark plugs (if necessary).
• Check the suspension system.

Level 4 maintenance costs range from 6.000.000 - 10.000.000 VND

5. High level maintenance (80.000 – 100.000 km)

Advanced maintenance is conducted every 80.000 - 100.000 km, including items of level 1, 2, 3 and 4 maintenance, and performing a general inspection of the entire vehicle.

Classification of Car Maintenance Levels According to Nature

Based on nature, car maintenance can be classified into three levels: periodic maintenance, advanced maintenance and unexpected maintenance.

1. Periodic maintenance

Regular maintenance is the most basic and important level in car care. As recommended by most manufacturers, routine maintenance should be performed every 5.000 - 10.000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first. The main items in periodic maintenance include:

• Change engine oil and oil filter.
• Check and replace air filter and fuel filter.
• Check tire pressure and adjust if necessary.
• Check the level of coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
• Check and clean spark plugs.
• Check the condition of belts, pipes, brakes, suspension systems, etc.

The cost for a regular maintenance session usually ranges from 1.000.000 - 2.000.000 VND, depending on the vehicle type and maintenance package.

According to research by the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), proper periodic maintenance can help save 10-15% of fuel, extend engine life by up to 30% and reduce fuel consumption. The risk of sudden failure is up to 50%.

2. Advanced maintenance

Advanced maintenance is performed at larger kilometer milestones, typically 30.000 km, 60.000 km or 90.000 km. This is a more comprehensive level of maintenance, including complex and important items such as:

The cost for an advanced maintenance session usually ranges from 3.000.000 - 10.000.000 VND, depending on the type of vehicle and items needing maintenance.

According to data from the Vietnam Register, regular advanced maintenance can help reduce the risk of accidents due to technical failures by 70%.

Unscheduled Maintenance

Unscheduled maintenance are items that need to be performed when the vehicle has a problem or unusual damage, not included in the regular maintenance schedule. Some signs that unexpected maintenance is needed include:

• The engine is difficult to start and runs unstable.
• The vehicle vibrates abnormally when operating.
• The error light on the dashboard is on.
• Strange noises and sounds from the engine or suspension system.
• Oil, coolant or fuel leak.
• Weak brakes, heavy brakes or squealing brakes.

According to statistics from the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association, more than 60% of car failures can be prevented if detected and handled promptly through unscheduled maintenance.

Although the cost of unscheduled maintenance is often higher than regular maintenance, maintenance still helps prevent more serious damage and saves on repair costs in the long run.

Car Maintenance Process

To ensure maintenance quality, Thanh Phong Auto develops a standard car maintenance process including the following steps:

Step 1: Receive the vehicle

The vehicle reception staff will record customer information, license plate number, number of kilometers traveled, and current vehicle condition.

Step 2: General check

Comprehensive assessment of the vehicle's condition before maintenance:

• Check the vehicle's exterior: paint layer, vehicle glass, vehicle lights, tires,...
• Check the car interior: seats, steering wheel, dashboard, electrical system,...
• Check the wear level of details: oil, oil filter, engine air filter, air conditioning filter, battery, brake system, steering system, suspension system, electrical system,...
• Check the solutions: coolant, glass washer fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc.

Step 3: Perform maintenance

Carry out maintenance items in accordance with the manufacturer's regulations and recommendations

Step 4: Check after maintenance

Re-evaluate the vehicle's condition after completing maintenance.

Step 5: Handover and consultation

Explain to the customer the work performed and give advice to maintain the vehicle in the best condition.

A study from Vietnam Automobile and Motorcycle Magazine shows that vehicles maintained according to standard procedures have an average lifespan of 20% longer and fuel economy 12% better than vehicles that do not comply. procedure.

Benefits of Proper Car Maintenance

Regular car maintenance is extremely important to help ensure driving safety, prolong vehicle life, save costs and protect the environment.

1. Ensure safety when driving

Regular inspection and maintenance helps detect potential damage early in the engine, brake system, steering system, electrical system, etc. before they become serious, causing danger when driving.

Maintenance also helps ensure the brakes, steering system and suspension system work well, so the driver can control the vehicle more easily and safely.

2. Extend vehicle life

Changing oil, oil filters and lubricating solutions periodically helps minimize wear and tear on machine parts, helping the vehicle operate more durably. Changing coolant periodically helps the engine operate cool, avoiding overheating and damage.

In addition, car maintenance also helps protect metal parts from rust, helping the car stay shiny and durable.

3. Cost savings

Car maintenance helps the engine operate more efficiently, helping to save fuel. At the same time, early detection and timely repair of small damages will help save major repair costs later.

4. Environmental Protection

Vehicle maintenance helps the engine operate more efficiently, save fuel, and reduce harmful emissions into the environment.

Questions Related to Car Maintenance

1. What are the signs that your car needs maintenance?

Some signs that your car needs maintenance include:

• Flashing light alarming errors on the bright dashboard.
• The engine is difficult to start, running unstable.
• Unusual noise and vibration during operation.
• Weak brakes, heavy brakes or strange noises.
• Oil, coolant or fuel leak.

2. Is using genuine spare parts when maintaining a car really necessary?

Using genuine spare parts or spare parts that meet equivalent quality standards when maintaining your car is very important to ensure the safety, reliability and longevity of the vehicle. According to the survey, 92% of car owners appreciate the use of genuine spare parts.

3. Can I maintain my car at home?

Car owners can perform some simple maintenance items themselves at home such as changing engine oil, air filter, checking tire pressure... However, for more complex items, professional garages should do it. presently. Self-maintenance of some simple items can help save 20-30% of costs.

4. What factors do car maintenance costs depend on?

Car maintenance costs depend on the type of vehicle, level of maintenance, and garage.

5. Is there any way to prolong the life of a car?

To prolong the life of your car, car owners should:

• Follow the regular maintenance schedule.
• Use the correct type of fuel and lubricant as recommended.
• Operate the vehicle properly, avoid sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and overloading.
• Leave the car in a cool environment, avoid damp places.
• Clean and preserve the vehicle regularly.

6. Can routine maintenance be skipped if the vehicle is rarely used?

Even when rarely used, car owners should still follow the regular maintenance schedule as recommended by the manufacturer. Ignoring maintenance can cause parts to wear out and degrade without being detected and treated promptly, leading to serious damage later.

7. How to choose a reputable car maintenance garage?

When choosing a maintenance garage, car owners should:

• Priority is given to genuine garages or long-standing reputable private garages.
• Learn about service quality and previous customer reviews.
• Check the operating license, equipment and qualifications of the technician team.
• Choose a garage with a warranty policy and use genuine spare parts that meet quality standards.

8. Where should cars be maintained and repaired in Ho Chi Minh?

If you need car maintenance or repair in Ho Chi Minh, please contact us immediately Thanh Phong Auto. We have a team of highly specialized auto technicians with rich experience in maintaining and repairing damage to all types of vehicles from popular to high-end vehicles on the market.

Advantages of Thanh Phong Auto:

• Large, modern garage system with many modern and convenient diagnostic and vehicle repair support machines.
• Carefully advise on maintenance and repair plans and quote prices to customers before implementation.
• Catch the right disease, fix the right error, don't report fraud or boil things.
• Replace with 100% genuine components, say no to fake and floating goods on the market.
• Go to 24/7 car rescue, mobile vehicle repair, towing vehicle to garage for repair if seriously damaged within HCM city.

Contact us for more detailed information!