
Under normal circumstances, when the engine oil life drops below approximately 10%, the vehicle's combination meter will issue a reminder, indicating the need for maintenance. Below are the key considerations for automotive maintenance: 1. Use lubricating oil of appropriate quality grade: The selection standard should not be lower than the manufacturer's specified requirements. 2. Regularly change the engine oil and filter: The quality of any grade of lubricating oil will change during use. After a certain mileage, its performance deteriorates, potentially causing various engine issues. To prevent malfunctions, oil should be changed regularly based on usage conditions, maintaining an appropriate oil level. 3. Maintain good crankcase ventilation: Regular maintenance of the PCV system is necessary, including cleaning contaminants around the PCV valve. 4. Periodically clean the crankcase: During engine operation, high-pressure unburned gases, acids, moisture, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides from the combustion chamber enter the crankcase through the gap between the piston rings and cylinder walls, mixing with metal particles from component wear to form sludge. Small amounts remain suspended in the oil, while larger quantities can precipitate, clogging filters and oil passages, making engine lubrication difficult and causing wear. Additionally, oil oxidation at high temperatures forms varnish and carbon deposits that adhere to pistons, increasing fuel consumption, reducing power, and in severe cases, causing piston rings to seize and cylinder scoring. Therefore, regular crankcase cleaning is essential to maintain engine cleanliness. 5. Periodically clean the fuel system: As fuel travels through the fuel lines to the combustion chamber, it inevitably forms gums and carbon deposits that accumulate in fuel passages, carburetors, injectors, and combustion chambers, disrupting fuel flow, altering the air-fuel ratio, impairing fuel atomization, and leading to engine issues such as rough idling, knocking, unstable acceleration, and poor performance. Regular fuel system cleaning ensures optimal engine operation. 6. Regular radiator maintenance: Rust and scale buildup in the engine radiator are common issues. These deposits restrict coolant flow, reducing cooling efficiency and potentially causing engine overheating or damage. Oxidized coolant can also form acidic substances that corrode metal radiator components, leading to leaks. Regular radiator cleaning to remove rust and scale not only ensures proper engine function but also extends the lifespan of both the radiator and the engine.

When driving, we need to pay attention to the engine oil level. Generally, there are two marking lines on the dipstick. If the oil level is below the minimum mark, it's time to add oil. If you wait until the oil warning light comes on, the engine may already be severely lacking oil, which could cause cylinder scoring or bearing wear. I personally make it a habit to check the dipstick monthly when the engine is cold, and if it's below the middle line, I top up half a liter. German cars require special attention. For example, my old BMW consumes 1 liter of oil every 2,000 kilometers, so I always keep spare oil in the trunk for peace of mind. The maintenance cycle mainly depends on mileage and time. Mineral oil needs to be changed every 5,000 kilometers or six months, while full synthetic oil can last up to 10,000 kilometers. However, under aggressive driving or high-temperature conditions, maintenance should be advanced by 20%.

Every time during maintenance, the mechanic reminds me that the engine oil level should at least be above the minimum mark. Last week, my friend's car ran out of oil, and the engine started making rattling noises. When they opened it up, the bearing shells were worn out, costing over 8,000 yuan to repair. Checking it yourself is actually very simple: park the car, turn off the engine, wait for ten minutes, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check the oil mark's position. The patterned area below the mark is the danger zone—if the oil mark is here, you must top up the oil immediately. If you notice the oil is being consumed too quickly, it might be burning oil or leaking. My Passat has this issue, and now I have to add a liter every 3,000 kilometers. It's best to follow the manual for maintenance; for regular use, changing the oil every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers is the safest.

I noticed many people wait until the oil warning light comes on before taking action, which actually harms the engine. During routine checks, if the oil level is below the minimum mark, it must be topped up immediately. Once during a road trip, I found the dipstick couldn't reach any oil traces, so I added a liter right away to avoid major repairs. Nowadays, the onboard computer can display the oil life percentage, and maintenance should be prepared when it drops below 20%. I don't drive much, but I change the oil every six months without fail because oil oxidizes and deteriorates. Full synthetic oil is recommended for replacement every 8,000 kilometers, but if you frequently drive on highways, changing it at 6,000 kilometers is safer. Remember, insufficient oil volume is more harmful than overdue replacement.

It's common sense to top up when the oil level is below the minimum mark on the dipstick. I've seen novice drivers run their cars until the oil ran dry, ending up with a five-figure engine overhaul. Checking it yourself requires skill: park on level ground when the engine is cold, and take the average of three measurements for accuracy. When the oil level is close to the minimum line, you can add 0.5-1 liters. For example, my Japanese car needs half a liter from the midpoint to the minimum line. Don't just rely on mileage for maintenance intervals; even full synthetic oil should be changed if it exceeds 6 months, as oil absorbs moisture and emulsifies. Shorten the maintenance interval by 20% if you frequently drive in traffic jams, and pay extra attention to oil acidification corroding the engine if the car sits idle for long periods.


