How to Improve the Economic Service Life of a Car?
3 Answers
Regular car maintenance can help improve the service life of your vehicle. Here is a relevant introduction to car maintenance: 1. First maintenance: Some manufacturers determine the first maintenance based on time or mileage. The exact timing for the first maintenance should be referred to in the vehicle's user manual or warranty manual. The first maintenance is very important and is usually free, so be sure to remember to do it to avoid missing it, which could affect the car's third maintenance. 2. Maintenance items: The main maintenance items for a car include changing the engine oil, oil filter, transmission fluid, spark plugs, air conditioning filter, air filter, brake fluid, etc. However, not all these items need to be replaced every time; it depends on their service life. In addition, maintenance also involves the inspection and upkeep of dozens of items across multiple systems, including the engine, transmission, air conditioning system, steering system, braking system, suspension, body, and tires.
I've been in the auto repair business for over twenty years, and experience tells me that the key to making a car last longer lies in regular maintenance and preventive inspections. The most basic thing is to change the oil on time—don't wait until the engine starts making noise. Changing it every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers can significantly reduce internal wear. Filters should be replaced at the same time; the air filter affects intake efficiency, while the fuel filter protects the injectors. Check the brake system monthly to inspect the wear on the discs and pads—if uneven, replace them early to avoid damaging other components. Tire pressure should be checked frequently, as low pressure increases rolling resistance and wears out the tread. And don’t forget the timing belt—if it breaks, the engine is done for, so always follow the manufacturer’s mileage recommendations. Also, electrical connections can loosen and cause short circuits, so inspect the lights and wiring quarterly. Developing these habits saves you from costly overhauls and easily extends the vehicle’s economic lifespan to over 15 years.
As a commuter who drives long distances daily, I successfully extended my car's lifespan by five years through improved driving habits. The key is avoiding abrupt movements: gently press the accelerator at startup instead of flooring it to reduce engine shock; brake smoothly with early light taps rather than sudden stops to protect the braking system; maintain steady speeds on highways and minimize lane changes to reduce transmission strain. I actively avoid congested rush-hour routes by taking detours, preventing excessive engine start-stop cycles that increase wear. Regularly declutter the trunk and avoid overloading it with heavy items that could damage the suspension. Don't blast the AC at full power immediately - first ventilate by opening windows, then gradually adjust cooling. These small routines not only reduced fuel consumption by 20%, but also significantly extended component lifespan while lowering maintenance costs.
