How to Maintain a Car?

[DeBennett]

Methods for car maintenance: 1. When washing the car, pay special attention to cleaning the interior leather seats periodically to prevent bacterial growth; 2. Wipe the car with clean water once a week, avoiding frequent visits to car washes; 3. Regularly place some activated charcoal inside the car, as vehicles emit a lot of exhaust fumes during use, which may leave residues inside; 4. Use removable floor mats in the car. If the mats are not too dirty, take them outside to shake off dust or use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. For heavily soiled carpets, use a detergent; 5. The steering wheel, frequently handled, can easily get dirty. If it becomes sticky, it may affect driving comfort. Clean it with water, and adding a bit of detergent can help remove stains more easily, but ensure to wipe it dry with a towel.

[DiRosalie]

Maintaining a car, I believe, is as important as taking care of one's own body. As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I adhere to changing the engine oil and oil filter every 5,000 kilometers or six months; this prevents engine wear and extends the engine's lifespan. Next is the tires—I check the tire pressure myself every month, keeping it at the recommended value in the owner's manual. Every 10,000 kilometers, I get a wheel alignment and check the tread depth; if it's too shallow, it's time for new tires. Don't overlook the braking system; inspect the brake pad thickness every 20,000 kilometers. If I hear unusual noises or feel the brakes aren't responsive, I get them fixed immediately. The coolant in the cooling system should be checked for concentration during seasonal transitions—preventing overheating in summer and freezing cracks in winter. Batteries age quickly; test the voltage before winter to avoid starting issues. I've also learned to check the lights and wipers myself—broken bulbs or ineffective wipers can make nighttime driving dangerous. Finally, I replace the cabin air filter every six months to reduce dust and odors. After developing these habits, my car runs smoothly with fewer issues.

[McTanner]

New car maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. As a young car owner, keeping it simple is key: prioritize regular oil changes—find a reliable shop to service it every 5,000 km; spend a little now to avoid major repairs later. Tire maintenance is DIY—buy a pressure gauge and check monthly; keep within the labeled range, and test more before long trips. Watch for brake noise; squeaking means a shop visit. Don’t wait for the battery to fail—add anti-leak caps before winter each year. Interior cleaning matters too; wipe seats and dash with cleaner to keep it feeling fresh. Clean the AC filter quarterly to prevent clogs or allergies. These small habits add up to safer, worry-free driving while saving money and hassle.

[DiSophie]

As someone who has worked in an auto repair shop, the core of maintenance is prevention. Change the oil every 5,000 km—it's the most basic step. Check tire pressure regularly; too low damages the tires. Monitor brake pad thickness periodically; replace if below 3mm. Clean battery terminals to prevent oxidation; test starting power before winter each year. Maintain proper coolant concentration; measure with a gauge during seasonal changes. Clean or replace the air filter every 15,000 km for smooth airflow. Inspect lights and wipers yourself; replace broken ones. These steps involve minimal jargon and are easy to follow. Stick to them, and vehicle issues will be halved.