How to Maintain a Car in General?

[DelAmy]

General car maintenance includes the following: 1. Tire Maintenance: Tire care is crucial as the tires and rims are the most prone to dirt. Before cleaning the tires, prepare a long-handled brush. Avoid using the brush on chrome-plated mirror surfaces to prevent noticeable scratches. If the tires are not too dirty, general cleaning agents can be used. For heavily soiled tires, purchase professional cleaning agents. 2. Car Paint Maintenance: The effect of paint sealing typically lasts between 3 months to half a year, while coating lasts over half a year. It is recommended to reseal or recoat periodically to reduce the frequency of car washes. Avoid waxing and polishing the vehicle as much as possible. Promptly remove corrosive substances like bird droppings. Park the car in a shaded area to avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially for white cars. Avoid wiping the car surface directly with a duster or dry cloth. Instead, rinse off dust with water and then wipe dry with a clean, absorbent cloth. Do not let the car air dry naturally after rinsing. 3. Interior Maintenance: Regularly visit a 4S shop for maintenance of carpets, shoe marks on the lower part of inner door panels, dashboard, and roof. Strictly follow the three-step process of dust removal, cleaning, and maintenance to thoroughly clean and maintain the dashboard, roof, seats, floor mats, and inner door panels. 4. Check Engine Oil Level: Use the dipstick to check the oil level. If the level is between the F and L marks, it is within the normal range. If it is below L, add the specified type of engine oil. After adding oil, the level should ideally not exceed the F mark.

[OBennett]

Car maintenance is all about daily habits. Having driven for over a decade, I've summed it up to three regular tasks: changing engine oil and filters every few thousand kilometers—don't wait for problems to arise; checking tire pressure and wear—replace them if they're too soft or cracked to avoid fuel waste and hazards; and ensuring fluids like brake and coolant levels are adequate. When parking, take a moment to dust off, replace worn wiper blades, and remember to top up the AC refrigerant in hot weather. Find a reliable repair shop for a comprehensive check-up every six months—spend a little to save on major repairs, ensuring smooth driving and a longer car lifespan.

[DelAthena]

Car maintenance starts with safety at the source. I believe in ensuring the brake system is responsive, providing steady and powerful braking before hitting the road; tire pressure should be balanced—not too high or too low to avoid blowouts on turns; keep battery terminals rust-free by regular cleaning to prevent starting issues. Economically, focus on fuel-saving tips: replace dirty air filters to avoid straining the engine and wasting money; ensure windshield washer nozzles are clear during rainy night drives, adding cleaner to prevent clogs. Remember to schedule regular minor maintenance at authorized shops—don’t cut corners with cheap roadside services, as they can hide hazards. Safety comes first.

[ReedLee]

I enjoy DIY maintenance to save costs. Buying a simple toolkit, I regularly replace the air filter—just pop the hood and it takes less than ten minutes. When the oil dipstick shows low levels, I top it up with synthetic oil. For the windshield washer fluid, tap water mixed with dish soap works just fine. If the tire treads are wearing thin, I replace them in advance with durable ones that last two years. The key is developing a habit: monthly checks on whether the lights and horn are working—small efforts that prevent major repairs. Learning basic skills through online videos brings a great sense of accomplishment as you get the hang of it.

[McMia]

Modern car maintenance goes beyond just the mechanical aspects. I believe more attention should be paid to software updates: regularly download upgrade packages for the infotainment system to optimize engine control for better fuel efficiency; inspect electronic components like sensors to prevent false alarms. Daily maintenance should be smarter: use a mobile app to monitor tire pressure and mileage reminders for oil changes; clean the air filter before using the AC in summer to avoid odors. Opt for new material parts like long-life coolant that withstands high temperatures, making long-distance drives more reassuring. Take time every quarter for a professional check-up of the electrical circuits and fuel lines at a chain service center to prevent minor issues from escalating. Technology makes car maintenance more efficient and affordable.