How to Maintain a Used Car?
2 Answers
Used car maintenance methods are: 1. Replace the engine oil and three filters, which are basic maintenance items for the vehicle. Note that the engine may already have slight wear, so there's no need to choose overly high-grade oil; 2. Check the tires—tires are crucial for safety. If they reach their service life or show severe wear and aging, they must be replaced promptly; 3. Inspect all belts, especially the timing belt. It's best to replace the timing belt to ensure safety; 4. Check the braking system, including the thickness of the brake pads and whether the brake discs have obvious chamfers or cracks. If severe wear is found, replace them immediately. Also, check for leaks in the brake fluid lines; 5. Clean, disinfect, and deodorize the interior. Owners can visit a car beauty shop to eliminate lingering odors through steam sterilization, negative ion air purification, and cleaning the air conditioning ducts; 6. Wash and beautify the car for a fresh look—perform a thorough stain removal, deep waxing, or polishing.
After buying a car, the first thing I do is a comprehensive inspection—starting with replacing the oil filter to ensure proper lubrication, checking brake pad thickness and tire wear, because safety comes first. For daily maintenance, I pay attention to using radiator cleaner to prevent rust and replace the cabin air filter every season to avoid odors. I regularly apply leather protectant to the interior to prevent sun damage and aging. Before long trips, I test the battery life and light brightness, addressing minor issues promptly to avoid major repairs. I make it a habit to change the oil every 5,000 kilometers and the transmission fluid every 20,000 kilometers, keeping a maintenance log to prove the car’s good condition when reselling. Used cars require even more meticulous care—investing a bit in maintenance can extend their lifespan, saving both hassle and money in the long run.
