How to Maintain a Used Car?
4 Answers
Here is some relevant information about used car maintenance: 1. Replace fluids promptly. After purchasing a used car, it should be treated like a new car, and many 'fluids' need to be replaced, such as transmission fluid, brake fluid, engine oil, coolant, etc. Additionally, when changing the engine oil, the oil filter should also be replaced. 2. Tire inspection. Tires are crucial as they are the 'feet' of the car. During inspection, pay close attention to the tread patterns and cleanliness of the tires, and ensure their grip capability. Some tires may appear new with deep treads, but the rubber may have already aged, which should not be overlooked.
When it comes to used car maintenance, I have some practical tips. The most important thing is to conduct a comprehensive inspection immediately after taking over the car—don’t just judge by appearances. Have a repair shop thoroughly check the chassis, engine, and transmission condition. All fluids must be replaced, as the previous owner might have neglected maintenance. Change the engine oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid with new ones for peace of mind. A commonly overlooked aspect is rubber components—inspect belts and bushings for aging or cracking, and don’t hesitate to replace them if cracks are found. Regularly monitor the thickness of safety-critical parts like brake pads and tires; if the tread is nearly worn out, replace them without delay. The key to saving money lies in preventive maintenance—don’t wait until something breaks completely. Frequent checks on wear-prone parts and spending small amounts to prevent major accidents is true smart budgeting.
Don't think I'm nagging just because I'm a mechanic, but used car maintenance really requires attention to detail. I handle hundreds of cars daily, and what scares me most are people who modify their used cars right after purchase. Replacing the timing belt kit and all fluids should be the top priority. Novices often overlook chassis bolts—take it to a shop and have all chassis screws tightened to standard torque specs, which can reduce 80% of rattling noises. AC maintenance is particularly crucial—if you detect a musty smell, replace the filter and clean the ducts immediately; this isn't an area to cut corners. Check wiper blades for skipping during operation and swap them for OEM parts if needed. Always keep a bottle of electrical contact cleaner handy—a quick spray on greenish connectors prevents oxidation.
The neighbor's younger sister just bought a three-year-old Fit and came to ask me about maintenance. I told her not to worry and to focus on three key things: In the first month after getting the car, keep an eye on the dashboard warning lights—if the ABS or airbag light comes on, get the wiring checked immediately. Girls often overlook the condition of the spare tire, so make sure it's inflated and the tire-changing tools are complete. The cabin air filter should be taken out and dusted every month; just buy a HEPA activated carbon filter and replace it yourself. If the steering wheel shakes, go to a tire shop for wheel balancing—it's a 60-yuan fix, so don't delay. If the rearview mirror doesn’t fold properly, don’t force it; buy a can of WD-40 on Taobao and spray it on the pivot—it works wonders.
