How to Perform Car Maintenance?
4 Answers
Car maintenance methods: 1. Pay attention to the car's dashboard while driving normally. If any warning or fault messages appear, they must be addressed and resolved promptly; 2. Regularly check the car's windshield washer fluid, antifreeze, engine oil, and gear oil, ensuring scheduled maintenance is performed at the specified intervals; 3. If the car is to go on a long-distance trip or travel far, make sure to perform pre-trip maintenance or servicing; 4. For cars that have already traveled tens of thousands of kilometers, conduct regular inspections of the tires or replace them promptly and effectively. Daily car maintenance is very important. Neglecting routine maintenance not only causes unnecessary damage to the vehicle but also jeopardizes driving safety. If daily tasks are performed carefully and diligently, not only can the vehicle be kept in like-new condition, but the technical status of all parts of the vehicle can also be monitored.
As a DIY car owner, I find basic car maintenance quite simple and hassle-free. First, change the engine oil regularly, every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers. Old oil can accelerate engine wear, and buying your own oil and filter can save you half the cost. Then check tire pressure—keep a cheap pressure gauge handy. In summer, slightly lower pressure helps prevent blowouts from heat, while in winter, slightly higher pressure improves traction. Don’t forget the air filter—clean or replace it when dirty, or you’ll lose horsepower. Check brake lights and turn signals every quarter to ensure they work properly, making nighttime driving safer. While washing your car, inspect the wiper blades and coolant level, and clear the windshield channels before the rainy season to prevent water buildup. These small steps take just 10 minutes a month but can extend your car’s lifespan by years and make driving much smoother.
With years of experience in automotive maintenance, I've learned that upkeep is all about systematic inspections. Oil changes are the core—replace the oil and filter every 7,500 kilometers to protect internal engine components. Worn-out spark plugs affect ignition, so replace them promptly when they age. Maintain the cooling system regularly by flushing the radiator annually to prevent clogs and replacing coolant to ensure winter antifreeze protection and summer heat dissipation. Change brake fluid every two years to keep braking responsive and reliable. Clean battery terminals to avoid sudden power loss. These in-depth maintenance steps not only ensure smooth acceleration but also improve fuel efficiency by around 10%, saving money in the long run. Learning basic skills and practicing with simple tools using online tutorials can be quite enjoyable too.
To manage my car maintenance budget, my strategy is to prioritize simple tasks to save money. For example, checking tire pressure monthly and inflating them myself with a $20 tool kit; buying air filters online and replacing them DIY for under $50, while shops charge double. For engine oil, I opt for mid-priced synthetic oil—choosing the right specification is more cost-effective than premium brands. Scheduling maintenance outside holidays often lands discounts at chain shops. Addressing minor issues like strange noises promptly prevents costly engine problems later. Regular oil changes every 10,000 kilometers prove more economical than frequent servicing. This approach saves me around a thousand dollars annually while keeping the car in stable condition without major issues.
