Is an Annual Car Maintenance Cycle Acceptable?
2 Answers
Car maintenance should follow the owner's manual, as different brands and models have varying maintenance cycles. Below is a detailed introduction to the maintenance cycle and items for small cars: 1. Car Maintenance Items: Mainly include replacing fluids and wear parts. Fluids include engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and battery electrolyte. Wear parts include belts, wipers, spark plugs, ignition coils, brake pads, brake rotors, tires, and filters. 2. Benefits of Regular Maintenance: Regular car maintenance can improve vehicle performance and extend its lifespan. According to relevant car maintenance test programs, proper maintenance can save 11.36% of fuel during driving. After a full maintenance service, CO emissions during idle driving can be reduced by 45.37%.
I've been driving for twenty years, and I think the idea of annual maintenance really depends on the car's condition. If you're using full synthetic oil and just commuting to work, driving less than 10,000 kilometers a year, then it's not a big issue. But for older models or turbocharged cars, I'd advise you to strictly follow the manual. My neighbor's old Passat was serviced once a year, and the engine sludge built up like paste, costing over 4,000 yuan to fix. Also, it's best to replace the air filter and cabin air filter every six months, especially in dusty northern areas—don't wait until the scheduled maintenance to change them.
