Is Car Maintenance Necessary?
2 Answers
Analysis of Essential Car Maintenance Items: 1. Engine Oil: Engine oil must be replaced without a doubt. Known as the 'blood' of the engine, the engine is the vehicle's most critical and vital component. Any issue with the engine can severely impact the vehicle's performance. Engine oil primarily lubricates, reduces shock and buffer, cools, and minimizes engine wear. Any problem in these functions can be serious. 2. Oil Filter: Replacing the oil filter is also essential. Many car owners might notice during maintenance that a round object under the car is replaced when changing the oil—this is the oil filter. It filters out impurities like dust, carbon deposits, and metal particles from the oil, protecting the engine. This is a crucial component that must be replaced. 3. Antifreeze: For most car owners, antifreeze might not need replacement until the car is scrapped or replaced. However, special circumstances can't be ruled out, so regular observation is necessary. Antifreeze levels should neither be below the minimum nor above the maximum line. Its main functions are to prevent freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and to protect against scale and corrosion. 4. Brake Fluid: Open the engine hood and locate a round cap on the bracket to add brake fluid. Due to its water-absorbing nature, brake fluid can separate oil and water over time, leading to different boiling points, reduced performance, and affected braking. It's recommended to replace brake fluid every 40,000 km, though this can be adjusted based on the vehicle's condition. 5. Power Steering Fluid: Power steering fluid is used in the car's power steering pump. It facilitates easy steering through hydraulic action, similar to automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, and shock absorber fluid. It's advisable to replace it during major maintenance. 6. Spark Plugs: The importance of spark plugs is obvious—without them, a car would be like a person in a vegetative state. Over time, the engine may run unevenly, causing vibrations. In severe cases, cylinder deformation can occur, leading to increased fuel consumption. Thus, spark plugs are crucial and should be replaced around every 60,000 km.
I believe car maintenance is absolutely essential. Although some people might skip it to save money, the risks are too great. Having driven for 10 years myself, I once experienced a near-miss on the highway due to neglecting an oil change and brake inspection—the brakes felt unresponsive, and I almost rear-ended another car. It was a real wake-up call. Since then, I’ve stuck to regular maintenance, including changing the oil every 5,000 kilometers and checking tire pressure and brake pads every six months. These details not only extend the car’s lifespan but also prevent accidents—for example, low tire pressure increases the risk of a blowout and affects steering stability. Neglecting maintenance turns a car into a ticking time bomb, ready to malfunction at any moment and endanger lives. My advice to everyone is: don’t cut corners. Even on a tight budget, prioritize maintenance—it’s not just a small expense but an investment in safety.
