What are the basic contents of car maintenance?
3 Answers
Introduction to the basic contents of car maintenance is as follows: 1. Check the distributor, spark plugs, high-voltage wires, etc. to see if they are damp due to reasons like the car being exposed to rain. If they are damp, dry the damp parts before starting the car. 2. Check if the spark plugs are damaged. If they are, replace them with new ones promptly. 3. Check if the battery voltage is sufficient. Sometimes, the lights may be left on when parking, which can drain the battery over time. If the battery is drained, you need to put the car in second gear, press the clutch, and use another vehicle to tow it. When reaching a certain speed, release the clutch and turn the ignition switch, and the car will start naturally. Also, check the vehicle's idle condition.
I think car maintenance can be mainly divided into three parts: servicing, diagnosis, and repair. Just like regular health check-ups for humans, servicing involves changing the engine oil and oil filter every 5,000 or 10,000 kilometers, and checking wear-and-tear parts like brake pads, tires, and the battery. Diagnosis is particularly important nowadays, as mechanics use computers to connect to the vehicle's onboard computer to read fault codes, helping technicians quickly pinpoint issues. Repairs can range from minor to major, from replacing a wiper blade bulb to fixing a transmission or engine. The most common issue I encounter is troubleshooting strange noises—last time it was a loose wiper linkage, which took just half an hour to fix. Paying regular attention to your car's condition can save a lot on repair costs.
As a DIY car owner, I believe maintenance can be categorized into preventive and corrective. Preventive maintenance includes basic servicing: changing engine oil and three filters according to the manual, replacing brake fluid and coolant every two years, and checking the lifespan of belts and spark plugs. Corrective maintenance is more random, such as replacing window guide rails if the window movement is sticky, checking refrigerant if the AC isn't cooling, or addressing engine mount deterioration that causes steering wheel vibrations. Tools are crucial—I keep a tire pressure gauge, jumper cables, and an OBD scanner handy. Paying attention to unusual noises and dashboard warning lights helps detect many issues early.
