What Are the Consequences of Not Maintaining a Car?
2 Answers
Failure to maintain a car can lead to the following consequences: The vehicle's three filters are not replaced, causing damage to the engine. The three filters refer to the oil filter (engine filter), fuel filter (gas filter), and air filter. If the oil filter is not maintained and replaced, once it fails, various contaminants in the oil can cause abnormal wear to internal engine components such as pistons or cylinder walls, potentially leading to engine failure. A failed fuel filter can result in an increase in acidic substances, gum, and iron particles in the oil, causing the oil to darken and lose viscosity over time. This can clog the oil filtration system, leading to poor engine lubrication, accelerated engine wear, and the entry of impurities into the cylinders through the fuel system. In mild cases, this accelerates cylinder wear and causes incomplete fuel combustion, forming carbon deposits; in severe cases, it can directly cause engine seizure. The air filter's role is to prevent hard, harmful airborne particles and impurities from entering the cylinders and damaging the engine. Oil failure. Engine oil, or lubricating oil, primarily serves to lubricate and reduce friction among engine components, assist in cooling, and provide shock absorption. Long-term neglect of oil changes will cause the oil's viscosity to decrease, gradually reducing its lubrication and friction-reducing properties. Loss of coolant. The vehicle's coolant must be replaced periodically. Otherwise, the ethylene glycol it contains will oxidize, not only losing its anti-corrosion protection for key components of the cooling system but also producing corrosive substances that can damage the system. Additionally, coolant is not just for preventing freezing and expansion issues in winter; it also plays a crucial role in engine cooling. Coolant failure can cause the cooling system to overheat and boil. Tire neglect. Tires are rubber products with a defined lifespan and usage period, requiring replacement before they expire. Brake fluid failure. Brake fluid is critical to driving safety. It contains ethylene glycol, and cars left unused for long periods without maintenance can absorb moisture from the air, rendering the brake fluid ineffective. Paint damage. Sunlight UV rays can corrode a car's paint. Without maintenance, the paint can lose its shine, appear aged, and, in severe cases, develop cracks. Carbon buildup from prolonged neglect. Car engines often suffer from carbon buildup, where incompletely burned fuel turns into carbon deposits. Long-term neglect of maintenance can severely damage the engine, preventing it from functioning properly. Car maintenance primarily involves replacing wear-prone parts and fluids, including engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid. Car maintenance refers to the regular inspection, cleaning, replenishment, lubrication, adjustment, or replacement of certain parts as preventive work, also known as car servicing. The goal of car maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean, ensure normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent malfunctions, slow deterioration, and extend the vehicle's lifespan.
When I first bought my car, I was too lazy to maintain it and didn’t change the oil on time. As a result, sludge built up inside the engine, the piston rings got stuck, and the oil pump clogged. The noise grew louder, and later, the car lost power when I stepped on the gas, emitting blue smoke. An inspection revealed scratches on the cylinder walls, requiring a major repair that cost several thousand. The transmission fluid wasn’t changed either, causing rough shifting and eventually locking up, making things worse. The brake fluid had too much moisture, leading to longer stopping distances and nearly causing a rear-end collision. These internal damages were small issues that accumulated into a disaster. Basic maintenance, like regular oil and filter changes, only costs a few hundred and can prevent such problems. Now, I’ve learned to stick to a half-yearly check-up routine. The engine runs smoothly and quietly, giving me peace of mind and extending its lifespan—the key lies in being meticulous.
