What are the consequences of not performing required car maintenance?
4 Answers
If you don't perform required car maintenance, initially there will only be various minor issues, such as increased fuel consumption and engine vibration. Over time, the accumulation of these problems will lead to complete vehicle failure and inability to operate. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. Modern car maintenance mainly includes the maintenance scope of engine systems, transmission systems, air conditioning systems, cooling systems, fuel systems, power steering systems, etc. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent failures, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life.
Having driven for so many years, I know very well that if you keep delaying maintenance, your car will develop quite a few problems. Take my last experience for example—I was too busy with work and forgot to change the oil, which led to increased engine noise and nearly caused an overheating breakdown on the highway. In the end, the repair cost me several thousand dollars. Delaying oil changes accelerates engine wear and affects performance; neglecting tire inspections can lead to severe wear and increase the risk of a blowout; brake fluid must also be replaced regularly, or braking efficiency will suffer, which could be dangerous in an emergency. Skipping maintenance also increases fuel consumption, hitting your wallet even harder. I recommend developing a habit of regular visits to the shop—it saves you from costly repairs and gives you peace of mind while driving.
As someone who frequently drives to pick up and drop off children, my biggest concern is the safety of the car. Skipping maintenance can lead to significant risks. For example, if the brake system isn't checked, it might suddenly fail, especially in rainy or snowy conditions where loss of control is more likely; if aging tires aren't replaced, the chance of a blowout on the highway increases, which can lead to serious accidents; and an aging battery might leave you stranded in a remote area in the middle of the night. These are all real-life scenarios—my colleague ignored a clogged cabin air filter, resulting in poor air quality inside the car that triggered allergies. Remember, regular maintenance not only protects your car but also safeguards your life and your family's. Don't delay it.
I used to be quite frugal as well, but later realized that skipping maintenance actually costs more in the long run. A minor service costs a few hundred bucks, but delaying it can lead to bigger issues requiring repairs that may run into thousands: severe engine carbon buildup could necessitate major overhauls and part replacements; forgetting to change transmission fluid may cause internal damage with even costlier repairs; even small things like faulty headlights can lead to nighttime traffic violations with hefty fines. Moreover, delayed maintenance can increase fuel consumption by about 10%, adding over a hundred yuan in extra fuel costs monthly – enough to buy a new set of tires over time. If you do the math, sticking to scheduled maintenance is the most cost-effective approach, saving both money and hassle.
