What are the five must-do items for car maintenance?

[BrantleyMarie]

Car maintenance involves five essential tasks: cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, and replacing parts. Definition of car maintenance: Car maintenance refers to the regular inspection, cleaning, replenishment, lubrication, adjustment, or replacement of certain parts as a preventive measure, also known as car servicing. Content of major car maintenance: Major maintenance refers to the routine servicing performed at the manufacturer-specified time or mileage, which includes replacing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter. Interval for major car maintenance: Major maintenance is based on the existence of minor maintenance.

[AsherRose]

As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I believe the five essential car maintenance items include changing the oil and filter, checking the air filter, maintaining tire health, inspecting the brake system, and maintaining various fluids. Changing the oil ensures smooth engine lubrication and should be done every 5,000 kilometers to prevent wear; a dirty air filter can block airflow and needs regular cleaning or replacement, otherwise fuel consumption increases; tires should be checked monthly for pressure and tread wear, and inflated or replaced if below standard to avoid high-speed blowout risks; inspecting brake pads and discs ensures reliable emergency braking—if you feel weak braking power, get it fixed immediately; finally, check fluid levels like coolant and brake fluid, as low levels can cause overheating or failure. From personal experience, neglecting a brake inspection once nearly caused an accident, so I now strictly follow these steps. With regular minor maintenance, my car has run over 200,000 kilometers and still feels like new—safe and worry-free.

[VonMarley]

I've been in the car repair business for years and recommend everyone stick to five key points during maintenance: First, changing the engine oil and oil filter is top priority—do it every six months or 5,000 kilometers to prevent engine seizure. Second, inspect the air filter and replace it immediately if dirty to improve fuel efficiency. Third, check tire pressure monthly with an inexpensive gauge to maintain the standard value and extend tire life. Fourth, examine the brake system, including pads and discs, and replace them if excessively worn to ensure braking responsiveness. Fifth, monitor coolant and brake fluid levels, topping up or replacing them as needed. If these simple steps are beyond your capability, have a professional shop handle them—it saves on major repair costs and prevents roadside breakdowns. The core principle is safety first and reliable driving.

[GemmaFitz]

As a commuter who drives daily, I focus on five key maintenance tasks: changing the engine oil and filter every six months to keep the engine lubricated; replacing the air filter promptly to improve efficiency; checking tire pressure and tread monthly for safety and cost savings; inspecting the brake system annually to ensure quick response; and topping up fluids like coolant to prevent malfunctions. These maintenance routines keep my car running smoothly, reducing repair time and costs. I use phone alarms as reminders, making it efficient and hassle-free, so I can focus on work and life.