What are the main replacements for car maintenance?
4 Answers
Car maintenance mainly involves replacing: engine oil, air filter, oil filter, cabin air filter, and spark plugs. Car maintenance, also known as car servicing, refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. Car maintenance mainly includes the maintenance of the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, etc., with the purpose of keeping the car clean, maintaining normal technical conditions, eliminating hidden dangers, preventing faults, and extending the service life. Car maintenance is divided into minor maintenance and major maintenance. Minor maintenance generally refers to the routine maintenance items performed at the manufacturer's specified time or mileage after the car has traveled a certain distance to ensure vehicle performance, mainly including replacing the engine oil and oil filter. Major maintenance refers to the routine maintenance performed at the manufacturer's specified time or mileage, which includes replacing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter.
In car maintenance, the main items to be replaced vary from person to person, but I prioritize safety-related parts. For example, brake pads should be replaced once they wear down to a certain thickness, otherwise, the car may skid or lose control during emergency braking, which is extremely dangerous. Tires also need replacement when the tread wear becomes noticeable. I often hear friends complain about continuing to use tires after punctures, leading to frequent blowout accidents. Additionally, aging spark plugs can affect ignition and fuel consumption, so it's advisable to check them every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. Regularly replacing these parts saves hassle and money, avoiding the trouble of breaking down midway. My car is ten years old, and my conclusion is to prioritize these high-risk components—safety always comes first; don’t wait until problems arise to regret it. Small parts like windshield wipers also matter; if they don’t clean properly, visibility can be affected. In short, maintenance isn’t about replacing as much as possible, but focusing on the essentials ensures peace of mind on the road.
As a DIY enthusiast car owner, I believe the most cost-effective maintenance focuses on oil and filter changes. Engine oil should be replaced every 5,000 km or so to lubricate the engine, reduce wear, and extend vehicle lifespan. I frequently change the air filter too – clogged filters restrict engine airflow and spike fuel consumption. Oil filters are inexpensive, and with basic tools you can DIY, saving hundreds in labor costs. Don't forget brake fluid replacement every two years, as degraded fluid reduces braking performance. I recommend getting a maintenance manual to track mileage schedules and avoid unnecessary shop upsells. The priority is keeping core engine components clean and efficient. For other parts like coolant, periodic inspections suffice – don't overspend on minor issues.
Car maintenance was much simpler when I was younger, but it's different now. The core of car maintenance is regular oil changes. Having driven for decades, I know this can't be taken lightly - change it every few thousand kilometers to prevent engine wear. Also, replacing the oil filter along with the oil is more cost-effective, as it traps impurities and protects the system. The air filter should be cleaned or replaced frequently too, otherwise dirty cabin air affects health. From my experience, spark plugs should be inspected and replaced every 20,000-30,000 kilometers - repair costs get expensive when ignition fails. And replace tires promptly when they wear out quickly, safety comes first. In short, follow the manual's recommendations and don't slack off.
