
After a car has run 45,000 kilometers, the maintenance items required generally include not only the regular replacement of engine oil and the three filters but also cleaning the throttle body, replacing spark plugs and brake fluid, among other maintenance tasks. The car maintenance methods are as follows: 1. Regularly clean the body stains: One of the key points in car maintenance is to regularly clean the body stains. The paint surface of the car body, if exposed to stains for a long time, will gradually lose its luster and may become damaged. Therefore, to protect the paint surface, it is essential to clean the body stains regularly and maintain the cleanliness of the body. 2. Regularly replace the engine oil: Another important aspect of car maintenance is to regularly replace the engine oil. Engine oil has a limited lifespan, and it is necessary to replace it periodically. Over time, the oil becomes increasingly dirty, which can harm the car's engine. Hence, it is crucial to pay attention to the maintenance of the engine oil during servicing. 3. Regularly check the vehicle's radiator: The third key point in car maintenance is to regularly check the vehicle's radiator. If the radiator runs out of water, it can easily cause the engine to overheat and get damaged. Therefore, during routine car maintenance, it is important to also focus on the radiator's upkeep, regularly checking if there is water in the radiator. Never start the engine with an empty radiator, as this could potentially lead to engine damage.

Last year when my car reached 45,000 kilometers, I immediately scheduled maintenance. This was roughly the mid-term major inspection. The 4S shop changed the engine oil and filter for me - this absolutely can't be delayed too long since the engine relies on it to run smoothly. The tires were rotated - I'd been feeling some uneven wear before, and after rotation the noise reduced significantly. The brake pads and discs also needed checking to ensure sufficient thickness for safe driving. Coolant level and concentration were inspected to prevent engine overheating during mountain driving. A new air filter was installed, making the AC air fresher. Spark plugs are typically checked at this point too, replacing if worn out. Battery condition was tested to prevent being stranded with a dead battery. Overall, spending an hour or so on these keeps the vehicle healthy for years.

The 45,000-kilometer mark is a critical period for car maintenance. Based on my veteran driver experience, focus on essential items. Engine oil and filters must be replaced—this is what keeps the engine alive. Rotate the tires when it's time; uneven wear can damage the sidewalls and lead to leaks. For safety, check the brake system's firmness—replace thin pads immediately, as driving safety is no small matter. Inspect the spark plugs in the engine bay for ignition performance; keep using them if they're fine. Don’t overlook the coolant—test its anti-boil and anti-freeze capabilities to avoid breakdowns. Replace a dirty air filter with an affordable one to directly improve AC performance. Listen for unusual noises in the drivetrain and service if needed. Keep costs within budget and avoid being overcharged by small shops.

At 45,000 kilometers, I always opt for cost-effective maintenance methods. The priority is changing the engine oil and filter to protect the engine core—this expense cannot be skipped. Rotating the tires is a quick, easy, and affordable task. For the brake system, simply check the thickness; if it's not too thin, no replacement is needed, just top up the brake fluid. Inspect the spark plugs for normal ignition; usually, they don’t need replacement unless there’s an issue. Skip replacing the coolant if its condition is normal. If the cabin air filter is inexpensive, replace it to improve comfort. Leave the drivetrain alone if there are no unusual noises. Overall, the cost is low, focusing only on the preventive items recommended in the manual to avoid extra expenses affecting daily budgets.


