What are the maintenance items for small cars?

[Nina]

Small car maintenance includes engine oil and four filters, tire rotation, throttle body and fuel system cleaning, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement, full vehicle fluid replacement, belt replacement, battery replacement, and tire replacement. Different car models and brands have varying maintenance intervals, which can be checked in the owner's manual. Common maintenance intervals are 6 months, 8 months, and 12 months, with different replacement cycles for various components. Car maintenance, also known as vehicle servicing, refers to the regular preventive work of inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. It mainly involves the maintenance of the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, etc., aiming to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent failures, and extend the service life.

[VanPeyton]

I'm an experienced driver, so let's talk about car maintenance comprehensively. The most basic is changing the engine oil and oil filter. After prolonged use, the oil gets dirty and affects lubrication. It's recommended to do this every 5,000 kilometers or six months. Then there's the air filter – if it gets clogged with dust, fuel consumption increases, so take it out regularly to blow it clean or replace it. Bigger maintenance items include transmission fluid changes, especially for automatic cars. If you don't change it after long use, strange noises may occur. The braking system can't be neglected – check the brake pad thickness and brake fluid condition. If the fluid is dark or has bubbles, it needs replacing, otherwise emergency braking might fail. Tires and the battery also need attention. Check tire pressure monthly and rotate them every six months to prevent uneven wear. Test the battery voltage and lifespan every two years to avoid being stranded. Don't forget the cabin air filter – after six months it might get moldy, affecting air quality and increasing power consumption. Keep up these habits, and your car will run smoothly for ten years without major issues.

[OWillow]

I love doing DIY maintenance myself, saving money wherever possible with simple tasks. Changing engine oil and the oil filter is entry-level; you can get it done by buying a set of tools and watching tutorial videos. Replacing the air filter is even quicker—just open it up, clean out the dust, and you're done, saving the hassle and expense of going to a shop. Tire maintenance is essential: inflate them to the recommended pressure every month and check the tread wear for timely rotation. Top up the battery with distilled water every two years—don’t wait until winter when it won’t start. Replace the cabin air filter when it’s dirty to improve air quality inside the car. These small tasks keep the car in peak condition, not only saving money but also helping spot issues early to avoid major repairs. Once it becomes a habit, the car lasts longer, and you save a lot on fuel too.

[RowanRose]

Maintenance is crucial for safety, and I must emphasize the key points. The braking system must be inspected regularly; deteriorated fluids or worn brake pads can lead to failure, causing accidents at high speeds. Tire wear should be monitored by checking tread depth—below the safety line, they become prone to slipping in rainy conditions. Insufficient lighting brightness at night reduces visibility and increases accident risks. Old engine oil leads to poor lubrication, carbon buildup, overheating, and breakdowns. A short battery lifespan makes cold starts difficult. These simple maintenance tasks can prevent major disasters—don't skimp on small expenses.

[Ashley]

I drive an automatic transmission car, and maintenance should pay attention to system characteristics. Change the engine oil every 5,000 kilometers to ensure smooth core operation; replace the transmission oil every tens of thousands of kilometers to prevent gear shifting lag; the braking system has energy recovery, with less wear but still requires regular functional checks; regularly top up coolant to prevent overheating; conduct health checks on the battery charging system; frequently replace the cabin air filter to enhance comfort; perform a comprehensive inspection every 10,000 kilometers to maintain overall efficiency.