What are the maintenance items for the Cavalier?
3 Answers
The maintenance items for the Cavalier include changing the engine oil and filter every 5,000 kilometers; replacing the fuel filter; and replacing the spark plugs every 60,000 kilometers. There are three maintenance taboos to be aware of: 1. Avoid poor ventilation: Do not run the engine for extended periods in an unventilated garage. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, and prolonged exposure to low concentrations of carbon monoxide can cause headaches, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, mental confusion, and even brain damage. 2. Avoid contact with carburetor cleaner: Most carburetor cleaners contain methyl chloride, aromatic compounds, and ethanol, which can pose safety hazards if inhaled or splashed on the skin or eyes. 3. Avoid mechanical injuries: When performing maintenance, clearly mark the work area. When starting the car, pay attention to the transmission gear position to prevent accidental movement that could cause injury. When working under the hood, ensure others leave the driver’s seat to prevent accidental injury from sudden engine movement or operation of controls by others.
I've driven a Cavalier for five years, and maintenance mainly includes these aspects: Basic maintenance involves changing the engine oil and oil filter every 5,000 kilometers, with full synthetic oil recommended for better durability. The air filter should be replaced annually or every 20,000 kilometers, and the cabin air filter follows a similar schedule. Brake fluid is advised to be changed every two years, especially in humid southern regions. Rotate the tires every 10,000 kilometers and replace them entirely at 60,000 kilometers for optimal safety. Don’t delay changing the transmission fluid—it must be replaced between 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. The manual suggests replacing spark plugs at 60,000 kilometers, but it’s better to check them at 50,000. For wear-and-tear parts like belts and brake pads, have the mechanic inspect their thickness during each maintenance visit—safety comes first. Before summer, remember to clean the air conditioning ducts, and in winter, check the antifreeze’s freezing point. These details shouldn’t be overlooked.
When it comes to Cavalier maintenance, I had a detailed conversation with the technician at the 4S dealership last time. Apart from routine oil and three-filter changes (mineral oil every 5,000 km, full synthetic can last up to 7,500 km), pay special attention to these items: brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years, with DOT4 low-temperature type being more reliable in northern regions; avoid mixing coolant, as the original factory type can last 5 years; throttle body cleaning at 30,000 km significantly reduces throttle sticking issues. A special reminder for owners who frequently drive on rough roads: regularly tighten chassis bolts and inspect suspension bushings in advance. At 60,000 km, I changed the transmission fluid using a circulation machine for a more thorough replacement—though more expensive, it made gear shifts much smoother.
