What are the principles of car maintenance?
4 Answers
Car maintenance principles are: prevention first, mandatory maintenance. Car maintenance refers to the regular inspection, cleaning, replenishment, lubrication, adjustment or replacement of certain parts as preventive work. Its purposes are: to keep the vehicle clean and tidy, maintain good technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent failures, slow down the deterioration process of parts, and extend their service life. Car maintenance includes: 1. Changing engine oil, oil filter, air conditioning filter, and air filter; 2. Checking the levels of coolant, battery fluid, and windshield washer fluid; 3. Checking brake and clutch fluid levels, and power steering fluid level; 4. Checking for oil leaks at various oil pipe interfaces in the system; 5. Inspecting front and rear lights; 6. Checking tire pressure and wear, and tightening screws to specified torque.
I've been driving to work every day for 20 years, and my maintenance principle is to prioritize prevention and avoid breakdowns. I check tire pressure monthly, keeping it around 2.3 psi to prevent blowouts and ensure handling safety. Changing engine oil and oil filters every six months is a must to avoid engine wear and prolong its lifespan. Measure brake pad thickness annually and replace them when they get thin—don’t skimp on this. Regularly inspect headlight brightness for nighttime driving safety. Replace the cabin air filter seasonally to eliminate odors and improve health. Always rinse the undercarriage when washing the car to prevent rust. Test the battery voltage every two years to avoid dead battery breakdowns. Address minor issues like strange noises or vibrations immediately—delaying could lead to costly major repairs. Keeping a maintenance log ensures peace of mind, better fuel efficiency, and extends the car’s lifespan. Proactive checks are far better than reactive repairs.
As a seasoned driver with hundreds of thousands of kilometers under my belt, I adhere to three key maintenance principles: First, strictly follow the service manual intervals—never exceed 5,000 km for oil changes or delay beyond six months. Second, always stay alert to the car's condition, addressing issues like engine noises, vibrations, or sluggish brakes immediately. Third, check all fluid levels weekly—coolant and brake fluid should be sufficient, clean, and free of impurities. Keeping the interior and exterior clean minimizes corrosion and aging. Once, I overlooked a cracked belt, which led to a highway breakdown costing thousands in repairs—now I perform monthly preventive checks. Regular maintenance not only reduces roadside failures but also boosts used car resale value, making long-term ownership costs more reasonable.
As a young graduate with a tight car maintenance budget, my principle is DIY to save money and prevent major repairs. Changing the oil myself every 5,000 kilometers is cheap and hassle-free, taking less than 20 minutes—simple and quick. Check tire pressure weekly to ensure balance and even wear, avoiding premature tire replacement costs. If the brakes make grinding noises, take the car to a nearby shop for inspection immediately to prevent brake failure accidents. Test the battery before winter and replace old ones to avoid startup failures. Wash the car regularly to prevent rust, and clean the interior with an inexpensive damp cloth to keep it tidy. The core idea is to prevent minor issues from turning into expensive repairs, keeping the car running for seven or eight years without frequent replacements to save on costs.
