What Are the Principles of Vehicle Maintenance?
3 Answers
Automobile maintenance should adhere to the principle of prevention first, abandoning the concept of repairing instead of maintaining. Maintenance means keeping and caring, maintaining the vehicle in good working condition through good usage habits. Caring involves keeping the vehicle in good working condition through operations such as inspection, adjustment, tightening, lubrication, and replacement. The related introduction is as follows: 1. Purpose of maintenance: The purpose of automobile maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean and tidy, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life. Modern automobile maintenance mainly includes the maintenance of the engine system (engine), transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, etc. 2. Daily maintenance: Daily maintenance, also known as daily upkeep, is the work done before driving, during driving, and after parking, which is the responsibility of the driver. The main content of the work is cleaning, replenishment, and safety inspection, which are regular and necessary tasks to keep the vehicle in normal working condition. Primary maintenance is performed by professional maintenance enterprises. In addition to daily maintenance tasks, the main content of the work is cleaning, lubrication, and tightening, as well as inspecting safety components such as brakes and controls. Secondary maintenance is performed by professional maintenance enterprises. In addition to primary maintenance tasks, the main content of the work is inspection and adjustment, as well as dismantling and inspecting tires for tire rotation. Before secondary maintenance, diagnostic testing and technical evaluation should be conducted to determine additional tasks or minor repairs based on the results, which are carried out together with the secondary maintenance. The maintenance cycle for each level depends on the type of vehicle and operating conditions.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I firmly believe the core principle of vehicle maintenance is regular prevention without laziness. This is no trivial matter. For instance, engine oil and filters should be replaced every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers to ensure clean lubrication and avoid friction damage; tire pressure should be checked weekly – imbalance not only wastes fuel but also increases the risk of blowouts, compromising highway safety. Brake systems require inspection every six months – top up fluid levels if low, or you might face failure in critical moments. Coolant and battery terminals also demand attention: switch to antifreeze seasonally to prevent overheating, and clean battery terminals to avoid oxidation-induced starting failures. I personally maintain a manual mileage log and never wait for warning lights before servicing. Additionally, during each maintenance check, take a moment to verify all vehicle lights are functional – a small expense for major peace of mind. Older vehicles maintained this way can last five or six extra years, saving you the cost of replacement or major repairs. Experience shows that procrastination only compounds problems – a roadside breakdown costs far more than timely care. I consider this proper respect for the vehicle and an investment in safety.
As a young person who just bought a car, I focus on saving money and convenience. My maintenance principle is small investment for big returns. I follow the manufacturer's recommendations for basic maintenance: change the engine oil and filter every three months to keep the engine running smoothly and fuel-efficient; replace the air filter every six months, as a dirty one affects airflow and increases fuel consumption, wasting money unnecessarily; regularly check tire pressure to avoid excessive wear. The key is to use a mobile app to set reminders so I don't miss dates—replacing filters or wipers myself is simple and saves dozens of yuan. For complex tasks like brake adjustments, I find professional shops offering discounts. With this routine maintenance, my car stays in good condition and avoids major repairs. For example, a longer engine lifespan saves on repair costs, and better fuel efficiency saves on gas money. I find this approach very cost-effective—within a few years, I can save up for a vacation fund. Poor maintenance, on the other hand, leads to major repairs, adding financial pressure and wasting time. Choosing the right parts and avoiding cheap alternatives pays off in the long run, even when selling the used car later.
