What are the second maintenance items for a car?
3 Answers
The second maintenance items for a car include changing the engine oil, replacing the oil filter, replacing the air filter, and replacing the cabin air filter, etc. Car maintenance is actually quite simple; it mainly involves the replacement of various fluids and wear-prone components. The fluids in a car include engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid, among others. The wear-prone components on a car include belts, various filters, wiper blades, tires, brake pads, brake rotors, spark plugs, ignition coils, etc. During maintenance, the focus is on replacing these fluids and wear-prone components, as well as inspecting other parts that are prone to wear. Spark plugs also need to be replaced regularly, as prolonged use without replacement may affect the engine's performance.
I just had my car's second maintenance, which was basically a routine service package. The most crucial part was changing the engine oil and oil filter, which is like giving the engine a deep cleanse. The air filter also needs to be replaced or cleaned depending on its condition, otherwise the engine will struggle to breathe. I asked the mechanic to measure the brake pad thickness and found out the front ones were already half-worn! Adjusting the tire pressure to 2.5bar is most fuel-efficient, and they also did a tire rotation for more even wear. All fluids were checked, with the coolant topped up to the middle line. If the steering feels heavier, it might be a power steering fluid issue that needs special attention. The chassis should be lifted for thorough inspection - my exhaust pipe hanger was loose last time. The cabin air filter often gets overlooked; when opened, it was full of leaves, and after replacement, the AC airflow became noticeably cleaner. The whole process took two hours, and the car felt more responsive when driving afterward.
Last month during the second maintenance, I specifically consulted a senior technician. The second maintenance is essentially a full vehicle health checkup. The mandatory items include engine oil and filter replacement, which is like giving the heart a blood transfusion. Last time, my car was found with coolant below the minimum level, and topping it up prevented overheating risks. The brake system was a key inspection point—they used calipers to measure the brake pad thickness, and I personally saw that the rear wheels still had 5mm of life left. Three aspects of the tires were checked: tire pressure, tread wear, and stone entrapment. Adjusting the tire pressure can reduce fuel consumption by 3%. The lighting test was practical; I didn’t even know one of the reverse lights was out. The undercarriage inspection revealed a loose battery bracket, which was tightened in time to avoid short circuits from bumps. The cabin air filter is recommended to be replaced annually, especially in spring when pollen is abundant. Finally, a full vehicle computer scan cleared two false alarm codes. The total cost was over 600, but catching issues early is more cost-effective.
