What Does Basic Maintenance Include?
4 Answers
Basic car maintenance includes five oils, three fluids, and tires. The five oils refer to gasoline, engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. The three fluids are coolant, windshield washer fluid, and battery fluid. Tire maintenance involves regular checks of tire pressure. Tires with pressure above the specified level will significantly reduce their service life, while those below the specified pressure can lead to poor braking performance, difficulty in steering, or heavy steering, ultimately affecting tire longevity. Below are some key points to note: 1. Before starting the car, turn on the ignition first; do not start the engine directly. When the ignition is turned on, the vehicle usually performs a self-check, during which all indicator lights will illuminate. Wait for the self-check to complete and the lights to turn off one by one before starting the engine. This typically takes about 3 seconds. 2. After using the car for a period, the engine compartment usually accumulates dust, which needs to be cleaned regularly. Otherwise, it can affect the engine's normal heat dissipation, and severe overheating can lead to oil leaks from the seals. 3. Wait an extra half minute before turning off the engine after parking. The engine remains at a high temperature after parking, and turning it off immediately will shut down the cooling fan, which is not conducive to engine cooling.
When I first got into cars, I thought basic maintenance was simple, but it's actually the core part of regular upkeep. It typically includes changing the engine oil and oil filter to ensure smooth internal lubrication and prevent excessive wear. You also need to check tire pressure and tread wear—underinflated tires waste fuel and are dangerous, while excessive wear seriously affects driving safety. Lighting tests are a must too; headlights and brake lights must function properly to avoid nighttime accidents. Occasionally replacing the air filter helps remove dust from the air and improves cabin air quality. Inspecting the brake system is critical—checking brake pad thickness and fluid levels to maintain reliable braking. Performing basic maintenance every six months or every 5,000 kilometers can prevent major breakdowns and save hefty repair costs. Remember to do it on time, and your car will run smoothly and last long.
Experience tells me that the most basic part of routine maintenance is changing the engine oil, which is like the lifeblood of a car, lubricating the engine and reducing friction noise. Simultaneously replacing the oil filter is to remove impurities and prevent clogging. It's also essential to thoroughly inspect the braking system, including the wear on brake pads and discs, to ensure sufficient stopping power during emergency braking. Tire rotation and balancing extend their lifespan, preventing uneven wear. Additionally, checking the coolant level is crucial as engine overheating can cause damage, a point often overlooked. Lighting tests are indispensable, especially for fog lights and turn signals, enhancing driving visibility. Regular maintenance like this makes the car more reliable and reduces the risk of breakdowns, which is particularly practical for those who frequently drive long distances.
As a beginner driver, the first lesson I learned is that basic maintenance includes several key points. Changing the engine oil is a routine task—removing the old oil and adding new oil keeps the engine running smoothly. The oil filter should be replaced at the same time to protect the engine internals. Checking tire pressure is simple yet crucial; the right pressure saves fuel and ensures safety. Testing all lights to see if they work properly is essential. The air filter needs replacement periodically to ensure the engine breathes clean air. Taking the time to do these things reduces car troubles and makes driving more reliable and economical. Don’t underestimate these simple steps—their cumulative effect is significant.
