What Does Basic Maintenance Include?
2 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.
