What Does Maintenance Include?
3 Answers
Generally speaking, car maintenance refers to the work done to maintain the vehicle in good technical condition and extend its service life. In fact, it encompasses a broader range of activities, including cleaning, inspection, tightening, adjustment, and lubrication. It mainly consists of the following three aspects: 1. Body Maintenance Body maintenance is commonly referred to as car detailing. Its primary purpose is to remove various forms of oxidation and corrosion from both the exterior and interior of the vehicle and then protect it, highlighting the car's 'beauty.' It mainly includes: paint maintenance, seat cushion and carpet maintenance, bumper and skirt maintenance, dashboard maintenance, electroplating maintenance, leather and plastic maintenance, tire and wheel hub warranty, windshield maintenance, chassis maintenance, and engine exterior maintenance. 2. Interior Maintenance While body maintenance aims to keep the car looking youthful, interior maintenance ensures the car can travel hundreds of thousands of kilometers without major repairs, maintaining it in optimal technical condition. It mainly includes: lubrication system, fuel system, cooling system, braking system, and carburetor (fuel injector) maintenance. 3. Body Refurbishment This includes diagnosing and treating deep scratches, repairing multi-material bumpers, fixing hard damage to wheel hubs (covers), refurbishing leather and synthetic fiber materials, and refreshing the engine's color. Car maintenance is divided into two major categories: scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. Scheduled maintenance includes: daily maintenance, primary maintenance, and secondary maintenance. Unscheduled maintenance includes: break-in period maintenance and seasonal maintenance.
When I first bought my car, I didn’t really understand what maintenance meant—I thought it was just about changing the engine oil. After a few months of driving, the tire pressure was too low, and the car felt noticeably sluggish. Since then, I’ve made sure to check the engine oil and replace the air filter during every maintenance session to prevent dust from entering the engine. Tires need regular inspection for wear and pressure, as neglecting them affects grip and fuel efficiency. I also measure the brake pad thickness; if they’re too thin, emergency stops can be dangerous. I always test the turn signals and brake lights, especially since nighttime driving safety is crucial. A dirty cabin air filter affects the air quality inside the car, so I replace it every six months. Developing these habits has made my car run much smoother and saved me a lot on unexpected repair costs—totally worth it.
I care about whether the car feels powerful to drive, so I pay special attention to performance during maintenance. Basics like changing the oil every 5,000 kilometers, using full synthetic oil to reduce engine friction, which helps with quicker acceleration. Checking the spark plugs is important too – if they're too old, ignition becomes unstable and fuel consumption increases. Regularly balancing and rotating the tires ensures smooth traction and a stable ride at high speeds. Keep an eye on the coolant level and color to prevent engine overheating. I replace the air filter every time I service the car, as it improves air intake efficiency. Putting a little effort into these small maintenance tasks noticeably enhances the car's responsiveness, making the drive much more enjoyable.
