What does regular maintenance include?
3 Answers
Regular maintenance includes: all vehicle fluids, including engine oil, transmission fluid, rear axle oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid; cleaning services include throttle body cleaning, intake system cleaning, fuel line cleaning, catalytic converter cleaning, engine cleaning, and fuel injector cleaning. Benefits of regular maintenance: ensures driving safety; reduces vehicle fuel consumption; extends the lifespan of the car; minimizes the occurrence of car component failures. Ensures driving safety: addressing all aspects of the vehicle's condition significantly enhances the owner's driving safety, eliminating concerns about the car suddenly breaking down on the road. Reduces vehicle fuel consumption: the brake system, air conditioning system, etc., are important factors affecting fuel consumption. Proper maintenance of these systems can also help reduce the car's fuel consumption. Extends the lifespan of the car: with proper maintenance, the car operates more smoothly, reducing engine wear and thereby extending the vehicle's lifespan. Minimizes car component failures: various parts of the car require proper running-in. If a component suddenly fails to keep up with others, it can easily cause a chain reaction. Regular maintenance can effectively reduce the car's failure rate.
This car has been with me for over five years, and I've always been diligent with its maintenance. The basic service mainly involves changing the engine oil and oil filter to keep the engine lubricated and running smoothly. The mechanic also checks the brake pad thickness, inspects tire wear and pressure to ensure safe braking and fuel efficiency. The air filter and cabin air filter are blown clean each time, and replaced if too dirty. All fluids are checked—coolant, brake fluid topped up if low, and windshield washer fluid refilled for free. Every bolt on the chassis is tightened to prevent rattling noises. Finally, they connect the onboard computer to scan for trouble codes—the whole process takes about 40 minutes. Remember to do this every 5,000 to 10,000 km; delaying it risks turning minor issues into major problems.
As a car enthusiast, I consider routine maintenance akin to giving my beloved vehicle a health checkup. The core tasks involve changing the engine oil and filters, with full synthetic oil being particularly effective in prolonging engine protection. Brake system inspection is essential, covering brake discs, calipers, and brake fluid condition. For tires, beyond measuring tire pressure, a four-wheel alignment is performed to prevent uneven wear. The air filter impacts engine intake efficiency, while the cabin air filter affects interior air quality—both require regular cleaning or replacement. Lighting system checks are also crucial, especially for nighttime driving safety. Lastly, don't overlook the undercarriage inspection for potential oil leaks or loose components. I always ask technicians to adjust the windshield wipers during maintenance, as clear visibility during rain is absolutely vital.
