What Does Routine Car Maintenance Include?
4 Answers
Routine car maintenance includes: 1. Changing the engine oil and oil filter; 2. Checking and topping up transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid; 3. Checking the battery's charge condition; 4. Inspecting the operation of headlights and indicator lights; 5. Checking tire condition, wear, and pressure (including the spare tire); 6. Examining the operation of drive belts; 7. Cleaning the air filter element and cabin air filter element. Car maintenance, also known as car servicing, refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the vehicle.
I've been driving for over thirty years, and I believe that routine car maintenance is just like raising a child—you can't afford to be careless. Every time, I meticulously perform these checks: changing the engine oil and oil filter is the top priority, done every 5,000 kilometers or every six months to ensure smooth engine lubrication and prevent overheating or seizing; checking tire pressure and wear condition is crucial, as too high or too low pressure affects grip and increases the risk of a blowout at high speeds; the braking system must be thoroughly inspected, with brake pads replaced immediately if they're too thin to ensure short braking distances; various fluids like coolant and brake fluid must be at the right levels and free from leaks, topped up or replaced if low; all lights, including headlights and brake lights, should be tested to ensure others can see you clearly at night; and the air filter should be cleaned or replaced regularly to reduce the amount of dust the engine inhales. Additionally, checking the battery charge and wiper effectiveness—these small maintenance tasks add up to keeping the car running smoothly for years, avoiding costly and troublesome emergency repairs.
I bought my car less than two years ago and was a complete novice at first, but now I've learned quite a bit about maintenance. Routine maintenance includes basic items like changing the engine oil and filter every 5,000 kilometers to keep the engine running smoothly; checking tire pressure weekly to keep it within the recommended range for better stability on highways; inspecting brake pad thickness is crucial, as worn-out pads can affect braking performance; also checking fluid levels such as coolant and windshield washer fluid, topping them up when low; testing the lighting system is essential to prevent poor visibility or fines during night driving; cleaning battery terminals to prevent corrosion, and regularly replacing the air filter to ensure clean air intake. Doing these maintenance tasks helps avoid sudden issues—like my neighbor who once neglected tire maintenance and nearly had a serious accident due to a tire blowout on the highway. Now, I never skip this step.
I place great emphasis on driving safety, and regular car maintenance should never be overlooked. During every inspection, the focus should be on brake performance to ensure the car can stop in critical moments; tire pressure should be adjusted accurately to avoid blowouts and skidding; engine oil should be changed to protect engine lubrication; lights such as turn signals and taillights must be clearly visible; coolant levels should be monitored to prevent engine overheating; and checks should be made to ensure the airbags and ABS system are functioning properly. Proper maintenance reduces risks on the road, and a stable car condition ensures peace of mind while driving.
