
Car maintenance requires attention to the following issues: 1. Check the mileage. When the car has serious faults and needs to stay at the repair shop for a while, remember to note the mileage to prevent dishonest mechanics from taking the car out for joyrides. Generally, for repairs, even including test drives, the distance should not exceed 20 kilometers. 2. Pay attention to the claim procedure. If the vehicle has issues requiring replacement parts within the warranty period, ensure the service shop follows the claim procedure for free replacement. Additionally, the replaced parts still come with a certain mileage and time warranty. 3. Understand the repair invoice. Carefully review the details on the repair settlement list before signing. If there are repair costs, the invoice can serve as proof.

I believe the most important aspect of car maintenance is daily attention. Engine oil is like the blood of a car - I usually change it every 5,000 kilometers, otherwise the engine may develop problems. Tires require frequent checks for wear and pressure; I keep a tire pressure gauge handy since pressure drops in cold weather. Whenever I hear unusual noises from the brake pads, I get them inspected immediately - safety should never be compromised. Car batteries typically last only 3-4 years; if the engine cranks slowly during startup, it's time for replacement. I change the cabin air filter twice a year to prevent musty odors from the vents. Wiper blades get replaced as soon as they fail to clean properly - blurred visibility is too dangerous. After washing the car, I always dry the door seams to prevent freezing in winter. The more diligent you are with maintenance, the less you'll spend on repairs.

After driving for a long time, I realized maintenance needs planning. I follow the manual for service items—it costs more but beats major repairs. I use full synthetic oil, which lasts thousands of miles longer. I learned to change the air filter myself by removing the glove box, saving on labor costs. The throttle body gets cleaned every 20,000 miles to prevent idle shaking. Tire rotation is crucial—I swap front and rear every 8,000 miles for even wear. Spark plug lifespan depends on material; standard ones need replacing at 30,000 miles. In winter, I change coolant early to avoid radiator cracks. Cleaning battery terminals regularly prevents oxidation—poor contact causing breakdowns is a nightmare. Nailing these details keeps the car running smoothly.

I pay great attention to detail during maintenance. I wax the car body once a month to protect against sun damage and minor scratches. For the interior, I use neutral cleaners, and apply conditioner to leather seats every six months to prevent cracking. Door hinges and sunroof tracks are regularly lubricated to avoid strange noises. I never use tap water for windshield washer fluid to prevent nozzle clogging and repair hassles. The spare tire compartment must be kept clean – once I found standing water causing rust. Don't wait until the fuel light comes on to refuel; the fuel pump relies on gasoline for cooling, and frequent low fuel levels can damage the car. Test the defogging function before cold weather hits – poor visibility in rain is dangerous. These small habits keep the car looking new for years.


