What items are generally replaced during routine car maintenance?
3 Answers
During routine car maintenance, the following items are typically replaced: engine oil and oil filter, coolant, windshield washer fluid, cabin air filter, and brake fluid. Engine oil and oil filter: Engine oil and oil filters basically need replacement during every maintenance service. Automotive engine oil is generally categorized into three types: mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and fully synthetic oil, each with different replacement intervals. Coolant: Automotive coolant not only provides antifreeze protection but also helps cool the engine during operation when high temperatures are generated. In winter when temperatures drop, coolant prevents low-temperature damage to the engine. Generally, coolant should be replaced every three years or 50,000 kilometers. Windshield washer fluid: Windshield washer fluid is primarily used for cleaning windshield contaminants and should be refilled promptly when depleted. During winter usage, it's recommended to use antifreeze washer fluid to prevent freezing damage to the fluid reservoir and ensure normal operation. Cabin air filter: The cabin air filter filters incoming air to maintain clean airflow from the air conditioning system. Under normal circumstances, replacement every 1 to 2 years is sufficient.
During routine car maintenance, the most basic tasks are changing the engine oil and oil filter, which are almost always required for every service. Fresh oil ensures smooth engine operation and reduces wear, while the oil filter removes impurities. After driving about 10,000 kilometers, the air filter should also be replaced, as a clogged filter can restrict airflow and reduce engine performance. By 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers, the cabin air filter needs replacement, especially if there are unpleasant odors when using the air conditioning. Regular maintenance should also include checks on brake fluid and coolant, which typically need replacement every two years. Additionally, keep an eye on tire wear and brake pad thickness—replacing them when necessary enhances driving safety.
Regular maintenance items are adjusted based on mileage. At 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, the main tasks are changing the engine oil and oil filter, which are the core of basic maintenance. Around 20,000 kilometers, the air filter replacement is added to prevent dust clogging. Brake fluid must be replaced every two years to ensure the stability of the braking system. At 40,000 kilometers, it's a major maintenance milestone where spark plugs and transmission fluid may need replacement, along with checking the belt and battery condition. I follow the manual's mileage recommendations for maintenance to avoid over-replacement. After each maintenance, the engine sound becomes noticeably smoother.
