What items need to be replaced during regular car maintenance?
2 Answers
During regular car maintenance, it is generally necessary to replace the engine oil and oil filter. The common items to be replaced during routine car maintenance include: 1. Engine oil and oil filter: These basically need to be replaced during every maintenance service. 2. Coolant: The coolant helps to cool down the engine. 3. Windshield washer fluid: This is mainly used to clean dirt from the windshield and should be replenished promptly when used up. 4. Cabin air filter: The cabin air filter filters the air to ensure clean airflow from the air conditioning system. Generally, it should be replaced every 1 to 2 years. 5. Brake fluid: Brake fluid is hygroscopic and tends to absorb moisture during use. When brake fluid absorbs water, it can create air bubbles, leading to softer brakes and longer stopping distances. It is recommended that car owners replace the brake fluid approximately every 2 years.
As a veteran driver with nearly twenty years of experience, I believe the most critical part of regular maintenance is changing the engine oil and oil filter, which should be done every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. The air filter should also be replaced if it's heavily clogged with dust, otherwise the engine will struggle to 'breathe.' The cabin air filter is recommended to be changed every six months to a year, especially before using the AC in summer—it makes breathing much more comfortable. Brake fluid and coolant should never be delayed beyond two years, as they are essential for summer cooling and winter freeze protection. Tires should be replaced when they reach the wear indicators—a friend of mine once skimped on this and ended up with a blowout on the highway. Spark plugs should be changed every 20,000 to 50,000 kilometers depending on the material; delaying this can silently increase fuel consumption. Transmission fluid should be replaced around 60,000 kilometers, especially for automatic transmissions. These may seem like small expenses, but they are wise investments that help extend your car's lifespan.
