What maintenance should be paid attention to for small cars?
3 Answers
Small cars usually require the following maintenance: 1. Car washing; 2. Regularly check the tire surface and pressure, oil level, coolant level, and brake fluid level; 3. Go to a 4S shop for maintenance every 5,000 kilometers, including: changing the oil, replacing the oil filter, checking and replenishing the auxiliary water tank level, checking and replenishing the windshield washer fluid, checking and replenishing the four-wheel pressure, and cleaning the engine. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. Modern car maintenance mainly includes the maintenance of the engine system (engine), transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, etc.
I've been driving for 20 years, and my trick for maintaining a car is simple: don't be lazy, start with the basics. Changing the engine oil is crucial—I do it every 5,000 kilometers or every six months, and the oil filter must be replaced simultaneously to prevent engine wear. The air filter is also important; if it gets too dirty, it affects air intake efficiency and increases fuel consumption, so I check and clean or replace it every three to four months. Tire pressure is something I pay close attention to—I check it at least once a month to ensure it stays within the normal range, as a blowout on the highway can be very dangerous. Additionally, the braking system is a priority; brake pads must be replaced as soon as they wear down to the limit, or they won’t perform well in emergencies—I have a technician inspect them every six months. Regular car washing isn’t just about appearance; dust buildup in the engine bay can cause overheating issues, so I clean the internal pipes while washing the car, ensuring smoother performance.
For me, car maintenance is primarily about ensuring my family's safety. I usually drive my kids to and from school, and any malfunction on the road could lead to serious consequences. I need to make sure the brakes and lights are functioning properly. Every month, I check the brake fluid level myself—if it's too low, I top it up or replace it. I use a tire pressure gauge to check tire pressure and tread wear weekly, especially during rainy days when shallow treads can cause skidding. I stick to a strict 5,000-kilometer oil change schedule at the shop, where they also inspect transmission fluid and shock absorbers, as these affect driving stability. I clean the AC filter every quarter to prevent bacterial buildup, which could harm my kids. I don’t wash the car daily, but a biweekly rinse helps prevent rust, and accumulated dust on the undercarriage can affect steering. Once these habits are formed, the car breaks down less often, making it more reliable, and I feel much more confident on long highway drives.
