What Should Be Included in Car Maintenance?
4 Answers
Car maintenance should include: 1. Body maintenance: paint care, seat and carpet care, bumper and skirt care, dashboard care, chrome plating care, leather and plastic care, tire and wheel hub warranty, windshield care, chassis care, and engine exterior care; 2. Interior maintenance: lubrication system, fuel system, cooling system, braking system, and carburetor (injector) care; 3. Body refurbishment: such as diagnosis and treatment of deep scratches, multi-material bumper repair, hard damage repair of wheel hubs (covers), leather and synthetic fiber material refurbishment, and engine color refurbishment. Car maintenance is divided into two major categories: regular maintenance and non-regular maintenance. Regular maintenance includes: daily maintenance, primary maintenance, and secondary maintenance; non-regular maintenance includes: break-in period maintenance and seasonal maintenance.
I generally follow mileage and seasons for maintenance. Changing engine oil and the oil filter every 5,000 kilometers is a basic routine—after all, the engine needs proper lubrication. I check tire wear and pressure, ensuring it's not too high in summer or too low in winter. During seasonal transitions, I focus on inspecting the cabin air filter and coolant, especially clearing drainage holes before the rainy season in southern regions to prevent leaks. Brake pads should be replaced before they wear down to the limit—safety first. When washing the car, I also clean the sunroof tracks and door hinges, as neglecting these small areas can lead to annoying noises. The battery health is tested every two years to avoid sudden failures. Wiper blades are replaced as soon as they streak, not waiting half a year. In short, maintenance isn’t just about major items—details matter too.
I think maintenance can be divided into basic items and in-depth items. For routine maintenance, it's essential to change the engine oil and oil filter every time. Get a wheel alignment every 10,000 kilometers to avoid uneven tire wear. Replace the air filter every 20,000 kilometers, otherwise it will affect air intake efficiency. Brake fluid must be changed every two years, as it absorbs moisture and lowers the boiling point, which is dangerous. Even if the coolant looks clean, replace it according to the manual's schedule—don't wait until it overheats. Transmission fluid is a critical item at 60,000 kilometers; a simple gravity drain is sufficient, no need for a flush machine. Spark plugs should be checked every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers for nickel alloy types, while iridium ones can last longer. During major maintenance, remember to tighten all chassis bushings and bolts, as rubber parts can develop play due to aging.
I pay great attention to fluids and filters when it comes to maintenance. I use full synthetic oil and change it every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers, as it lasts longer than mineral oil. The cabin air filter is replaced every six months, especially during spring when pollen levels are high. Many car owners forget about the transmission fluid, which must be changed at 60,000 kilometers to avoid expensive repairs due to valve body sticking. Brake discs should be replaced when their thickness is less than 3 millimeters—don't wait until they're worn down to metal. During each maintenance check, have the mechanic listen for any unusual noises from the belt; if it breaks on the road, it's a hassle. Checking the lights is crucial—don't settle for dim high or low beams as it's dangerous for night driving. Also, regularly inflate the spare tire's pressure; it's useless if it's flat when you actually need it.
