What should be paid attention to in car maintenance?
4 Answers
Maintenance work precautions include being good at marking, using tools correctly, and cleaning parts. Car maintenance is a general term for car maintenance and repair. It is to find out the cause of the fault through technical means for the faulty car, and take certain measures to eliminate the fault and restore it to a certain performance and safety standard. Be good at marking: There are many types and quantities of car parts, ranging from screws to circuit boards. Each part plays a unique role in the car itself. Missing any part or having any part missing will bring unpredictable hidden dangers to the car. Therefore, during vehicle maintenance, the disassembled car parts should be properly stored and marked, especially those with unclear installation directions and easily confused parts, which should be paid more attention to. Use tools correctly: How to use tools to repair vehicles is also very important. The car maintenance industry generally has its own special maintenance tools, which play a key role in the car maintenance process. Improper use will also affect the maintenance quality. Do not use tools to hit or pull hard during maintenance, otherwise it will cause vehicle damage. Therefore, violent disassembly of vehicles should be resolutely avoided. Parts cleaning: Parts cleaning is also part of car maintenance, and there are also related precautions in car maintenance. Car parts will form a large amount of garbage, dirt, and grease during driving, which needs to be carefully cleaned. In addition, there are strict regulations on cleaning temperature and the solution used. For example, some rubber products cannot be cleaned with alkaline solutions.
I just had my car repaired, and I think the most crucial thing before maintenance is finding a reliable shop. I usually start by asking friends for recommended repair shops, then check online reviews to avoid dishonest businesses. When I arrive at the shop, I always make sure to clearly explain the details of the issue in person, such as when the abnormal noise started and under what road conditions it occurs, so the mechanic can diagnose it more accurately. During the repair process, it's best to drop by occasionally to confirm they're using genuine parts, not refurbished ones. Before paying, remember to test-drive the car, especially if the brakes or steering system were replaced—test at both low and high speeds. Finally, keep the repair receipt, which should specify the brand of parts and the warranty period, so you can go back to them if any issues arise within three months. Regular maintenance is also important; don’t wait until something breaks to fix it, as that can end up costing more.
Let me warn you about a few pitfalls when it comes to car repairs. First, always scrutinize the quote carefully to avoid being overcharged for vague items, like being billed for an engine flush when you're just getting an oil change. Second, insist on getting the old parts back. Last time my AC wasn't cooling, the shop claimed the compressor was faulty, but when I got the old part back, it was clear they hadn't replaced it. Then, review the repair contract to confirm the warranty terms - many small shops offer only 3-day warranties which are unreliable. Finally, don't rush off when picking up your car. Walk around to check for new scratches and inspect if the interior has been dirtied. I also make it a habit to document every repair in a phone memo, creating a maintenance history that helps identify which parts are due for replacement during next service.
When my car has issues, safety repairs are my top priority. Key areas to inspect include brake pad thickness, tire wear, and the lighting system, as these directly impact safety. During the last maintenance, the front brake pads were found to be only 2mm thick, and the mechanic warned that driving for another half month would be dangerous. When choosing a repair shop, prioritize those with vehicle lifts for a thorough undercarriage inspection. Post-repair must-test items include: no veering during hard braking, no strange noises when turning, and no light scattering at night. Additionally, it's advisable to check the air conditioning and coolant during seasonal changes—sudden AC failure in summer or a frozen radiator in winter can be troublesome. For these critical components, avoid cheap aftermarket parts; OEM parts are more expensive but far more durable.
