The number of cars in our country has reached a very alarming figure, and more and more people are joining the ranks of those taking driving tests. Although we can learn a lot about driving when taking the test, very few car owners understand car maintenance knowledge. A car is a consumable item, and knowing how to maintain it is a basic skill that every car owner needs to have.

Many car owners believe that maintaining a car is just about changing the oil, but the reality is not as simple as everyone imagines. In addition to changing the oil, everyone also needs to regularly replace 'one water, three oils, and four fluids.'

One Water

The 'one water' refers to the windshield washer fluid in the car. Many car owners know that when the windshield washer fluid runs out, we can add it ourselves. In many car models, the washer fluid reservoir is usually located in the lower left of the engine compartment (a few vehicles may have it on the lower right), making it easy to find.

Every car owner should know that windshield washer fluid is a consumable item, especially when going out in winter. It is best to keep a few bottles of washer fluid in the car. If you find that the washer fluid is empty during a summer outing and there is no spare washer fluid in the car, you can temporarily add some mineral water or drinking water. However, it is important to note that adding drinking water for a long time is a wrong practice and can affect the car.

Three Oils

The 'three oils' refer to transmission oil, engine oil, and rear differential oil. Generally, engine oil is divided into semi-synthetic oil, fully synthetic oil, and mineral oil, and the replacement intervals for the three are different. For example, fully synthetic oil should be changed after the car has driven about 10,000 kilometers or after about a year; for semi-synthetic oil, it should be changed after the car has driven about 8,000 kilometers or after 8 months of use.

Unlike engine oil, the replacement cycle for transmission oil is relatively long. However, the replacement intervals vary significantly between different models. For instance, if you are driving a manual transmission vehicle, the transmission oil should be changed after three years or when the mileage reaches 60,000 kilometers. If you are using an automatic transmission vehicle, the transmission oil should be changed when the mileage reaches about 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers.

The rear differential oil depends on the model. Currently, two-wheel drive vehicles do not have a differential, while ordinary vehicles need to change the rear differential oil when the mileage reaches 60,000 kilometers.

Four Fluids

The four fluids refer to battery fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and coolant.

There are many factors that determine when to change the coolant, such as its color or the type of vehicle using the coolant. Generally, coolant can be used for about two years or around 40,000 kilometers. For specific replacement intervals, you can check the vehicle's manual or consult a mechanic at a repair shop.

The presence of brake fluid is very important. If the brake fluid is insufficient, it can affect the car's braking system and may lead to traffic accidents. Brake fluid, commonly referred to as brake oil, is golden yellow in color and has a lower viscosity compared to engine oil. When our car has been in use for two years or has driven around 40,000 kilometers, we should consider whether to change the brake fluid.

The replacement cycle for power steering fluid is also an issue that should not be overlooked. Generally, its cycle is around two years or 40,000 kilometers. A slight advance or delay in the replacement cycle does not have a significant impact, but it is crucial not to forget to change it.

The last one is battery fluid. Generally, modern cars no longer require battery fluid replacement. If the car battery is depleted, many car owners choose to replace it directly, and this is not something to be overly concerned about; just remember it.

Summary

Car maintenance is a vast subject and is not as simple as just changing the oil or washing the car. As a car owner, it is best to learn some knowledge about how to maintain and care for a car; only in this way can we extend the lifespan of a car to the greatest extent.

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