In modern life, the importance of cars is self-evident, especially for long distances, where the time-saving and convenience of cars become apparent. Currently, with the advancement of science and technology, the quality of cars is also improving, but does this mean that cars can be used indefinitely without any issues? Of course not. Even with increasing quality, cars still need maintenance.

The 'health' of a car is not only related to its lifespan but also ensures the safety of the driver. As the saying goes, 'a car relies 30% on repairs and 70% on maintenance.' Actively checking and maintaining the vehicle, promptly identifying problems, and eliminating faults are particularly important.

Regarding the frequency of car maintenance

Vehicle maintenance is referred to by the level of maintenance rather than the number of times. For example, BMW recommends maintenance every 10,000 kilometers, which is considered first-level maintenance. After two first-level maintenance sessions, at 30,000 kilometers, it becomes second-level maintenance. Third-level maintenance usually involves medium or major repairs, which are generally considered after 100,000 kilometers. Different models may vary slightly, and detailed usage precautions and maintenance methods are provided in the 'User Manual.' Car owners should read it carefully to ensure the vehicle is in good working condition.

#1

About the first maintenance

The first maintenance, also known as the initial maintenance, focuses on tightening and lubrication. The first maintenance is usually free, and car owners should not miss it because new cars are in a break-in period, and the mechanical components have a higher demand for lubricating oil. This is the significance of the first maintenance.

1. Wash the car thoroughly, ensuring that the engine and chassis are free of oil and dirt after wiping.

2. Clean the engine oil, gasoline (or diesel), and air filter, removing any deposits from the filters and cleaning the oil stains in the reservoir.

3. Check and add lubricating oil to the engine oil pan, transmission, rear axle, and steering mechanism, ensuring the oil level is at the standard position.

4. Lubricate the water pump, distributor, steering tie rod ball joint, clutch pedal bracket pin, rotating shaft, front and rear leaf spring pins, and various lubrication points as specified in the vehicle's user manual, ensuring all lubrication points have oil fittings.

5. Check and tighten the connection bolts and nuts on the engine, chassis, and exterior of the vehicle. All locking devices should be equipped according to the specified quantity and be securely tightened.

6. Check and adjust the tension of the drive belts for the air compressor, generator, etc.

7. Check and adjust the free play of the pedals, the play of the steering wheel, and the front wheel bearings and steering knuckles; check and adjust the connection of the tie rods, the lateral slip of the front wheels, and the braking performance of the vehicle.

8. Check and tighten the U-bolts of the front and rear leaf springs, transmission, drive shaft, main reducer, and half-shaft connection bolts.

9. Check the engine cover, radiator support rods, and the operation of the louver control mechanism, as well as the doors, windows, and seats of the driver's cabin or passenger vehicle.

10. Check the tire surface, tire pressure, and inflate as necessary.

11. Check the electrical system, such as the generator, starter, and various instruments to ensure they are functioning normally; check the battery fluid level and whether the casing is leaking, and ensure the vents are unobstructed. The electrolyte should be 10-15mm above the plates, and the battery filler caps should be complete.

12. Check the spare tire hoist and the fixation of the spare tire, lubricating all parts of the spare tire hoist.

13. Eliminate any faults and defects found during the inspection.

Among the first, second, and third maintenance, the first maintenance is the most complex and has the most items.

#2

About the second maintenance

The second maintenance is very important, involving inspections and maintenance of eight major parts: the engine, automatic transmission, air conditioning system, steering system, braking system, suspension system, body parts, and tires, with as many as 63 items to check. Additionally, it includes quality inspection and test driving. The purpose is to ensure that the vehicle maintains good operating performance for a longer period in the future. Before the second-level maintenance, car owners should provide any adverse conditions experienced during operation to the maintenance technician to improve maintenance quality.

1. Execute all contents of the first maintenance.

2. Measure the cylinder pressure of the engine and adjust the valve clearance.

3. Clean all filters, oil pan, and filter float assembly.

4. Check and adjust the wear and clearance of the connecting rod bearings.

5. Check and tighten the front and rear engine support bolts.

6. Check and adjust the brakes and perform tire rotation.

7. Check and adjust the clutch operation, and check other assemblies that may need adjustment.

#3

About the third maintenance

The cycle is generally 36,000 to 40,000 km, focusing on disassembly, cleaning, inspection, adjustment, and eliminating hidden dangers.

After several second-level maintenance sessions, the third-level maintenance measures are taken to consolidate and maintain the normal operating performance of various assemblies and components. The main tasks include:

1. Disassemble and inspect the engine, checking the wear of the cylinders, pistons, piston rings, connecting rods, and bearings, removing carbon deposits, resin, and scale from the cooling system, grinding the valves, and adjusting the clearance.

2. Disassemble the front axle, steering, transmission, drive shaft, rear axle, suspension, and brakes for cleaning, inspection, adjustment, and fault elimination.

3. If necessary, inspect, de-rust, and repaint the chassis and body.

Taking the first maintenance as an example, in reality, there are hardly any repair shops or 4S shops that will perform so many items for you. The above knowledge points are only to help everyone understand some maintenance knowledge better.

Common misconceptions about car maintenance

Next,the auto parts guide will share several common misconceptions about car maintenance.

1. Frequent waxing:Many car owners like to wax their cars frequently, believing that it can protect the paint and make it shiny. However, they do not realize that car wax contains alkaline substances, and long-term use can cause the car body to become dull.

2.The more oils and fluids, the better:Many car enthusiasts believe that it is best to add more oils/fluids in the engine compartment to avoid running low during long-term use. However, not everything is better in excess; when adding engine oil, it should be done according to the requirements in the maintenance manual. For windshield washer fluid, antifreeze, and brake fluid, just add as needed according to the markings on the reservoir.

3. Change all three filters at once:Many car owners rush to the repair shop to change all three filters as soon as they feel there is an issue with the car's idle, thinking that as long as the filters are clean, the car will run fine. In fact, it is not necessary to change all three filters at once. The replacement cycle should be determined according to the mileage suggested in the manual and local weather conditions.

4. Performing maintenance before the first service time or mileage:Generally, the time and mileage for the first maintenance should be within 6 months or 5000 kilometers, as noted in the vehicle maintenance manual (the first maintenance may vary slightly by model). Properly following the manufacturer's maintenance manual can keep our beloved car in good condition and save us a significant amount of money.

5. Mixing different brands of coolant:Different brands of coolant may have vastly different chemical properties and use different preservatives, so they should not be mixed. Mixing can accelerate the aging and damage of the car.

Of course, the purpose of car maintenance is to restore the vehicle's performance to its best condition, prevent small problems from becoming big issues, and ensure the vehicle's safety, optimal economy, and longer lifespan.