As a post-95 experienced driver, I've learned firsthand that car maintenance isn't easy. When I first got my car, I thought new cars were tough and didn't need much maintenance. As a result, during the first year, my engine warning light came on several times due to my lack of maintenance knowledge, and repairs were painfully expensive. Looking back, if I had taken maintenance more seriously, I wouldn't have put my first beloved car through so much trouble.
Through years of exploration and learning, I've deeply realized one truth: cars are like people, requiring careful attention. To keep them healthy and lasting, you need to put in daily effort. Some experienced drivers can keep a car running like new for eight to ten years, and their secret lies in their dedication to maintenance. In contrast, those who are inconsistent with maintenance not only face frequent problems but also need major repairs, often forcing them to replace their cars after just a few years.
To be honest, I didn't initially understand that cars had so many fluids to manage. Until one time on the highway, my engine temperature suddenly spiked, forcing me to pull over immediately. Later at the dealership, they found out it was low coolant. Since then, I've started seriously studying fluid management in cars.
Engine oil is the most important, acting like the engine's blood. I made a big mistake before, thinking that as long as the car seemed normal, I didn't need to change the oil. Then one day, I heard strange noises from the engine, and at the repair shop, the mechanic shook his head, saying carbon had built up inside the engine. That repair cost over ten thousand yuan, and since then I've remembered: oil must be changed on schedule, generally recommended every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Now I set phone reminders and never skip an oil change.
Speaking of tires, there are endless stories to tell. I remember once during a long road trip, I suddenly felt the steering wheel shaking badly. When I stopped to check, it turned out the tires were wearing unevenly. Since then, I've paid special attention to tire maintenance. I check the pressure monthly with a tire gauge, ensuring it's within the standard range. Before long trips, I start checking several days in advance.
Now I rotate my tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This not only ensures even wear but also extends their lifespan. I also regularly check the tread depth using a one-yuan coin for a simple measurement. If the tread is level with the coin's edge, it's time for new tires.
Let me share some maintenance tips I've learned over the years.
First, regarding interior cleaning. I've placed modified snack boxes as trash bins in each door's storage compartment. The boxes have small openings just right for common trash. This makes collection convenient and easy to change. I also put deodorizer packets in the boxes to prevent odors.
Through years of experience, I deeply understand that maintenance is truly a science. It not only makes cars last longer but also makes driving safer and more comfortable. Every time I see cars broken down due to poor maintenance, I become more determined to maintain mine properly.
Parking skills are also part of maintenance. I hung a tennis ball in my garage, positioned just where it's visible through the windshield. When backing up, I know to stop when the ball touches the windshield, eliminating worries about hitting the wall. I've also placed reflective stickers on the garage floor marking tire positions for more accurate parking.
These maintenance experiences may sound simple, but they require persistence to implement. Just like people need regular health checkups, cars need regular attention. I've now made these maintenance tasks a habit, checking my car's condition weekly. While it may cost time and money, compared to major repairs and hassles, these investments are worthwhile.
I hope these experiences help more car owners. Car maintenance isn't easy, but with dedication, our cars will reward our efforts. Let's maintain our beloved cars better and keep them running longer!
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