Hello brothers and sisters! As an experienced driver who has been driving for several years, I'd like to share some practical tips I've learned over the years. While everyone gets excited when buying a car, maintaining it is truly an art. I remember when I first bought my car, I knew nothing and got ripped off by the dealership several times. Over time, I gradually figured things out and compiled these useful tips that I'm sharing with you today.
As someone who started as a complete novice and learned through trial and error, I understand how many pitfalls new drivers encounter when it comes to car maintenance. Don't worry though - I've got you covered. Today I'll share all my years of experience to help you avoid mistakes and save both worry and money.
When it comes to daily inspections, there's quite a lot to cover. Many car owners think regular dealer maintenance is enough, which is quite naive. I've seen too many cases where small problems became big ones due to lack of attention. That's why doing your own inspections is really important.
Let's start with tires - this is a major safety issue. I remember once when I was cruising on the highway, I suddenly heard a loud "bang" that nearly made my heart jump out. Fortunately, I wasn't going too fast, otherwise the consequences could have been unthinkable. Since then, I've been particularly careful about tire maintenance.
For tire inspection, tread depth and tire pressure are most important. Checking tread depth is simple - just use a one-dollar coin. Place the coin vertically into the tire tread; if it completely covers the coin's edge, the tire can still be used; if the edge shows, it's time to consider new tires. This isn't a small matter - tires are the only parts touching the ground and affect everyone's safety.
I recommend checking tire pressure at least monthly. Many gas stations now offer free tire pressure checks, which you can easily do while refueling. Here's a tip: tire pressure isn't better higher or more comfortable lower. Too high pressure causes excessive wear in the middle; too low increases fuel consumption and wears out the sides. The most scientific approach is to strictly follow the manual's standards.
Speaking of which, I learned a painful lesson. Last summer, I skipped checking tire pressure for two months because I thought it was too much trouble. My fuel consumption mysteriously increased, costing several hundred more in fuel that month. When I finally checked, all four tires were seriously underinflated. Worse still, the underinflation caused severe tire wear, forcing early replacement - another significant expense.
Another often overlooked detail is regular tire rotation. I usually swap front and rear tires every 20,000 kilometers to ensure even wear and longer life. Note that directional tires can only be swapped left to right.
Let's talk about managing various fluids. Honestly, I also found it troublesome at first, but these fluids are vital to your car. Engine oil goes without saying - it's the engine's lifeblood. I suggest checking the dipstick every time you refuel. If the oil level is below the minimum mark, it needs immediate replenishment.
Coolant is also crucial, especially in winter. A friend's engine was damaged due to insufficient coolant in winter, resulting in repair costs over ten thousand. Now I make it a habit to check coolant level and concentration monthly.
Transmission fluid is often overlooked but important. From my experience, if shifting feels rough or jerky, the transmission fluid might need changing. However, transmission fluid has a longer replacement cycle, usually 40,000-60,000 kilometers, depending on the vehicle model and usage.
Power steering fluid and brake fluid shouldn't be ignored either. Especially brake fluid - if the brake pedal feels soft or needs to be pressed unusually deep to work, it might need replacement. I generally recommend changing brake fluid every two years since it's a safety issue that can't be neglected.
Windshield washer fluid is simpler, mainly for cleaning the windshield. But note that in winter, you need to use antifreeze type fluid, or it'll freeze and cause problems. I once used the wrong type and couldn't spray any in winter, having to clean manually - what a mess.
If the air conditioning refrigerant is low, the AC won't cool in summer. This doesn't need frequent checking unless you notice poor cooling. However, if you find yourself needing frequent refills, check for leaks.
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