10 Essential Car Maintenance Items and Intervals

10 Essential Car Maintenance Items and Intervals
Original by Feibao FULLBORE | Nov 24, 2020 | Updated Today

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When it comes to cars, they say: "Buying is easy, but maintaining is hard." 🚗💡 Regular maintenance not only extends your car’s lifespan but also ensures road safety. However, many car owners get overwhelmed at service centers, following recommendations blindly, often ending up with unnecessary replacements and hefty bills. Today, let's dive into 10 essential car maintenance tasks and their recommended intervals to save you both time and money.

Routine Maintenance

1. Engine Oil

   • Purpose: Lubricates, cools, and reduces engine wear.
   • Types:
     • Fully Synthetic: Best for extreme conditions; change every 10,000-12,000 km or annually.
     • Semi-Synthetic: Adequate for most cars; change every 8,000-10,000 km.
     • Mineral Oil: Budget option; replace every 5,000 km.
   • Pro Tip: For turbocharged engines, regularly check the oil dipstick to avoid damage from low oil levels.

2. Filters ("The Big 3")

   • Oil Filter: Change with every oil change to remove impurities.
   • Air Filter: Replace every 20,000 km or 2 years. Clean it during minor services for better performance.
   • Cabin Filter: Filters cabin air; replace every 20,000 km or 2 years.

Major Maintenance Tasks

3. Coolant (Anti-Freeze)

   • Keeps your engine cool and prevents freezing in winter.
   • Replace every 4 years or 60,000 km.
   • Check levels regularly; never let it drop below the "min" mark.

4. Brake Fluid

   • Absorbs moisture over time, reducing braking efficiency.
   • Replace every 40,000 km or during major services.
   • Use the correct grade (e.g., DOT3, DOT4) and ensure no air enters during replacement.

5. Power Steering Fluid

   • Keeps your steering smooth and responsive.
   • Replace every 2 years or 40,000 km.

6. Fuel Filter

   • Filters impurities in fuel to protect the injection system.
   • Replace external filters every 20,000 km and internal ones every 80,000 km.

7. Spark Plugs

   • Critical for ignition. Replace based on material:
     • Iridium: 80,000-100,000 km
     • Platinum: 50,000-60,000 km
     • Nickel: 20,000-30,000 km

8. Transmission Fluid

   • Automatic: Replace every 80,000 km.
   • Manual: Replace every 120,000 km.
   • Tip: Use a fluid exchange machine for thorough cleaning.

9. Brake Pads

   • No fixed interval—replace when thickness wears down.
   • Inspect every 40,000 km. Smooth drivers may extend this to 60,000-80,000 km.

10. Battery

    • Replace every 4 years or sooner if the car struggles to start.
    • Avoid leaving lights or music on with the engine off to preserve battery life.

Final Thoughts

Proper maintenance keeps your car safe and reliable. Always consult a trusted mechanic or service center for advice. 🛠️ And remember to regularly monitor your car’s performance—small issues can escalate quickly if ignored. 🚘💡