Opening Chat
Friends, let's talk about a very practical topic today. As a veteran driver with over ten years of experience, I've seen too many car owners make mistakes in maintenance. Some mistakes may seem minor, but over time, they can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Over the years, traveling north and south, driving on highways and city streets, I've witnessed countless cases where car owners suffered financial losses due to improper maintenance.
Recently, I encountered a tragicomic situation. A friend of mine bought a used car and thought dealership maintenance was too expensive, so he didn't change the oil for six months. One day while driving, the engine warning light came on. The repair ended up costing him nearly 20,000 yuan. This is a classic case of being penny-wise and pound-foolish. In my experience, such examples are not uncommon - some car owners try to save a few hundred yuan on maintenance, only to end up spending tens of thousands on repairs. These counterproductive situations happen far too often.
Around us, similar stories unfold every day. Some car owners think new cars don't need maintenance, leading to premature aging; some always opt for cheap, low-quality parts, ultimately causing greater losses; and others have limited knowledge about car maintenance and fall victim to unscrupulous businesses. These situations make me feel it's necessary to share my years of accumulated experience with everyone.
List of Mistakes
Engine Oil Issues
Speaking of engine oil, this might be the most easily overlooked maintenance item. Many car owners think they don't need to change the oil until they reach the maintenance mileage - this thinking is particularly problematic. Engine oil is the lifeblood of the engine; its function isn't just lubrication but also includes cleaning, cooling, sealing, and various other aspects. Poor quality or degraded oil can lead to accelerated wear of internal engine parts, and in severe cases, can cause engine failure.
According to professional statistics, 90% of engine failures are oil-related. What's the correct approach? Even if you haven't reached the maintenance mileage, you should regularly check the oil's color and level. If you notice the oil has turned black or the level is below the minimum mark, you need to add or change it promptly. When choosing oil, always select the type recommended in your vehicle's manual - don't arbitrarily change brands or grades.
Many car owners don't understand oil grade meanings, but they're crucial parameters. For example, in 5W-30, "5W" indicates the low-temperature viscosity grade, while "30" indicates the high-temperature viscosity grade. Different seasons and climate conditions require different oil grades. In cold regions, it's best to choose oil with a lower cold viscosity grade to ensure good engine lubrication during cold starts.
Additionally, oil change intervals are often overlooked by many car owners. Although many vehicle models now recommend changing oil every 10,000 kilometers, this number isn't absolute. If you frequently drive in stop-and-go city traffic or in high-temperature, dusty environments, you need to shorten the change interval. It's recommended to change the oil filter along with the oil, as an old filter can affect the performance of new oil.
Tire Maintenance
Let's talk about tires. Many people might not know that improper tire inflation alone can increase your fuel consumption by 20%. Tires are the only components that contact the ground, and their condition directly affects driving safety and comfort. Improper tire maintenance not only increases fuel consumption but also affects braking distance and handling performance.
Professional data shows that for every 1 PSI drop in tire pressure, fuel consumption increases by 0.3%. Therefore, it's recommended to check tire pressure weekly - it's a real money-saver. The best time to check tire pressure is when the tires are cold, meaning after the vehicle has been parked for several hours. The measurements taken then are most accurate and can serve as a basis for adjustment.
Tire wear level is also an important indicator. Here's a small tip: use a coin to check tread depth. Place the coin vertically into the tire tread - if you can see the coin's edge, it's time to replace the tire. However, this is just a simple judgment method; using a professional tread depth gauge is more accurate.
Regular tire rotation is also crucial for extending tire life. Since front tires handle steering tasks, they typically wear faster than rear tires. Regular rotation ensures more even wear, thus extending tire life. It's generally recommended to rotate tires every 8,000-10,000 kilometers.
Furthermore, tire balancing shouldn't be ignored. If you feel steering wheel vibration while driving, it's likely a tire balance issue. This requires prompt professional inspection and adjustment. Good tire balance not only improves driving comfort but also reduces abnormal wear on tires and suspension systems.
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