Opening Chat
Hi everyone, I'm a post-95s car owner who bought my first car last year. To be honest, I was super excited at the time, but after getting the car, I was completely lost - I couldn't even tell what the buttons on the car key were for, let alone maintenance. I wondered, "What am I going to do?" Looking back now, it's quite amusing. After more than a year of hands-on experience, I've finally transformed from someone who couldn't even find the fuel tank cap to a "seasoned car owner" who can handle things independently, haha.
Basic Maintenance
Car maintenance is truly a complex subject. At first, I thought as long as the car could run, it was fine, and maintenance was just 4S dealerships' money-making scheme. That almost ruined my beloved car. Now I understand that maintaining a car is like maintaining a relationship - it requires dedication.
Engine oil is a topic that needs special attention. I remember once on the highway, my engine suddenly started making clicking noises, which really scared me. I quickly pulled into a service area to check and found that I hadn't changed the oil for almost 8,000 kilometers. The mechanic's expression practically screamed "Are you trying to murder your engine?" Since then, I've learned my lesson - change oil on time!
There are many types of engine oil available now - fully synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral oil. Prices range from tens to hundreds. Based on my year of research, I recommend choosing fully synthetic oil. Although it's more expensive, it provides better engine protection and lasts longer. I currently use Shell Helix Ultra, which costs about 600+ per maintenance but lasts 6,000 kilometers, making it quite cost-effective.
Tire maintenance requires attention to detail. I now check tire pressure every weekend with a small electric air pump. Fill to standard pressure in summer and slightly lower in winter for better grip. Remember to check the tire valve stems regularly, as they can leak when damaged. I always keep spare valve stems in the car - they only cost a few dollars but can be crucial in emergencies.
Another important maintenance item is the brake system. Brake pads must be replaced when worn to a certain degree - no skimping here. I judge by listening to the brake sound; if there's a metallic scraping sound when braking, it's time for an inspection. Brake fluid should be changed regularly, typically every two years. However, if you frequently drive in mountains or like aggressive driving, consider changing it sooner.
Daily Tips
When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, I have quite a few special tricks. Let's start with interior cleaning. Leather seats are most vulnerable to sun exposure, so I regularly treat them with specialized leather conditioner. For fabric seats, baking soda water works great for cleaning and eliminating odors. For frequently touched areas like the steering wheel and gear shift, I use alcohol wipes for disinfection.
Paint maintenance is also important. I now wax my car weekly using spray wax, which is very convenient. After waxing, not only does the car shine, but dust is less likely to stick. If you notice tree sap or bird droppings on the paint during rainy days, clean them immediately as these substances contain acid that can corrode the paint.
Air conditioning system maintenance is often overlooked. The AC system can easily breed bacteria, so I treat it with AC cleaner monthly. The method is simple: spray the cleaner into the AC intake and run internal circulation for ten minutes. This not only removes odors but also prevents AC-related illness.
I mix my own windshield washer fluid. I buy concentrated washer fluid and dilute it according to instructions. This is much more economical than buying pre-mixed products, and the concentration can be adjusted according to seasons. More diluted in summer, more concentrated in winter to prevent freezing.
Wiper blade maintenance is also crucial. After each windshield washer fluid refill, I clean the wiper blades with alcohol pads to extend their lifespan. If you notice noise or poor wiping performance, it's time for replacement. These are easy to replace - just buy new ones online and follow video tutorials for installation.
Storage Organization
Car interior organization is an art. I keep a folding storage box in the trunk, organized with car washing tools, tire repair tools, and emergency supplies. Under the passenger seat, I have a drawer-style storage box specifically for parking cards, tissues, and other frequently used items.
I've divided the center console storage into several areas: one for charging cables, one for coins, and another for sunglasses. This makes finding things very convenient. I organize the armrest box like this: upper layer for commonly used wet wipes and tissues, lower layer for spare car chargers and data cables.
In the door panel storage, I keep light items like bottled water, band-aids, and tissues. The rear center armrest is dedicated to snacks and drinks, which is very convenient for long drives.
Professional Maintenance
Regarding professional maintenance, I believe some items shouldn't be skimped on. Transmission fluid change is one of them - although expensive, it's crucial for transmission protection. My car is automatic, and the manual recommends changing transmission fluid every 60,000 kilometers, but considering my frequent traffic encounters, I plan to change it at 50,000 kilometers.
Coolant is another important item. You can't substitute tap water for it - you must use professional coolant. I bought a spare jug online last winter for emergencies. Also, coolant has an expiration date and should generally be replaced every two years.
Chassis armor is a service I find particularly worthwhile. Although expensive, it effectively prevents chassis rust and reduces driving noise. I had it done at the 4S dealership, cost over 1,000, but I think it's worth it.
Power steering fluid inspection is also important. This should typically be changed every two years, but if you notice the steering wheel becoming heavy or hear unusual noises while turning, it needs immediate inspection.
Spark plugs should be replaced every 40,000-50,000 kilometers. This requires technical expertise, so I always have it done at professional repair shops. After replacing spark plugs, engine start-up becomes smoother and fuel consumption decreases slightly.
Experience Summary
Summarizing my year-plus of car ownership experience, I believe the most important aspect of car maintenance is having a plan. Here's how I arrange it:
Before driving each day, I walk around the car to check for oil or water leaks and tire abnormalities. After starting the car, I let the engine idle for one minute to allow the oil to fully lubricate the engine.
Every weekend, I do a deep clean, including exterior washing, interior cleaning, and window cleaning. I check all fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Tire inspection is also a weekly task.
Monthly, I do a dashboard checkup to look for any warning lights. Air conditioning system cleaning and interior disinfection are done monthly. Battery terminal inspection and cleaning are also important to prevent rust.
Every six months, I do major maintenance, changing oil as needed and checking all systems. I also get wheel alignment done to prevent uneven tire wear.
Every year before winter, I make cold weather preparations. Check antifreeze and battery, replace wiper blades and tires if necessary. Before summer, check the air conditioning system to ensure cooling effectiveness.
Finally, maintaining a car isn't difficult - the key is dedication. It's like taking care of your child; with attention to detail, it will stay healthy and accompany us. I hope these experiences help you, and let's all be responsible car owners together!
