As an indispensable means of transport in modern life, the normal functioning and useful life of cars are directly related to our security of travel and daily convenience. Regular scientific maintenance is therefore a key measure to ensure that cars remain in good condition. However, many car owners often lack a clear understanding of what items are required for normal vehicle maintenance, either blindly following the advice of others or neglecting some important inspection links. This paper aims at systematically combing and answering “what are the items for normal vehicle maintenance?” this core issue provides the owner with a comprehensive and clear list and description of the vehicle routine maintenance project, which will help people to better love the car and use it。
To understand the core purpose of normal vehicle maintenance, it is first necessary to identify what constitutes “maintenance”. Maintenance is not a simple patchwork, but is based on a precautionary maintenance concept, whereby potential problems are identified and addressed in a timely manner through regular inspections, cleaning and replacement, to prevent minor problems from becoming troublesome. The importance of normal vehicle maintenance can be seen in several ways: it ensures optimal working conditions for the parts of the vehicle, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle, such as the inspection and maintenance of critical parts such as brake systems, tyre conditions, light systems, etc., which are directly related to driving safety; scientific maintenance that extends the overall useful life of the vehicle and avoids premature end-of-life as a result of prolonged wear and tear or the ageing of the component; maintenance that helps maintain its power, fuel economy and emission levels and keeps it in good working condition; and, for the owner of the new vehicle, that maintenance is performed on time and complete maintenance records are maintained, as well as that the warranty effectiveness of the vehicle is maintained and that it is not rejected for improper maintenance during the warranty period。
Before exploring specific maintenance projects, it is necessary to identify the underlying concepts and cycles of maintenance. The vehicle maintenance cycle is usually based on the number of kilometres or time travelled, usually once per 5,000 or 10,000 kilometres, or every six or 12 months. It should be noted, however, that these cycles are not absolutely fixed, but rather recommendations made by automobile manufacturers based on common experience. The physical environment, driving habits and climatic conditions of each owner may affect the maintenance cycle. For example, vehicles, which are often crowded in urban areas, may experience faster engine wear and lower quality of oil, which may require an appropriate reduction in maintenance intervals, while wear and tear of air filters and brake systems may increase and require more frequent inspections and replacement in areas with heavy dust or poor road conditions. Therefore, the most authoritative and personalized maintenance is always based on detailed model-specific recommendations in the accompanying user manual or maintenance manual. The owner should carefully read and follow the instructions in the manual and adjust to his/her actual situation。
We will elaborate on the core items of routine vehicle maintenance, which cover the inspection and maintenance of critical systems and components necessary for vehicle operation。
First is the inspection of fuel systems. Fuel is a power source for car operations and the health of the fuel system is directly related to engine performance and efficiency. In routine maintenance, the technicians usually check the condition of the fuel filter to determine whether it is blocked or needs replacement. Fuel filters are responsible for the filtering of impurities and moisture in fuel, which, if the filter is ageing or clogged, not only affects engine power output, but may also lead to congestion or even damage to fuel systems. Fuel pressure tests will also be carried out in part to ensure that the pressure within the fuel system is within normal limits, thereby ensuring that the fuel can be delivered smoothly to the engine combustion room. While fuel filters have a relatively long replacement cycle, each routine maintenance should be carefully checked to ensure that they are in good condition。
The second is the inspection and replacement of oil systems. Oil is the “blood” of a car engine and carries multiple important functions such as lubrication, cooling, cleaning, sealing and rustproofing. Therefore, the maintenance of oil systems is one of the most critical items in the maintenance of vehicles. During each routine maintenance, the technicians check the fluid levels of the oils and ensure that they are within standard limits. At the same time, a preliminary determination of the quality of the oil can be made by observing the colour, smell and viscosity of the oil. Fresh, clean oils are usually clear and transparent, while aging, contaminated oils can be dark brown or even black and be smelly. In addition to visual inspections, some advanced maintenance processes will also test the levels of worn particles and pollutants in machine oils through fluid analysis equipment to assess more accurately the health status of the oils. If the fluid is too low or the oil is seriously deteriorating, the oil and oil filters need to be replaced in a timely manner. The oil filters are responsible for filtering impurities in the oils and protecting the engines from wear and tear. The selection of oils and filters that meet the specifications of the manufacturer is essential, the different brands and models of oils have different performance indicators, and the use of poor or incompatible oils can lead to reduced or even damaged engine performance. Care should also be taken in the use of oil additives, not all of which are suitable for all vehicle types, and it is advisable to follow the manufacturer's advice。
Lubrication system checks are also an important part of routine maintenance. In addition to engine oil, other critical moving parts of the vehicle need to be properly lubricantsed to ensure smooth operation and reduce wear and tear. The transformer tank oils (atfs, mtfs, dcts, cvts for double-segregation transformers, cvts for non-grade transformers), the power differential oils (mainly for back- and four-wheel-drive types) and the transformer-aided oils (ehss, by type, for hydraulic and electric-assisted conversion systems) are all part of the lubrication system. The effects of these liquids are similar to those of oils, which are associated with lubricants, cooling and cleaning through circulation. The technicians will check the fluid levels and oil quality of the fluids to determine whether they are within normal limits and determine whether replacement is required depending on the condition of the fluid and the mileage. For example, the replacement cycle for transformer tank oil is usually longer, but the type of fluid and replacement requirements for different transformer tank types vary widely and must be strictly implemented in accordance with the manufacturer's manual. The inspection of the shift to the aided oil is relatively simple, but the leakage of hydraulic aid to system fluids cannot be ignored and should be addressed in a timely manner if the fluid is found to be too low or leaking。
The screening and maintenance of cooling systems should also not be overlooked. The cooling system is responsible for controlling the operating temperature of the engine to prevent its overheating leading to reduced or even damaged performance. Refrigerated fluids (also known as refrigerated fluids) not only have the ability to reduce heat dispersion, but also prevent cooling systems from freezing during the winter and from opening pots at high temperatures, while also acting as corrosion resistant. Therefore, the performance and state of cooling fluids are critical. In routine maintenance, the technicians check the liquid position of the cooling fluid to ensure that it is within standard range. At the same time, it can be judged whether the cooling fluid needs to be replaced by observing its colour and ice point values. The different brands and types of cooling fluids have different colours and performance indicators, and the mixing of different types of cooling fluids can lead to reduced performance or sediments. The technicians will also check whether the cooling system has leaks, such as whether components such as cooling fluid circuits, radiators, canteens, etc. Have cracks or the interfaces loosed. The thermostat is a key component of the cooling system that controls the cycling path of the cooling fluid, ensures that the engine is fully preheated at cold start-up and at optimal working temperatures during normal operation. The performance of thermostats is also checked during maintenance, adjusted or replaced as necessary。
The brake system is a system directly related to the safety of motor vehicles, which is inspected and maintained with relatively high frequency. In routine maintenance, the mechanic checks the thickness of the brake blade, which is the main basis for determining whether the brake blade needs to be replaced. The brakes must be replaced in a timely manner when they reach the limit, otherwise they will not only affect the effect of the brakes but may also cause damage to the brakes. The technicians will also check the condition of the brake plates to see if their surfaces are excessively worn, fractured or deformed. The flatness of the brake drive is essential for the effect of the brake and may require grinding or replacement if the brake drive is not flat. Brake oil is the working medium of the brake system, which conveys the force of the brake pedal and causes friction between brake plates and brake plates. The fluid level of brake oil is as important as the oil quality, and the technicians will check whether the fluid level of brake oil is within the standard range and observe the colour and cleanness of the fluid. Brake oil is water-absorbed and excessive moisture can lead to lower boiling points, affect brake performance and even lead to blockage of brakes. Therefore, if the brake oil has not been replaced for long periods of time or if the fluids are found to be dilated, it will need to be replaced in a timely manner. Leakages in the brake system also need to be focused, and leaks in any part may lead to reduced brake performance and must be repaired in a timely manner。
The systematic examination of tyres is another important element of routine maintenance. Tyres are the only part of the vehicle that is in contact with the ground, and their condition is directly related to the vehicle's manipulation, stability and safety. During routine maintenance, the mechanic inspects the pressure of the tyre to ensure that it meets the cool-state pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Excessive or low pressure on tyres affects brake performance, fuel consumption and tyre life. The technician will also check the wear marks and degree of wear and tear of tyres, which are the line of indication that the tires are worn to the limit and must be replaced in a timely manner when the tires are worn to the mark. The technician will also check the date of production of the tyre, usually with a four-digit date code on the side wall of the tyre, the first two representing weeks, and the last two representing years, such as “3519”, indicating that the tyre was produced in week 35 of 2019. The ageing rate of tyres is not only related to the time of use, but is also closely related to the storage environment, and problems such as the fact that old tyres may be broken, even if worn. In addition to wear and age, the technicians examine whether tyres are damaged by drums, cracks, and the embedding of foreign objects, which seriously affect their performance and safety. The condition of the spare tire as an emergency tool also requires periodic inspection to ensure that its air pressure is normal, that the tires are worn within acceptable limits and that its vehicle-to-car and refilling tools are fully effective. Four-wheel positioning is a relatively complex exercise in the examination of tyre systems, which is used to adjust the geometric parameters of tyres and to ensure that tyres are properly connected when travelling. Four rounds of positioning may be required in the event of symptoms such as bad steering wheel, abnormal wear and tear of tyres and unstable movement of vehicles. The frequency of the four-wheeled positioning depends on the condition of the vehicle and the mileage travelled, and four-wheeled positioning may be required for new vehicles or vehicles that are often travelling in less roaded areas。
Light system checks are also part of routine maintenance. The normal work of car lights, which are an important tool for night driving, for driving in bad weather and for communicating with traffic participants, is an essential requirement for ensuring the safety of motor vehicles. During routine maintenance, the technicians check all external lights, including large lights (nearlights, long-lights, broadlights), taillights, brake lights, switchlights, daylights, etc., to ensure that they are properly lit and beams are projected in the right direction. At the same time, internal lights, such as dashboards, car door lights, reading lights, etc., are checked to ensure that they work properly. The vulnerability of light systems included the burning of light bulbs, poor light bulb contact and circuit failure, which required timely repair。
The electrical system inspection focuses primarily on the state of the cylinders (accumulation batteries). The cylinder is the source of electricity for the start-up and normal operation of the vehicle and its performance is directly related to the start-up capacity of the vehicle and the normal operation of the electrical equipment. In conventional maintenance, the mechanics check whether the pylons are solid and corrosive. If there is severe corrosiveness, the bottling affects the transmission of the current, causing difficulties in starting up or abnormal performance of electrical equipment. The mechanic will also test the voltage and internal resistance of the cylinders by means of tools such as a universal watch to determine their performance. A bottle has a useful life, usually in about two to five years, and the capacity of the bottle decreases over time and ultimately does not meet the start-up needs of the vehicle. Therefore, if an aging or reduced performance of the cylinder is found, it will need to be replaced in a timely manner。
Air filters and gas intake system checks are essential for engine performance and air quality. The air filter is responsible for filtering the air into the engine and preventing impurities, such as dust and particles, from entering the engine burning room and damaging the engine. In routine maintenance, technicians check the level of contamination of air filter cores, which, if too dirty, can hinder air entry into engines, leading to reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption and possibly even explosive shocks. The replacement cycle for air filter cores depends on the moving environment and air quality, and may require more frequent replacement in areas of high dust or pollution. Some of the models may also involve the cleaning of vents, which, by cleaning them, can remove carbon and impurities, restore efficiency and improve engine performance。
The inspection and maintenance of air conditioning systems is also one of the important items for routine maintenance. Air-conditioning systems, which not only provide refrigeration but also heat during the winter, are essential for enhancing the comfort of driving. In routine maintenance, the technicians check the cooling/heating effects of air conditioners to ensure that they meet design requirements. Technicians may judge the performance of air-conditioning systems by observing refrigerant pressure, checking air conditioning temperature. At the same time, the technicians examine air-conditioning filters, which are responsible for filtering the air entering the car, preventing pollutants such as dust and pollen from entering the vehicle and affecting air quality. Air-conditioning filters will normally need to be replaced during the replacement cycle to ensure that air is kept clean in the vehicle. The technicians will also check the sealing of air conditioning systems to ensure that refrigerants are not leaking。
The chassis check is an overall check of the parts of the car chassis to ensure that they are in good condition. The chassis is the skeleton that connects the various parts of the vehicle and is in a state that directly affects the motor stability and conductability of the vehicle. During routine maintenance, the technicians inspect the hanging components of the system, such as shock-mitigators, ball heads, linings, etc., to ensure that they are not relaxed, damaged or ageing. The suspension system is the key component responsible for supporting the body of the vehicle and for buffering the impact of the road, and its performance has a direct impact on the mobility and handling of the vehicle. The technicians will also check the condition of the exhaust pipes to ensure that they are not rusted, deformed or leaked. The vent is an important component responsible for the discharge of engine exhausts, whose leakage not only affects engine performance but also pollutes the environment. Other components of the chassis, such as transfer sections, lower arms, etc., are also checked to ensure that they are not damaged or loose。
In addition to the above-mentioned core items, routine maintenance may involve inspection and maintenance of other items, such as scrubbers, detergents, spark plugs, real-time belts/chains (if recommended in the manual), vehicle-borne electrical inspection, etc. Rain scrapers are an important tool for ensuring clear viewing of the rain, and their state requires periodic inspection to ensure that they are able to work properly and that they are well shaved. The scrubber will need to be regularly added and its cleanliness ensured. The spark plug is a key component of the engine ignition system and its condition directly affects the ignition performance of the engine and requires timely replacement if the spark plug ages or accumulates carbon. For some engines using a time belt or a time chain, inspection and replacement of a time belt or a time chain is also part of the routine maintenance, and the condition of these components directly affects the engine's operational accuracy and lifetime. Inspections of vehicle-borne appliances include, for example, the robustness and functionality of the various electrical devices used to ensure normal use of the vehicle-borne appliances。
In carrying out routine vehicle maintenance, there are a number of concerns that need to be understood and complied with by the owner. The selection of appropriate maintenance projects and cycles is essential. The owner should carefully read and follow the recommendations of the user manual or the maintenance manual and adapt them to his or her actual situation. The use of consumables such as machine oil, brake oil and cooling fluids that meet the specifications of the plant is essential. Consumables of different brands and models have different performance indicators and the use of poor or incompatible consumables can lead to reduced or even damaged engine performance. Therefore, it would be preferable to select consumables produced by a formal manufacturer that meet the specifications of the manufacturer. It is recommended that a formal repair plant or shop 4s be selected for maintenance. Formal repair plants or 4s stores have specialized technicians and equipment that can provide high-quality maintenance services and ensure the completeness and accuracy of maintenance projects. The owner should also keep maintenance records, which not only helps track the maintenance history of the vehicle, but also provides important reference information when selling the vehicle。
In conclusion, normal vehicle maintenance is a system engineering exercise involving inspection and maintenance of multiple critical systems and components. Regular maintenance on time not only ensures the safe operation and good performance of the vehicle, but also prolongs its useful life, reduces its failure rate and maintains its warranty effectiveness. The core items for routine vehicle maintenance, including inspection and maintenance of fuel systems, oil systems, lubricants, cooling systems, brake systems, tyre systems, light systems, electrical systems, air filters and gas intake systems, air conditioning systems and chassis, are detailed in this document. The owner should develop a reasonable maintenance plan based on his or her own model and the recommendations of the user manual, taking into account his or her own vehicle environment, and select a regular workshop or 4s shop for maintenance. The owner should also develop a habit of periodically checking the condition of the vehicle, identifying and addressing potential problems in a timely manner and ensuring the long-term health of the vehicle. Through the maintenance and maintenance of science, our car remains at its best to provide safe and comfortable access。
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