For most car owners, automotive maintenance remains a significant knowledge blind spot. Many owners either over-maintain and waste money, or ignore minor faults, eventually leading to major repairs and shortened vehicle life. The core of proper car care is scientific maintenance and targeted repair, not blind trend-following consumption.
Five Major Maintenance Pitfalls
Pitfall 1: Must change oil every 5,000 km. The new national standard has clarified the fully synthetic oil change interval at 10,000 km/12 months, with turbocharged models requiring fully synthetic oil. Pitfall 2: Clean throttle body at every service. Throttle body cleaning should be based on actual carbon buildup, typically every 40,000-60,000 km. Pitfall 3: Wider tires are better. Wider tires increase fuel consumption and noise; original specifications are the most balanced choice. Pitfall 4: Various additives are essential. Fuel and oil from legitimate channels already contain sufficient additives; extra additives are mostly psychological comfort. Pitfall 5: Only authorized dealerships can guarantee quality. After warranty, reputable chain repair shops are equally reliable at 30-50% cost savings.
Core Fluid Maintenance Essentials
Engine oil: Choose based on the viscosity grade recommended in the maintenance manual; turbocharged models must use fully synthetic. Brake fluid: Replace every 2 years or 40,000 km; must replace when water content exceeds 3%. Coolant: Replace every 4 years or 80,000 km; different colored coolants cannot be mixed. Transmission fluid: AT every 60,000 km, CVT every 40,000 km, DCT every 60,000 km.
Scientific Car Care Principles
Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance manual as the baseline, with time or mileage whichever comes first. Pay attention to abnormal signs (unusual sounds, smells, vibrations, warning lights) and inspect promptly. Maintain complete service records for warranty protection and used car resale value.
English 
Chinese 
Russian 
Arabic