As car owners, we know that our car isn’t just a machine—it’s our freedom, our trusted companion. Whether you commute to work daily or take a long drive on the weekend, everyone wants their car to be in top condition and last a long time.
Several years ago, I bought a used hatchback. It was a great car, but the previous owner’s negligence left me repeatedly incurring minor repair expenses. That experience taught me how important it is to give a car the right care at the right time . I’ve driven every car I’ve owned since then by this principle.
My journey took me to the magical 100,000-kilometer mark, without any major engine problems! It wasn’t luck, it was proper maintenance habits.
Today, I’m sharing 10 of my most important car maintenance tips, based on my personal experience . Follow these tips, and your car will reach the 100,000-kilometer milestone without breaking a sweat!
10 Car Maintenance Secrets: 1,00,000 Km Guaranteed!
1. Engine oil: change the ‘lifeblood’ on time (golden rule)
My experience: In the early days, I kept putting off servicing, especially when it came time to change the oil. One time, the engine started making a strange and loud noise. The mechanic explained that the old and thickened oil was starting to damage engine parts. That day, I learned the importance of timely servicing.
Tip: The engine oil and filter should be changed based on the mileage or time specified by the car manufacturer (usually every 6 months to 1 year). A quick tip: it’s always better to get it replaced a little earlier than the recommended time.
2. Pay special attention to your tyre pressure and health
My experience: I often see people simply inflate their tires, but don’t check their condition. Once, before a long drive, I carefully checked the tires and discovered a small nail stuck in one of them, and the air was slowly being depleted. A timely inspection prevented major damage.
Tip:
- Pressure: Check your tire pressure every 15 days . It should always be at the correct level as written on the car door.
- Rotation: Make sure to rotate your tyres every 8,000 to 10,000 km to ensure even wear and increase their life.
3. Air filter: provide fresh air to the engine
My experience: My car’s mileage suddenly dropped dramatically. I thought there was something seriously wrong with the engine. But the mechanic simply replaced the dusty air filter , and the mileage immediately returned to normal. I was amazed that such a small thing could make such a big difference.
Tip: If you drive frequently on dusty roads, have the air filter checked and cleaned between regular services. This provides clean air to the engine and improves fuel economy.
4. Never ignore brake noise (Safety First)
My experience: I once heard a slight “grinding” noise when braking, but I thought it was the road and ignored it. A few days later, my car pulled too far during an emergency braking. The mechanic said the brake pads were completely worn out and the rotors might be damaged.
Tip: Have your brake pads and rotors checked regularly. If you notice any strange noises when braking or the brake pedal starts to sink too much, have them checked immediately.
5. Car Battery: Keep the Terminals Clean
My experience: My car once wouldn’t start in cold weather. I called a mechanic, who simply cleaned off the corrosion on the battery terminals, and the car started immediately. It was a small task that prevented a major problem.
Tip: Check the battery terminals periodically (especially before winter) . If there’s a white or blue powdery deposit on them, clean it off with warm water and a brush. The terminals should always be tight .
6. Coolant level: It is important to keep the engine cool.
My experience: One summer, my car’s overheating indicator lit up. I panicked. The reason was simply that the coolant level was low. Fortunately, there was no major engine damage, but that day I realized the importance of coolant.
Tip: Check the coolant/antifreeze level regularly. This not only prevents the engine from overheating but also prevents it from freezing in the cold.
7. AC and Cabin Filter Care
My experience: My car’s AC started emitting a strange odor and reduced airflow. This was due to the cabin air filter becoming clogged with dust and dirt. When it was replaced, the air inside became fresh and the AC’s performance improved.
Tip: Make sure to replace the cabin air filter every year or 15,000 km, especially if you drive a lot in polluted cities.
8. Get the transmission fluid checked
My experience: My automatic car once experienced a slight delay in gear shifting. I thought it was a serious problem. The mechanic said I needed to top up the transmission fluid . After that, the gears shifted smoothly and the problem disappeared.
Tip: Get your transmission fluid checked regularly, especially if your car is automatic. The correct transmission fluid is crucial for the longevity of the gearbox.
9. Don’t ignore small noises (The Noise Check)
My experience: I used to hear a ‘knocking’ sound whenever I drove over a pothole. I ignored it until one day I noticed significant damage to the suspension. It was just a loose bolt that could have been tightened in time.
Tip: Never ignore unusual noises in your car . Whether it’s from the engine, suspension, or brakes, small noises can be a warning before major damage occurs.
10. Wash and wax the car regularly
My experience: Initially, I washed my car but didn’t wax it. After a few years, my car’s paint began to dull and scratches became more visible. I learned that waxing doesn’t just add shine; it also protects the paint from rust and sunlight.
Tip: In addition to washing your car from the outside , vacuum the inside . Be sure to wax it . This also maintains the car’s resale value.
last message
Friends, crossing the 100,000-kilometer milestone isn’t just a number; it’s a symbol of a successful and worry-free journey. These 10 tips are the secret to my car’s longevity, and I’m sure they’ll work for yours too.
Remember, car maintenance is a cheap investment to avoid costly repairs . Give your car love, pay attention to its needs, and it will never let you down on the road.
This blog post is based on general information and personal experience only. All car maintenance tips and advice mentioned here are general in nature. A car is a complex machine. We strongly recommend that you always consult a trained and certified mechanic or service center before undertaking any serious repairs or technical work. Use of these tips is entirely at your own risk. Neither the author nor the publisher is responsible for any loss or damage resulting from using this information. It’s always best to consult your car’s manufacturer’s manual.
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