Routine car maintenance knowledge you should know

In modern life, cars have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Whether commuting, traveling, or engaging in leisure activities, we are accustomed to relying on cars and expect them to remain efficient and reliable to meet our needs. However, to ensure that a car stays in optimal condition for a long time, not only professional car maintenance is needed, but also our careful attention.

Avoid leaving vehicles idle for extended periods

Regularly driving your car, even for short distances, helps keep the engine and other mechanical parts running smoothly.

Avoid prolonged sun exposure

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can damage both the exterior and interior parts of a car, such as the paint, plastic components, and dashboard. Using a sun visor or parking in the shade, especially in hot weather, helps protect the car and reduces the frequency of maintenance required due to exterior damage.

Avoid washing your car in hot weather.

Because rapid evaporation of moisture can leave watermarks and scale on the car body, and can easily cause the paint to lose its shine, please avoid washing your car in hot weather. It is best to choose a cool time or wash your car in a carport to ensure both cleanliness and maintenance.

Avoid frequent heavy acceleration.

Rapid acceleration not only places an extra burden on the engine and transmission system, increasing the risk of wear and tear, but also affects fuel efficiency, leading to higher fuel consumption. Furthermore, rapid acceleration can cause unnecessary wear on the vehicle's tires and braking system, reducing their lifespan.

Warm up the car before driving

When starting the vehicle after a long period of inactivity, it is recommended to start the vehicle and wait for about 2-3 minutes to allow the engine to reach its proper operating temperature. This helps reduce engine wear, improves fuel efficiency, and avoids damage caused by sudden high-load operation.

Regular maintenance at the factory

Whether or not you can perform basic car maintenance yourself, it is recommended to take your car to a repair shop for a comprehensive maintenance and inspection regularly. Professional and experienced technicians can identify and resolve potential problems, ensuring your car is in optimal condition.

Long-distance driving at regular intervals

Regular long-distance driving helps to expel carbon deposits and moisture from the engine and recharge the battery, keeping the car's engine and exhaust system running smoothly and ensuring it remains in optimal condition.

How frequently should a car undergo regular maintenance?

Car maintenance intervals vary depending on the vehicle type, brand, year, and driving habits. Regardless of the model, it's generally recommended to have your car serviced every 6 months. In addition, you can look for the following signs to help you determine if your car needs servicing soon:

Warning lights

Pay attention to the engine malfunction indicator light on your car's dashboard. If it lights up in yellow or even red, you should take your car to a professional maintenance shop as soon as possible for maintenance and repair to find out which part is causing the problem and ensure driving safety.

Pay attention to unusual vehicle sounds.

If you hear unusual engine sounds, brake sounds, suspension sounds, or other unusual noises while driving, it may indicate that certain parts need repair or adjustment. Do not ignore these sounds; take your vehicle to a mechanic for inspection as soon as possible to ensure the problem does not worsen.

fuel consumption changes

If you notice a significant increase in your car's fuel consumption, and your driving habits haven't changed, this could indicate a problem with the engine or fuel system. This is a sign that needs to be checked.

Observation thermometer

The temperature gauge on your car's dashboard can provide important information. Excessively high engine temperatures may indicate a problem with the cooling system, while excessively high temperatures, especially if the indicator is in the red zone, can affect fuel efficiency. If your temperature gauge shows unusual changes, have your car serviced as soon as possible.

Tire condition

Regularly check the wear condition of your tires. If the tread depth is less than 1.6mm, or the tread is very soft when pressed down, or the tire pressure is abnormal, you should replace the tires as soon as possible. Improper tire wear or pressure may cause slippage, affect handling and safety.

Benefits of regular maintenance

Extend vehicle life

Regular car maintenance ensures that all parts of the vehicle are kept in good working order, thereby extending the lifespan of both the parts and the vehicle itself.

Improve security

Regular car maintenance ensures the proper functioning of the engine, tires, lighting systems, and other critical components. This helps reduce the risk of accidents and ensures the safety of drivers and passengers.

Save on fuel costs

Proper tire pressure, fuel filter replacement, and engine tuning all contribute to improved fuel efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and thus savings on fuel costs.

Preventing extensive repairs

Regular car maintenance helps identify and resolve potential problems, preventing them from escalating into expensive overhauls. This can save significant repair costs because minor issues can be addressed before they become more serious.

Motul Government Vehicle Inspection Package

Before the official vehicle inspection, a thorough inspection and a 5-liter change of Motul 8100 X-clean+ 5W-30 engine oil will improve your vehicle's engine performance and ensure a safe and quick inspection.

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