What Issues Should Be Noted in Car Maintenance

From a cost-saving perspective, focus on preventive maintenance to avoid major repairs. Regularly inspect fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid), and replace filters (air, oil, cabin) as needed. Tyre rotation every 6,000-8,000 miles extends their lifespan. For older cars, check for rust, especially underneath. A well-maintained Ford Focus, for example, can last years longer with minimal unexpected costs.

Car maintenance should pay attention to: avoid running the engine for a long time in an unventilated garage, avoid sucking the oil pipe with your mouth, avoid getting carburetor cleaner on your skin, avoid fire, and avoid burns.

1. Avoid running the engine for a long time in an unventilated garage. The exhaust gas from the engine contains carbon monoxide, which is an invisible and odorless toxic gas. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations of carbon monoxide can cause symptoms such as headaches, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, mental confusion, and even brain damage. If you start the engine in the garage, open the garage door or turn on the ventilation system to exhaust the gas at any time. Even when working outdoors, do not stay near the exhaust pipe of a running engine for a long time.
2. Avoid sucking the oil pipe with your mouth. Gasoline is not only flammable and explosive but also toxic. Especially leaded gasoline can damage the nervous system, digestive tract, and kidneys. In addition, gasoline contains high concentrations of sulfides. Since hydrogen sulfide is also toxic, inhaling gasoline can lead to poisoning or death. If accidentally inhaled, induce vomiting and seek medical treatment immediately.
3. Avoid getting carburetor cleaner on your skin. Most carburetor cleaners contain methyl chloride, aromatic compounds, and ethanol, all of which are toxic. Therefore, inhaling these substances or getting them on the skin and eyes is very dangerous.
4. Avoid fire. When maintaining a car, flammable and explosive materials such as fuel and cleaners are often used. Do not forget fire safety measures at this time. Keep a fire extinguisher ready just in case. Do not smoke near the fuel tank and battery, as the flammable gas escaping from the fuel tank and the hydrogen escaping from the battery can easily ignite.
5. Avoid burns. The engine and its components (such as the radiator, exhaust pipe, power steering fluid tank, and spark plugs) are still very hot just after the engine is turned off. Be careful when touching them to avoid burns. If the engine is hot, do not remove the radiator cap or loosen the drain switch to prevent burns.

Regular car maintenance is essential for safety, performance, and longevity. Key issues to note include checking engine oil levels and quality, monitoring tyre pressure and tread depth, ensuring brake functionality, and inspecting the battery. Neglecting these can lead to costly repairs or breakdowns.

1. Engine oil: Change every 5,000-10,000 miles, depending on manufacturer recommendations. Low or dirty oil increases engine wear.
2. Tyres: Check pressure monthly and tread depth (minimum 1.6mm). Uneven wear may indicate alignment issues.
3. Brakes: Listen for squeaking or grinding, which suggests worn pads. Fluid should be replaced every 2 years.
4. Battery: Clean terminals and test voltage yearly. A weak battery can fail in cold weather.
5. Coolant: Ensure levels are adequate to prevent overheating. Replace every 2-5 years.

Other critical checks include windscreen wipers, lights, and air filters. For electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf, monitor battery health via diagnostics. Following the service schedule in your manual is the simplest way to stay on top of maintenance.