8 Important Things for Periodic Car Maintenance
31 March, 2023
Carrying out regular car maintenance is essential to ensure performance, safety, and comfort while driving. The engine’s service life becomes more extended, and in the end, the selling price of the maintained car is also relatively higher.
By taking care of your car regularly, you save more money. If the car engine is already damaged, the cost of repairs tends to be greater than regular maintenance.
Why is Periodic Maintenance Essential?
Periodic maintenance on cars means maintenance is carried out based on a predetermined schedule. Usually based on distance or time, depending on which one is fulfilled first.
For example, changing car oil under normal conditions is done every 10,000 km or every six months. This means you must change your car’s oil if it has reached 10,000 km, even though it hasn’t been six months since the last periodic oil change maintenance. Likewise, if it’s been six months, you still have to change the oil even though you have yet to reach 10,000 km.
What if there are no complaints or problems with the vehicle –should this still be done? Yes, you should still do it. The purpose of periodic maintenance is to prevent damage to the company’s systems and components. Apart from that, it is also a preventive measure for cars to ensure the performance and condition of the vehicle before use to maintain driving safety and comfort.
Types of Periodic Maintenance
Cars consist of many components. Therefore, the types of maintenance also vary. The following are various car maintenance that should be done regularly:
1. Power Steering Service
Maintenance of this one-car element is sometimes unthinkable in daily use until it eventually gets problematic. Therefore, it needs to be checked and serviced periodically.
Along with its use, the liquid in the power steering system will certainly get dirty. This causes the steering wheel components to get clogged and eventually get damaged. Using power steering additive fluids and regular flush is recommended so the system works properly.
2. Wheel Alignment
Whether or not the car is aligned will affect the safety and comfort of driving. Not only that, but it also affects the service life of the tires and the car’s suspension system. Worn components or holes can also put the wheels out of alignment. As a result, the car’s position may tilt to one side and make driving very risky.
First off, tires must be aligned. If there is even the slightest mistake, one side of the tire can wear out quickly, and its life will be much shorter. It is recommended to do wheel alignment only once a year unless the position needs to be aligned before a year.
3. Checking and Changing the Oil
Oil in vehicles is essential for lubricating various engine components, so that friction does not occur between one part and another. Spare parts will not wear out prematurely. Oil also functions to clean the engine and prevent the engine from rusting. If the engine functions correctly, the fuel will be more efficient because you don’t have to work too hard.
Oil must be changed regularly so the car can function properly, safely, and comfortably. In general, an oil change is done after reaching a mileage of 10,000 km. Depending on the use of each driver, a distance of 10,000 km is typically achieved within six months.
This general rule of thumb also applies to those using the New Cortez. Wuling’s car, with a sporty exterior appearance and supported by turbo engine performance, is highly recommended for service to an official Wuling workshop. Find complete information on Wuling’s after-sales service here Wuling.id/en/after-sales.
4. AC Service
Usually, the AC system is damaged when the weather conditions are very hot or, vice versa, very cold. Air conditioners that are not cleaned nor properly cared for can be damaged prematurely. Conversely, an air conditioner that is never used can also cause damage. This is because the oil in the air conditioner dries up and doesn’t circulate properly.
For cars that are rarely used, the engine should be kept on periodically. Remember to turn on the AC so it can circulate properly. In annual car maintenance, the air conditioner will usually be checked, while leaks or other damage need to be repaired.
5. Brake Service
Brake fluid must also be checked periodically because it is hygroscopic, which means it can absorb water from the air. Water will enter the braking system and, if allowed to be able to damage the internal workings of the hydraulic brake system.
Testing the brake fluid can be done by dipping the strip. If the oil is dirty dark brown, then it must be flushed and replaced with new brake fluid. Caring for the brakes is clearly very important for safety while driving, both at close and long distances. Read more here about how to maintain brake fluid.
6. Transmission System Service
The transmission system must be checked periodically and the fluid must be changed before reaching 100,000 km. If missed, this can be very dangerous. To be safe, follow your car manufacturer’s transmission filter replacement instructions. Every time you check the oil, be sure to check the transmission filter as well.
The Liquid that is too dark in color is a sign that the transmission system is too hot. It might damage other internal components if you continue to use it without fixing beforehand.
7. Fuel System Service
In a car’s fuel system, as it is used, dirt, mud, and carbon will enter it. Dirt that flows in the fuel system if allowed to accumulate will result in engine power not being as maximal as it should be. As a result, the engine has to work harder, and fuel consumption becomes more wasteful.
To maintain good condition, the fuel system must be cleaned regularly. Using fuel additive fluids at least once every two years is recommended. In addition, you must also maintain this system using quality fuel and avoid using dirty oil.
8. Replace the Filter
The air filter on the engine and cabin must be replaced periodically. The more often it is used, the more dirt gets accumulated by the filter dirt. The filter must be replaced so that it doesn’t leak and dirt gets into the car engine. These two filters usually have to be replaced every once a year or after the car reaches a distance of 25,000 km.
Those are various types of periodic maintenance on cars. You can see the schedule and what items need regular maintenance from authorized dealers. The information about Wuling services is getting more accessible thanks to the MyWuling+ feature.
