For the normal and long-term functioning of a modern car, it needs to be serviced on time and efficiently.. Typically, all necessary procedures and the frequency of their implementation are indicated in the service book.
Modern cars can be considered both a masterpiece of engineering and a manifestation of a worldwide conspiracy by the very engineers who deliberately reduced their lifespan. Is it possible to do something against this and make a modern car last a long time? Can! But for this you need to know everything and follow everything that will be discussed below.
Technical fluids
Petrol. In a tank it loses its properties within a year. In addition, condensation affects its safety.. The appearance of water in the tank is facilitated by high air humidity, the hygroscopicity of some components of gasoline, low-quality fuel, as well as carelessness when refueling the car.
Diesel. In a car tank, it retains its properties for about six months if the outside temperature exceeds +25°C, and at lower temperatures – up to a year. A seasonal fuel change is needed approximately every six months.. It also helps ensure that in winter there is no old summer fuel in the tank, which freezes even in slight frost.
Most fluids can be checked by opening the hood
Glass washing liquids. Need seasonal change according to outside temperature. There is nothing particularly bad in the liquid itself, but in winter the summer washer fluid will lose fluidity and freeze. And winter liquid will ruin your trip in summer with a pungent odor if it is made on the basis of isopropyl alcohol.
Motor oils. For oil poured into the engine, the lifespan is approximately a year, even if you drive very little. In a sealed canister – up to 5 years: oxidation occurs much more slowly in it.
Transmission fluids. For low mileage, the approximate effective service life is as follows: manual transmission – approximately 8 years, automatic transmission – 5-7 years.
Brake fluids. It needs to be changed every 2-3 years, including for short and medium mileages – here the factory recommendations on the frequency of replacement are definitely justified, since the “brakes” become saturated with moisture, even when the car is not going anywhere.
Coolants. Conveyor fluids from well-known manufacturers last up to approximately 10 years. In the future, it is recommended to replace them approximately every 3-4 years.
Power steering fluids. Vitality is approximately 5-7 years or 120-150 thousand kilometers.
Conditioning oil. It is recommended to replace each air conditioner refill.
Other consumables
Filters. Salon – replace every year to prevent bacteria from accumulating. We replace the air one based on mileage (usually no more than every 15 thousand km) – it can easily withstand long periods of downtime. Everything is simple with the oil filter: it must be replaced along with the oil. The fuel filter is the most durable; many manufacturers do not include its replacement in the regulations (but not on diesel engines). Much depends on the quality of gasoline – it’s definitely worth changing the filter if you bought an old car, which you don’t know where and what you filled it with.
Windscreen wipers. It is advisable to replace it at least once a year, for example, simultaneously with regular maintenance.. Otherwise, even expensive brushes will not provide you with an acceptable inspection.
Replacement intervals for most consumables are indicated in the service book.
Spark plug. Resource has nothing to do with age. Replacement only based on mileage – from 30 to 60 or more thousand kilometers. If the engine “whispers”, you should politely refuse servicemen’s offers to replace spark plugs during any visit to the service station.
Belts. The timing belts in the timing drive need to be replaced according to the instructions, and for short mileage – at least once every 5 years: rubber ages even when it doesn’t work. We recommend replacing drive belts according to their actual condition.
Tires
Tires are also consumables. In fact, they are almost never replaced due to age, although manufacturers usually do not guarantee service longer than 5 years. On average, this is true: regular tires retain their factory characteristics for about as long, and the best branded tires last up to 10 years.
Rubber products
Brake hoses. Lasts approximately 10 years if thoroughly inspected at every opportunity.. At the slightest suspicion (microcracks, leaks, abrasions, etc.) – change it immediately.
Silent blocks. In practice, such parts cannot fall to pieces, instantly depriving the car of controllability. Therefore, they can be replaced in accordance with the actual condition.
Suspension parts are replaced as they fail
Ball joints, steering ends. The first thing that usually suffers is the boot, so we recommend monitoring the actual condition and replacing it based on its results.
Coolant hoses. Service life is approximately 10 years.
Electrics
battery. Formally speaking, if your battery is more than five years old, then it is not obliged to last longer. Although, of course, there are known examples of batteries failing over longer periods of time. But this should be taken as a gift of fate.
A high-quality battery can last about five years
The starter and generator last a very long time, but their health is undermined by the humid climate, as well as frequent trips on roads sprinkled with winter reagents. As for the heater and radiator fan motors, their service life is reduced by improper washing, which allows water to get into the electric motors.