Car Maintenance

[rlfranzi]

I am no expert as far as car maintenance is concerned. But I just want to share the following information which I got from a “close” friend (who is not an expert as well but these tips worked and you can judge it by his cars) which might be beneficial to all car owners. Of course, your comments would be welcome. You can also add some more tips for everybody to know.

1. Engine Oil and Oil Filter
– replacement must be made every 5,000 kms.

2. Spark Plug
– change every 20,000 kms. Replace all the spark plugs. Don’t try to save by replacing only the “defective” ones. This will result to uneven performance.

3. Brakes
– cleaning must be done every 2 years or as the need arises. The best indication that there is something wrong with the brakes is this: after driving for a while try touching the brake drum; if it’s burning hot then you need to have it checked.

4. Tires
– if the car is being used on a regular basis, tires must be replaced every five years. Of course this is dependent on the distance traveled. Make sure also that no stones or pebbles are stuck in between the threads. In order also to have an even wear and tear of the thread, exchange the front tires (the tire on the left side will be placed on the right side and vise versa) after six months. Do the same on the rear tires. Then after the lapse of 6 months, exchange the front tires with the rear this time.
– ensure also that the tires are inflated on the ideal PSI (including the spare tire). This will prolong the life of the tire and at the same time save you some fuel costs.

5. Anything under the Hood
– check the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, clutch fluid and water ( for the wiper; add a little shampoo if you like ) level every week. Refill if it’s below the maximum level.

6. Bolt tightening
– every two years or as the need arises. If you hear some vibrating noise, check where the sound is coming from.

7. Clutch
– apply grease every two years or when necessary. A sign that such needs some greasing is when you step the clutch pedal it’s no longer as smooth as it is used to be.

8. Air Conditioner
– cleaning must be done every two years. Adding of Freon is also necessary. To prolong the life of the aircon unit, turn it on only a few minutes after starting the engine. When turning if off, make sure that you do it before you turn off the engine. In other words, aircon first before the engine.
– using of air refreshener is being discouraged since it is harmful to health accordingly. Besides, it leaves some sediment that will get stuck in the aircon pipes.

9. Battery
– normal life is 3 years. Check the strength after two years from date of purchase. When the car will become idle for a long period, ask somebody to start the engine once in a while so that the battery will be charged.

10. Cleaning of Exterior
– never use wax. It will damage the paint at a faster rate. Just use water and soft towel/ flanella/ chamois.

11. Parking
– indoor is better than outdoor. This will save you on fuel costs also and avoid damage to the body paint. If it’s unavoidable to park outdoor, then choose an area that is covered by shades of a tree or building or anything. Just make sure don’t do it when a typhoon is coming. Hehehe.

12. Washing
– do it every three months only or even longer. During rainy days, clean the mud guard/ mud flap area to free it from mud. Too much exposure to such will speed up the corroding process. Never spray water on the engine area.

[robot.sonic]

10. Cleaning of Exterior
– never use wax. It will damage the paint at a faster rate. Just use water and soft towel/ flanella/ chamois.

12. Washing
– do it every three months only or even longer. During rainy days, clean the mud guard/ mud flap area to free it from mud. Too much exposure to such will speed up the corroding process. Never spray water on the engine area.

parang duda ako dito

[ronki]

3 months bago mag linis? Good luck :D

[mateomarco]

Pwede kung itatabi mo sa pagtulog yung oto with matching car cover

[rlfranzi]

3 months bago mag linis? Good luck :D

How often do you do it, ronki? do you have a schedule for it?

[ronki]

How often do you do it, ronki? do you have a schedule for it?

Depends, when I have free time, I wash my car for about 1 to 1:30 hours, mitikoloso kasi hehe...

Pero if I don't have that time, I leave it be. Mas ok na madumi kesa palinis ko sa mga carwash sa kanto-kanto, dadami lang swirld marks...

[stickers]

parang duda ako dito

Maybe referring sa engine wash?

At what rate does the wax damage the paint? yan din kasi advise ng casa nung nirelease yung car ko.. wash with water lang No Car Shampoos, don't wax it damages the paint.

[BratPAQ]

May wax kasi na nagiging powder or parang maliit na buhangin pag tintanggal na, usually yung mga mumurahing wax.

[stickers]

May wax kasi na nagiging powder or parang maliit na buhangin pag tintanggal na, usually yung mga mumurahing wax.

Di ba parang ganun yung sa Nanogloss?

[vinj]

parang duda ako dito

Same with those items pointed out.

- Not washing will actually speed up the corrosion process because mud and grime under your wheel wells will trap in moisture which causes corrosion.
- Pranella doesn't trap scratch-causing dirt particles and is usually a no-no cloth to use for detailing oriented people.
- Using water only and having no lubricant such as a proper wash soap will make the car more susceptible to scratching and its harder to remove grime.
- As long as you're using the proper wax (and not a rubbing compound or heavily-laden cleaner), and a foam applicator or terry towel, waxing will not thin out the clear coat.
- Brake cleaning every two years? This is dependent on road conditions and per most manufacturers. This is done every 10,000kms usually while brake fluid flushes are done every 40,000kms (although i recommend sooner given our flooded and humid road conditions).

[oj88]

The list seems already dated and a lot are debatable. In other words, different vehicles requires different levels of pampering.

Not to mention the kind of oil, sparkplug, coolant, etc. you use, among others, is also a factor as to how often replacements should be carried out.

[rlfranzi]

thanks for your inputs! I will update my list and include the items you pointed out. i hope its okay.

[Chikselog]

Don't use wax my a**. :bwahaha:

And also, IMO, magkaiba ang way ng pag-maintain ng kotse dito sa pinas kaysa sa ibang bansa. Most car maintenance guides online are only applicable in developed countries mostly sa US where most of the time there is less traffic, pollution, potholes, etc..

[rlfranzi]

Same with those items pointed out.

- Not washing will actually speed up the corrosion process because mud and grime under your wheel wells will trap in moisture which causes corrosion.
- Pranella doesn't trap scratch-causing dirt particles and is usually a no-no cloth to use for detailing oriented people.
- Using water only and having no lubricant such as a proper wash soap will make the car more susceptible to scratching and its harder to remove grime.
- As long as you're using the proper wax (and not a rubbing compound or heavily-laden cleaner), and a foam applicator or terry towel, waxing will not thin out the clear coat.
- Brake cleaning every two years? This is dependent on road conditions and per most manufacturers. This is done every 10,000kms usually while brake fluid flushes are done every 40,000kms (although i recommend sooner given our flooded and humid road conditions).

i failed to include in the list about the replacement of timing belts, etc. what's your opinion on this? please share...

[dr. d]

i failed to include in the list about the replacement of timing belts, etc. what's your opinion on this? please share...

the timing belt is probably the one item that i will insist on using only original replacement part. and i will not scrimp on the schedule, either, even if it still looks new.. some people i know, replace them ahead of schedule. naninigurado..
the other belts, you can inspect visually and replace if showing signs of wear,,

i once bought a used car from private owner. upon removing the cover, i saw the masking tape with writing on it.. the previous mechanic placed the date and km when he replaced the belt... bless him.

[rlfranzi]

the timing belt is probably the one item that i will insist on using only original replacement part. and i will not scrimp on the schedule, either, even if it still looks new.. some people i know, replace them ahead of schedule. naninigurado..
the other belts, you can inspect visually and replace if showing signs of wear,,

i once bought a used car from private owner. upon removing the cover, i saw the masking tape with writing on it.. the previous mechanic placed the date and km when he replaced the belt... bless him.

when should you replace the timing belt? can you supply figures please like after 50,000 kms? thanks in advance.

[testament11]

parang duda ako dito

Siguro first 2 to 3 months ng sasakyan pwede pang walang wax. Tapos sa shampoo, dapat siguro car shampoo lang, yun malabnaw, like sa Turtle Wax. Pero dapat, walang wax content yun shampoo. Tsaka yun sa mud flaps, dapat nga tuwing hugas, eh hugasan rin, may it be on a rainy or on a sunny day.

[ronki]

Siguro first 2 to 3 months ng sasakyan pwede pang walang wax. Tapos sa shampoo, dapat siguro car shampoo lang, yun malabnaw, like sa Turtle Wax. Pero dapat, walang wax content yun shampoo. Tsaka yun sa mud flaps, dapat nga tuwing hugas, eh hugasan rin, may it be on a rainy or on a sunny day.

Even those cars that are brand new are in need of pampering, naka stock lang yan sa labas bago ideliver sayo, lilinisin at ipolish nila para ok tignan...

Pero sa totoo lang kahit bago kailangan na ng corrections and protection agad.

[1D4LV]

12. Washing
– do it every three months only or even longer. During rainy days, clean the mud guard/ mud flap area to free it from mud. Too much exposure to such will speed up the corroding process.

parang di ko ata kaya ito.... itim ang mga oto ko eh.... every 3 days ako mag wash.

[rlfranzi]

parang di ko ata kaya ito.... itim ang mga oto ko eh.... every 3 days ako mag wash.

every three days? wow! alaga talaga.