Buying a car is easy, maintaining it is the real challenge. You would have heard this so many times, it seems like a law. Whether you are planning to buy the latest Proton Saga or the Peugeot 206, there are certain things you must know before owning a car. We list out the top 16 must-knows.
| Parts | Description and Types | Interval |
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You must know the different types of lubricant which is a must-have in every car. |
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Oil filters must be changed according to the timeline of the lubricant | Follow the interval as Lubricants |
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In most cases, spark plug must be changed every 20,000km unless you start experiencing jerks when driving. In some cases, spark plugs can last up to 40,000km although that is not recommended | Every 20,000km or up to 40,000km |
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Used to power up the stereo, lights and other parts when the ignition is off |
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Most critical for older cars | Needs to be changed after 60,000km for the older cars
For newer cars, it will be up to 100,000km |
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If you start experiencing ‘clutch slips’ when driving, then you must change it as soon as possible | |
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Only needs to be changed after about 50,000km | |
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Only for conventional air filters and not the ‘sports’ type like K&N filters | In most cases, you need to replace a new air filter after 20,000 to 25,000km |
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Only for cars running on automatic transmission | To be changed every 30,000km |
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Only for manual transmission cars | Must be changed every 60,000 to 65,000km |
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For cars with power steering | Every 60,000km |
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The fluid used to cool down the radiator usually costing about RM10 to RM15 per bottle | Needs to be changed every 60,000km or when the level is low |
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You can see this belt as to whether they are old and needs replacement | Same as timing belt |
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This refers to 5,000km or 3 months whichever is sooner | You must follow the interval as per the specifications of the car |
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This is to ensure that water is channelled to the radiator to cool down the engine | Needs to be changed when you change your timing belt for the second time. |
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The entire engine needs to be checked after a long period of time. In most cases, it involves dismantling major parts and cleaning them | This should be done every 200,000km or 7 years |
