It is a routine for every car owner to send their car for regular service at the workshop. Other than keeping the car in the best condition, it is also to prevent potential further car damage.
However, have you ever thought of the possibility of you getting ripped off or charged excessively for every car service? Moreover, when you have less knowledge about car maintenance.
Therefore, Bjak would like to share some info regarding car maintenance. We hope this article is helpful to save you from getting scammed by the workshop when sending your car for service.
Car battery
A car battery‘s performance or lifespan depends on the battery type and how it is used.
In general, there are three types of batteries commonly used in Malaysia. There are Lead-Acid, Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) dan Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM).
Wet batteries, dry batteries, and EFB can last up to a year and a half. Meanwhile, AGM batteries can last up to 6 years.
If you often refill the battery with distilled water, it is expected to last up to 2 years. However, if you skip the refill and leave it dry, the lifespan can only last up to 6 months.
Fuel filter
The fuel filter can be changed when your car’s mileage reaches every 40,000 km.
Normally, a fuel filter will cost you around RM15 to RM20.
Spark plug
The spark plug needs to change after the car mileage reaches 20,000 km.
But you can still use it until the mileage reaches 30,000 km or 40,000 km. However, failure to replace it once it exceeds 40,000 km can affect your car.
That said, it is better to replace it with a new one. A spark plug may cost you around RM20 up to RM25.
Timing belt
A timing belt is usually replaced when the car mileage reaches 60,000 km. However, it depends on the type of car.
Some cars require the timing belt to be changed only after mileage reaches 90,000 km like the Proton Waja or 160,000 km like the Honda CRV.
Air filter
The air filter helps control the air flowing and prevents debris from slipping into the engine. It needs to be changed once the mileage reaches 20,000 km.
But those who change to the K&N type, you don’t need to change it anymore. You can clean it by yourself.
Air-cond belt / alternator belt
Replacement for aircond dan alternator belt needs to be changed together with the timing belt. Both of these belts are easily identifiable or known whether they need to be replaced or not. This is because they are placed on the outside and easy to spot.
If you spot fine cracks, it is better to change them right away without the timing belt.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
ATF is necessary for auto cars. It needs to be changed every 20,000 km. However, you may use it up to 30,000 km.
Failure to replace it after the mileage reaches 30,000 km can affect your car’s gearbox which will cost you severely.
Clutch plate
The clutch plate does not necessarily require regular replacement. You need to change it if your car experience clutches slipping symptoms when driving.
Engine oil
The replacement for engine oil varies according to the type.
Mineral oil requires replacement when the mileage reaches every 5,000km. Meanwhile, semi-synthetic oil needs to be changed when the mileage reaches 10,000km. For synthetic oil, you need to change it upon exceeding 15,000km.
Please make sure to choose the right engine oil for your car as there are some sellers and workshops that provide poor-quality engine oil.
Water pump
To your knowledge, the water pump needs to be replaced during the second replacement of your car’s timing belt.
You need to remove the timing belt first in order to change the water pump. If you change these two components simultaneously, you do not have to pay for an extra charge.
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