What is the story about?
The cost of car maintenance in India is increasing as the price of car parts, labour and fuel is rising. If you neglect your car, then this can turn out
to be a costly affair for you. Many car owners are still following old car maintenance practices that are no longer suitable for modern cars. This is important because modern cars require accurate lubrication, airflow, braking and electrical systems to ensure efficiency and durability. Neglecting or postponing car maintenance will accelerate car wear even before any symptoms show up. Over a period of four to six years of car ownership, small car maintenance mistakes will compound to affect car fuel economy, reliability and most importantly, resale value. Also Read: Car Scratch Removal At Home - 5 Easy Fixes That Can Save You From Costly Repainting
Skipping Or Delaying Engine Oil Changes
- Engine oil degrades faster in Indian road conditions because of the heat, dust, traffic and frequent short trips that do not allow the engine to reach full operating temperature.- Stretched service intervals beyond the mileage or time recommended by the manufacturer result in increased engine friction and wear, especially in the turbocharged petrol and diesel engines that are so common today.
- Used engine oil tends to form sludge deposits that clog lubrication passages and hasten bearing and camshaft failures.
- Even low-mileage vehicles are prone to this problem since engine oil degrades chemically regardless of the mileage.
Ignoring Tyre Pressure And Rotation
- Tyre pressure errors continue to be one of the most common maintenance deficiencies in Indian cities.- Under-inflation causes increased tyre resistance, fuel consumption and corner wear, whereas over-inflation causes reduced traction and braking performance on rough roads.
- Without regular rotation, the front tyres on a front-wheel drive car tend to wear out faster due to steering and braking forces, thereby reducing tyre life.
- Most car owners check tyre pressure only before embarking on long journeys on the highway, as opposed to the recommended monthly checks.
Postponing Brake Inspection And Fluid Replacement
- Brake parts deteriorate gradually, and thus, wear and tear may not be noticed until the braking performance is affected.- The worn-out brake pads will affect braking performance and, if neglected, may cause the discs to wear out, thus increasing the cost of replacement.
- The brake fluid will absorb moisture, thus reducing the boiling point and resulting in brake fade when frequent braking is done in heavy traffic or downhill driving.
- Stop-and-go traffic in India will accelerate the process of brake pad deterioration and fluid contamination.
Neglecting Battery And Charging System Health
- Higher temperatures, vibrations and frequent short journeys tend to reduce the lifespan of batteries in the Indian environment.- Corroded terminals, low alternator output, or old batteries result in slow engine starts and intermittent electrical issues before the battery dies completely.
- Most car owners change batteries only after a failure rather than checking their voltage and charging capacity during regular servicing.
- Modern cars require a consistent electrical supply to operate their engine management, safety and entertainment systems, and low batteries stress the alternators and trigger warning lights.
Also Read: Planning A Car Under Rs 15 Lakh In 2026? 5 Reasons You Should Pick A Compact SUV
Ignoring Air And Cabin Filter Replacement
- Dusty city driving clogs engine air filters rapidly, reducing airflow into the engine. This reduces engine power and increases fuel consumption, particularly in smaller engines.- A clogged cabin air filter reduces HVAC airflow, decreasing cooling capacity and increasing the load on the blower motor.
- Maintenance schedules recommend replacement, but filters are commonly reused to keep maintenance costs low.
- Eventually, reduced airflow increases engine pumping losses and stresses climate control systems.
- Replacing air and cabin filters is a simple, inexpensive step that maintains efficiency, comfort and system life.
So, just keep in mind these steps and this will help you maintain optimum car health.
