Three Critical Points of Automotive Maintenance Are Being Ignored by Drivers and Resulting in Costly Damages, Accelerated Wear and Serious Failures in Vehicle Systems
The routine of caring for a car usually includes basic checks, but three important procedures continue to be ignored by many drivers. This list of maintenance is essential within any automotive maintenance routine, as it involves items that directly influence the operation and durability of key vehicle components.
Replacement of Hydraulic Steering Oil
The first maintenance often forgotten is the replacement of hydraulic steering oil. Many owners fail to even check the system’s level, which depends on this fluid to preserve its protective properties.
With continuous use, the oil degrades and loses efficiency, causing wear on the assembly and making the steering heavier.
-
Japan and Mercosur may reach an agreement to lower the cost of cars and auto parts, with manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan coming into focus.
-
Volkswagen is preparing an SUV derived from the new Amarok to compete with the Toyota SW4 and Haval H9, utilize the Argentine Pacheco factory, and transform a pickup into a more profitable family of products.
-
Brazil gets its first ultra-fast 480 kW charger for electric cars, serving up to four vehicles at the same time and promising a charge from 10% to 80% in about 15 minutes.
-
Forget the Toyota Hilux: with a 2.0 turbo engine and 475 hp, the new BYD Shark Performance tows 3,500 kg, accelerates in 5.5 seconds, and addresses historical criticism, but loses load capacity and surprises even medium pickup truck owners.
This periodic check prevents progressive damage because it allows for identifying issues before they compromise the system. When ignored, internal deterioration accelerates and can result in costly repairs.
Replacement of Automatic Transmission Oil
The second critical point involves changing the automatic transmission oil. Many drivers follow only the owner’s manual recommendation and are unaware of what defines severe use, which leads to incorrect change intervals. This oversight promotes the formation of sludge, reduces lubricant oil pressure, and impairs overall assembly function.
If the fluid is not changed at the correct frequency, the transmission begins to show progressive failures. Therefore, choosing a high-performance lubricant becomes essential to maintain performance and extend the system’s lifespan. This care reinforces the importance of understanding the real demands of automotive maintenance in vehicles with automatic transmissions.
Review of Differential or Transfer Case
The third forgotten item is the replacement of oil in the differential or transfer case, especially in all-wheel drive SUVs.
Many owners do not perform this replacement and end up facing losses exceeding R$ 10,000 due to a lack of proper lubrication. The fluid is responsible for reducing friction and protecting gears working under high loads.
To avoid damage, it is recommended to check for possible leaks and confirm the oil level at each maintenance. This practice ensures the proper functioning of the drivetrain and prevents severe wear that could easily be avoided.
Final Guidelines
Drivers are encouraged to send questions to receive guidance and clarify issues related to care that may go unnoticed.
Understanding each stage of automotive maintenance helps identify failures before they become costly problems, preserving vehicle performance and reducing the risk of serious damage.

-
-
3 people reacted to this.