the sight of displaying car supplies the sight of displaying car supplies

2024.05.17 Hyundai Motor Group 분량9min

Comprehensive Guide to Car Supplies

Since the automotive vehicles are essentially designed to operate on the road, it is imperative for numerous parts to function effectively to ensure safe driving. This is the reason why regular replacement of supplies is crucial.

a car lifted into a maintenance lift

It is common practice to replace various oils primarily when buying a used car, which is closely related to the replacement cycle of supplies. It may enable predicting the condition and timing of consumable replacement if the previous owner meticulously documented the replacement history of supplies; however, it is difficult to accurately determine this information for most used cars. Hence, it is important to conduct an overhaul to assess the overall condition of supplies and adhere to the replacement cycle to ensure effective maintenance. It is also necessary for new car owners to be aware of the replacement schedules for each supply. Here is a list of automotive supplies that require regular replacement for safe driving.


Engine Oil and Oil Filter

Refusing the engine oil


Engine oil is a lubricant that reduces friction among various components during engine operation. Therefore, if the oil level is insufficient, it may cause friction-induced damage to critical parts such as cylinders and pistons. Furthermore, engine oil removes impurities inside of engine while circulating through it, thereby making regular replacement essential. It is best to change the oil, along with the oil filter, every 15,000 kilometers or 12 months under normal driving conditions. However, it is advisable to replace them every 7,500 kilometers or 6 months under harsh conditions.

an oil filter in a car

The oil filter serves as a type of sieve, filtering out worn metal particles or contaminants washed away by the engine oil inside the engine. Aside from being cost-effective, it is recommended to replace the oil filter along with the engine oil. Because any remaining oil in the previous filter could negatively impact overall performance when mixed with fresh engine oil. Furthermore, extended use of the oil filter may disrupt the circulation of engine oil by accumulating contaminants, potentially leading to engine damage.


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Transmission Oil

Removing the engine oil from the car

Transmission Oil, another prominent automotive supply, fulfills different roles depending on the type of transmission. In both manual and automatic transmissions, it serves as lubrication to prevent wear. However, in automatic transmissions, it also plays a crucial role as a medium for power transfer. Hence, proper transmission oil management is essential for automatic drivers, as it can impact not just fuel economy but also driving quality. For automatic transmissions, it is preferable to replace the transmission oil every 100,000 kilometers under harsh conditions.


The viscosity grading of transmission oil follows the same pattern as engine oil, with low-temperature specifications indicated by adding the letter ‘W’ after the number, and high-temperature characteristics are denoted by a numerical value. The specifications vary depending on the type of transmission, as they must be tailored to the operational characteristics of each transmission type. For instance, Hyundai Motor Group’s automatic transmission oil is categorized by specific standards such as SP4M-1 and SP-IV RR. It is advisable to consult the user manual to confirm the compatible transmission oil specifications for your vehicle model, then select the appropriate oil accordingly.

Brake Fluid

a brake fluid tank of car


The braking system in automobiles typically functions on a hydraulic structure, where pressing the brake pedal causes the master cylinder to push brake fluid into the calipers, transmitting force. While it is rare for brake fluid to diminish due to its sealed structure, its moisture-absorbing nature necessitates replacement when the moisture content increases. When brake fluid deteriorates due to moisture absorption or is lacking in quantity, it is unable to transmit force effectively to the calipers, leading to decreased brake performance. The suggested replacement cycle is every 50,000 kilometers. 


Brake fluids are determined by their boiling point and viscosity, with standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the United States. Thus, they are identified by specifications such as DOT3, DOT4, DOT5, and others, where higher numbers represent higher boiling points of the oil. As an example, DOT3, which uses glycol ether, boils at 205℃, while DOT4, which contains borate ester, boils at a higher point at 230℃. DOT5, which employs silicone, has the highest boiling point at 260℃.



Coolant

a car coolant tank

Coolant is responsible for cooling down the heat generated by the engine. Circulating through the pathways in the engine (water jacket), it carries away the heat produced by the engine and expels it through the radiator. Coolant is commonly referred to as antifreeze because antifreeze is added to it to prevent freezing during winter. In electric cars, coolant serves to maintain the battery temperature at a consistent level, providing cooling or heating as necessary.


The deterioration of antifreeze can not only decrease efficiency but also have adverse effects on other components in the cooling system, underscoring the importance of regular coolant replacement. The initial coolant replacement interval is 200,000 kilometers or 10 years, with subsequent replacements recommended 40,000 kilometers or 2 years. 


Air Filter

an air filter used in cars

Roads contain more contaminants than expected, including dust, leaves, and sand. The air filter screens out these impurities from entering the engine to prevent the damage to the cylinder surface caused by friction. Since excessive debris in the filter can diminish the intake function, leading to decreased engine performance, regular inspection of the air filter is necessary. It is typically recommended to replace the air filter when performing an engine oil change.

Fuel Filter

a fuel filter used in cars


The fuel filter removes impurities such as moisture and dust from the vehicle’s fuel tank. If the filter reaches the end of its lifespan and becomes unable to filter impurities, it can have a detrimental effect not only on engine performance but also on components of the fuel injection system, such as injectors, sensors, and the high-pressure pump. Especially with diesel fuel’s propensity to absorb moisture, it is crucial for diesel car drivers to carefully monitor and regularly inspect the fuel filter for replacement.


If the replacement period has elapsed and the fuel filter becomes clogged or damaged, it not only leads to reduced engine acceleration and responsiveness due to inadequate fuel supply but also significantly decreases fuel efficiency compared to normal. Furthermore, there are occasions where the engine may have trouble starting. To prevent such situations, regular inspection and replacement are necessary.

Cabin Air Filter


Cabin Air Filter

The cabin filter (air conditioning filter) cleanses the external air entering the cabin. A significant amount of external air enters the cabin while driving, carrying diverse contaminants such as tire and brake pad dust, sulfur dioxide from exhaust gases, nitrogen oxides, and more. The accumulation of these particles on the cabin filter can block the air passages of the HVAC system, resulting in reduced performance of the air conditioner or heater, and potentially triggering respiratory issues for passengers. Therefore, scheduling filter replacements around seasons of intensive air conditioner or heater usage, such as summer or winter, allows one to use the HVAC system with peace of mind.


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Drive Belt

Drive Belt In engine


The drive belt plays a crucial role in operating numerous components within a car, such as the water pump, air conditioning system, and generator. Therefore, it also necessitates periodic replacement. Rubber-based drive belts can generate noise as their tension loosens or when they wear out. To prevent belt breakage while driving, it is crucial to regularly inspect the tension and replace the belt if it has hardened. For instance, if the belt becomes damaged while driving, it cannot supply power to the water pump, resulting in malfunctions within the engine cooling system. The drive belt should undergo an initial inspection at either 90,000 kilometers or 72 months, followed by subsequent checks every 30,000 kilometers or 24 months.

Spark Plug

spark plug used in cars

Spark plugs are crucial supplies in engine operation. During the engine’s repetitive cycle of intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust, spark plugs ignite the compressed air and fuel mixture during the combustion stage. The replacement interval for spark plugs is 160,000 kilometers, although it is advisable to routinely evaluate their condition under harsh operating conditions.

The specifications of spark plugs differ based on various factors including the diameter and length of the threaded portion, heat range, and resistance values. ‘Heat range’ within these factors indicates the degree of thermal dissipation. If the heat range falls below that of the engine, the electrodes of the plugs may corrode due to heat. Conversely, excessively high heat emission could result in the accumulation of carbon impurities. While performance metrics are important, it is crucial to utilize specifications tailored to one’s specific vehicle.


Brake Pads and Discs

car Brake Pads and Discs

Brake pads and discs are components that directly influence the car’s braking performance and require regular inspection. Typically, vehicles rely on the friction between brake pads and discs to decelerate, therefore, when these components wear out beyond normal levels, braking power decreases significantly. Additionally, when brake pads or discs reach the end of their lifespan, they may generate metallic friction noise during braking. The remaining lifespan of brake pads can be determined by their thickness, typically inserting a smartphone into the wheel well to capture images inside the caliper for confirmation.


The wear condition of brake discs can be assessed by visually inspecting and palpating them. For example, visible lines may indicate the presence of foreign matter that has entered between the brake pads and discs. Moreover, if you swipe a pen or your finger from the inside to the outside of the disc and notice a rough or catching sensation at the edges, it indicates signs of wear. Given that brakes are the most critical components for safety, it is essential to have them regularly inspected by a qualified mechanic.


Diagnosing a car using a tablet pc

Cars are composed of a variety of parts, all intricately interconnected with one another. Since the failure of one component can lead to issues in others, regular replacement of supplies is fundamental for car maintenance. Simply replacing worn-out components can prevent further malfunctions and ensure safe driving. Regularly visiting a service center to check your car’s condition is the first step towards a joyful and safe automotive experience.