An all-in-one guide to vehicle maintenance

As a car owner, you want your investment to last as long as possible. After all, a vehicle is a big purchase, and it’s an essential part of your daily routine. One of the best ways to prolong the life of your car is preventive maintenance, which not only keeps your vehicle in good shape but increases your safety on the road.

Keeping up with a routine maintenance schedule also improves the value of your car should you choose to sell it in the future. While there are many benefits of maintaining your vehicle, there are many crucial components involved which, to the average car owner, can be overwhelming or often overlooked. But with the right information, you can be more confident about what to expect with maintenance services and what you can inspect on your own. We’ve created this simple vehicle maintenance guide listing some of the most important preventive tasks for your car.
 

1. Keep up with regular oil changes

We can’t stress enough how important it is to keep up with your vehicle’s oil change schedule. When oil is not changed regularly, the engine runs less efficiently. Over time, this puts extra stress on the engine and causes components to wear out. Regular oil changes can spell the difference between a costly engine repair or replacement in just a few years of owning a brand new vehicle or a car that runs smoothly for many, many years to come.

We recommend scheduling an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but some new vehicles can run over 10,000 miles before needing an oil change. Always refer to your owner’s manual for recommendations specific to your vehicle.

2. Maintain fluid levels

Besides the engine oil, vehicles run on other fluids, which are just as important to check. These fluids include:

Transmission fluid - Lubricates moving parts, cools the transmission, and helps with gear shifts
Radiator fluid - Keeps your engine from overheating
Power steering fluid - Makes turning your wheel easy and smooth
Brake fluid - Helps transfer force when braking
AC coolant - Responsible for cooling passing air and condensing water in humid air
Windshield washer fluid - Cleans your windshield
Antifreeze - helps regulate your engine during freezing temperatures

When you schedule a routine maintenance service, a mechanic will typically check fluid levels and top them up when needed.

3. Check your tires

Next up in our car maintenance guide is the tires, which can be costly to replace if not maintained properly. The good news is, there are ways you can extend the life of your tires.

We recommend having them rotated every six months to prevent uneven tread wear. If you notice even the slightest misalignment, be sure to schedule an alignment appointment right away. Misaligned wheels wear down your tires quicker and can impact other components of your car. If you notice a vibration when you drive, it could indicate that you need a wheel balance service. Wheel imbalance happens as tread wear affects the distribution of weight.

When you go for a tire service, your mechanic will typically check the air pressure and have it corrected if needed. Properly inflated tires reduce your chances of a blowout and ensure a smoother ride.

4. Service your brakes

The brakes are the most critical safety component of any vehicle. A brake service typically involves inspecting, cleaning, and lubricating the brake components. Your mechanic will also:

• Replace worn brake pads
• Repair any worn or leaking hoses
• Replace corroded steel lines
• Replace a leaking caliper
• Replace a caliper that has a seized piston or guide pin
• Inspect rotors and drums for damage
• Service wheel bearings
• Flush brake fluid if needed

5. Change air and cabin filters

These two filters protect the engine by keeping airborne pollutants, dirt, debris, and other particles from getting into the engine. The cabin filter blocks contaminants from flowing through the HVAC system and keeps the cabin air clean.

Clogged air filters cause the engine to work harder to push air through, impacting fuel efficiency and affecting the car’s overall performance. A musty odour in the cabin will let you know that it’s time to change the cabin filter. When inspecting an engine air filter, raise it to the light. If you can’t see any light pass through, it’s time to change it.

6. Do a full exterior inspection

Before you schedule a routine maintenance service, complete a full exterior inspection of your car so that you can bring up any concerns to your mechanic. Here are a few simple things you can check on your own:

• Any rust on the body of your vehicle
• Check that the windows and sunroofs are opening and closing properly
• Check that the doors are locking and unlocking properly
• Inspect the battery for any visible damages
• Look at hoses and check for damage
• Inspect your tires for uneven tread wear
• Check for any leaking fluid under the car

7. Listen to noises and pay attention to performance

After you’ve done an exterior inspection, take your car for a drive around the neighbourhood and use your senses.

• Listen to any strange noises
• Pay attention to any pulling, misalignment, or difficulty steering
• Feel for odd vibrations
• Take note of any strange smells

You know your car’s performance and can tell when something is off. It’s important to bring these issues up as soon as possible to your mechanic. The sooner it can be taken care of, the better your chances at avoiding an extensive and more costly repair.