Nov 07 2019

7 basic maintenance tips to keep your car in top shape

Anyone who has already spent a ton of money repairing their car unnecessarily regrets not having taken care of it before. Because it is done on a regular basis, preventative maintenance is the key to solving small problems before they become larger and more expensive.

So, how can you reduce the chances of finding yourself with an exorbitant repair bill? Here are 7 tips that could help.

1. Read (and pay attention to) the service manual:

No matter what the mechanic tells you, a simple way to save money on car repairs and extend the life of your vehicle is to follow what the manufacturer says in the owner's manual. After all, who knows your car better than the people who built it? One of the basics of your car maintenance : believe the people who built your vehicle.

2. Make a visual inspection of your car:

Even if you know little about cars, anything out of the ordinary should catch your eye.

Tires:

Underinflated tires burn extra fuel and cause faster wear. Over-inflated tires can damage your car's suspension and reduce traction.

That's why maintaining tire pressure by checking them monthly helps prevent premature tire wear and reduces the chance of an accident.
To maximize the life of your car tires , rotate regularly. This will make your tires last longer .
Are winter tires required by law in your province? If so, this is the ideal time to do their rotation by your mechanic. No reminders needed!

Lights:

A dark and slippery road in the middle of nowhere is the last place to discover a grilled lighthouse!

From turn signal indicators to backup lights, get a friend's help for five minutes each month to check your car's headlights. Replace bulbs that do not work.
Do you have a cracked or broken lighthouse? Replacing the lights yourself is easier than you think: with a few basic tools, a CAPA certified part (or "after-sale") and a little patience, you'll be done in no time.
Do yellowed and dirty headlights affect your driving? Catering kits available at many auto parts stores could be the solution.

Wiper:

In a snow storm shower, how can you stay on the road if you can not see it? As a general rule, you must change your wiper blades every six months: in summer and in winter.

If you do not know how to find the best wipers for your car, see point # 1 above!
Cleaning your windshield regularly can also help extend the life of your windshield wipers. Likewise, replacing worn ones can prevent scratches on your windshield . Why not do both?

3. Listen to what your car says:

Just as a cough is a sign that you can get sick, new noises from your car can signal that something is wrong.

Quiet:

When your muffler is about to give up, you know it : those famous rumblings in your car tend to get louder while you drive.

Anything suspicious deserves a visit to the mechanic, especially because potentially toxic fumes could leak into the car.
To keep you safe, ask your mechanic to check the main components of your car's exhaust system every six months or 10,000 kilometers. This includes oxygen sensors, exhaust manifolds, suspensions and clamps, silencers and exhaust pipes.

Shocks:

Loose bolts on your shock absorbers can also make a rattling noise. So when do you have to replace your shock absorbers ?

The rule of thumb is about every 80,000 kilometers - or if your car is unbalanced or bounced when you push down on the bumper or while driving.

Brakes:

When it comes to maintenance, the brakes should be at the top of your list. The clear signs that your car's brakes need replacement include:

Squealing, squeaking or whistling when you push the brake pedal.
If your vehicle pulls on one side when idling or if the brake pedal feels soft when not pushed.
Braking fluid leaking - a huge red flag!

To keep your car moving (and stopping!) Safely, recognize the warning signs that your brakes are faulty and follow the recommendations of the manufacturer of your vehicle to know when to replace them.

4. Take a look regularly under the hood:

All that makes your car roll is happening especially under the hood, so keep an eye on these things.

Fluids:

From transmission to brake-assisted steering (and more), your car depends on fluids to work properly. Most fluids have tanks, gauges or oil gauges - so it's easy to see if they are at their optimal level.

Check the oil every other time when refueling. Because the oil is used to lubricate, cool and clean the engine, it will help extend the life of your car's engine .
While there, check and refill the power steering fluid if it is weak. Otherwise, you risk damaging the power steering pump.
The same goes for engine coolant - without a radiator, your car is not good for anything. Rinse the cooling system approximately every 90,000 kilometers and have the pressure tested by a mechanic to prevent radiator leaks .
Look for signs of fluid drops in the engine compartment area: a bright red fluid under the car suggests transmission problems - which you should never ignore .

Belts:

Most cars today use a wide single belt to power accessories.

With the engine off , check for cracks, wear, and fraying around the edges of the belt. The owner's manual indicates when the belt needs to be changed.
To repair a creaky engine belt , a regular bar of soap will do the trick and lubricate it. However, it may also mean that the belt tension is too loose, which causes it to slide on the pulleys - in this case, you may need to consult your mechanic.

Hoses:

To keep your car running at its best , check the hoses under your hood every month or two.

First of all make sure the engine is not hot! Then give a slight pressure to the hoses. If they are crunchy, or sticky and soft, or if they have a lump, it might be time to replace them.

Drums:

Although most new batteries are "maintenance free", they still need to be checked.

An easy solution for corroded battery contacts that prevents your car from lighting up is to use a wire brush. Rub the two terminals of the battery and inside terminals until the metal is clean. Do it as needed, especially when there is excess mineral deposits.
If your battery has vent covers, remove them to check for electrolyte fluids. Use distilled water to refill to levels recommended by the manufacturer if necessary. This will help extend the life of your car's battery .

5. Remember to replace the filters:

It's important to keep your engine clean , both outside and inside.

Why?

Tracking leaks and maintenance is easier on a clean engine block.
Dust and dirt can clog pipes, valves and sensors in an engine and prevent it from working properly.

Among the things that your car maintenance schedule should include, you need to replace the filters according to the owner's manual, among them:

Oil filter
Engine air filter
Fuel filters
Transmission fluid filter.

6. Have your car serviced by a pro:

Although many of these tasks are easy to do yourself, part of keeping your car in good condition requires regular visits. Think of the tweaks this way: even if you brush your teeth every day, you always visit the dentist twice a year for regular exams.

Some of the tasks that a professional mechanic can do include:

Change the candles approximately every 48,000 or 64,000 kilometers to ensure good fuel economy.
Rinsing the power steering system, recommended at least every 50,000 km.
Check the wheel alignment of your car, usually after every 48,000 kilometers.

7. Find a mechanic before you need it:

Another easy way to save money in the long run is to find a trusted mechanic before you need it.

In an emergency, you may not have the time to investigate who will work on your car - at the expense of your bank account!

Ultimately, the basics of preventive maintenance will pay off in the long run by helping to detect minor mechanical problems before they become more important. It only takes a few minutes each month, some know-how, and a good relationship with a mechanic you trust.