A regular maintenance program is important to keep your vehicle in good operating condition. This could save you costly repairs and unexpected roadside problems!Here's what we would recommend on most vehicles that are driven on a regular basis:
Every day or two:
- Check engine oil levels; add oil if necessary
- *Tip* - refer to your owners manual for correct type of oil - recommend using the same brand each time
- Visually check around & under vehicle for low tires and puddles
- Visually check lights and licence plates for cleanliness/visibility
- *Tip* - do this each time you approach your vehicle if driving in cold winter months! Saves fines & ensures safety for everybody on the road!
Weekly:
- Check ALL fluid levels (engine oil, automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid & windshield washer fluid)
- Check tire pressure on ALL tires (including the spare tire)
- *Tip* - refer to your owners manual for correct tire pressure
- Inspect tires for wear, bumps, cuts in the sides, etc.
- Check ALL lights (including licence plate lights, turn signals, brake lights & back-up lights)
- *Tip* - if this is difficult to do by yourself, try backing up in front of a large full-length window or light-coloured wall after sundown or before sun-up and check the reflection of the rear lights in your rear-view mirror
- Wash vehicle exterior (or even more frequently during the winter months to protect the body from the nasty effects of road salt!)
Every 3 months or every 5,000 kms: * Note: you may require a service technician to perform
some of the following maintenance procedures *
- Oil & filter changes
- Inspect ALL belts & hoses
- Chassis lubrication
Every 6 months OR 10,000 kms: * Note: preferably Spring & Fall *
- All of the "Every 3 months..." items listed previously
- PLUS -
- Tire inspection by a professional
- Brake system inspection by a professional
- Engine tune-up inspection
- actual tune-up if necessary
- Lubricate all door latches and hinges
Annually: * Note: all the following procedures require
professional service *
- Clean fuel system
- Internal engine cleaning
- Cooling system flush
- Automatic Transmission Flush
- Change differential fluid
- Complete vehicle mechanical & body inspection
GENERAL TIPS
- If you notice any unusual noises, difference in performance or a change in the "ride" of handling of your vehicle, take it to a professional for inspection promptly!
- If you drive in cold weather conditions, make sure the windshield wipers are NOT frozen to the windshield BEFORE starting the vehicle!
Please feel free to email us any of your favourite tips so we can consider adding them to this page!