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CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR DRIVERS

Auto Mechanics | Vehicle Faq's | Car Maintenance Tips

Vehicle Maintenance Tips You Can Perform Right From Home

Looking to keep your car in top shape? In this post, we’ll share essential car maintenance tips that cover everything from regular oil changes and tire care to checking fluids and brake inspections. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, these tips will help you extend the life of your vehicle and ensure safe driving.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Your vehicle has a specified maintenance schedule provided by the dealer. Following this schedule will help ensure your car operates at peak condition. If you’re mechanically inclined, these DIY car maintenance tips will be familiar to you. If you need assistance, our team is here to help.

10 Essential Car Maintenance Tips

Here are ten vehicle maintenance checks you can perform regularly—bi-weekly or monthly. This inspection should only take about an hour but will keep you confident that your vehicle is in good driving condition.

Check for Leaks
- Inspect underneath your vehicle for any fluids. Look for colors like brown (oil), red (transmission or power steering), green or orange (coolant), and clear (brake fluid). Water-like condensation is usually harmless.
Test Your Heater & AC
- Ensure your heater blows warm air in winter and your AC cools in summer. Listen for any strange noises that may indicate a problem.
Inspect Wiper Blades
- Check for cracks or hardness in your wiper blades. Test the windshield wiper fluid and look for any streaks on your windshield.
Check All Lights
- Verify that all lights are functioning, including headlights (high and low beam), fog lights, indicator lights, brake lights (get an assistant for this), and hazard lights.
Test Door Locks & Windows
- Ensure all door locks and power windows are functioning properly.
Examine Windshield for Chips & Cracks
- Look for any small cracks or chips. Early detection may allow for repairs instead of a full replacement.
Check Your Sound System
- Test your radio and listen for crackling or distortion from the speakers.
Ensure Your Horn Works
- This often-overlooked feature is essential for safety.
Assess Your Brakes
- Take your car for a drive and listen for any squealing or grinding sounds. Check if the brake pedal feels soft, hard, or pulsates.
Organize Your Registration Papers

Make sure your vehicle registration, license, and insurance documents are in order to avoid any legal issues.

If any of these inspections raise concerns, give us a call!

DIY Vehicle Inspection

Even if you’re not mechanically inclined, these simple visual checks can be performed outside your home. Regular inspections will extend your vehicle’s life and give you confidence while on the road.

If you're planning a long-distance trip, consider a more thorough inspection of your brakes, exhaust, and suspension for wear and tear before you hit the road.

Car Maintenance FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about vehicle maintenance:

How Often Should I Change My Oil & Filter? In older vehicles, change oil and filter approximately every 5,000 kilometers. For newer models, the range is typically 5,000 to 7,500 kilometers. If using full-synthetic oil, you can extend this to 7,500 - 10,000 kilometers.

What About Other Engine Fluids?

Transmission Oil: Replace every 3 years or 20,000 km (up to 60,000 km for newer models).
Brake & Clutch Fluid: Change generally every 2 years.
Engine Coolant: Flush every 3 years or up to 10 years, depending on the vehicle.
Power Steering Fluid: Replace every 3 years or 30,000 km.

How Do I Check Tire Pressure & Treadwear? Tire pressure is usually listed on the inside of the driver’s side door and should be between 28 psi and 35 psi. Use a tire gauge to check pressure and adjust accordingly.

What About Engine Belts & Hoses? Replace engine hoses every four years and V-drive belts every 3 years or 36,000 kilometers. Inspect belts and hoses during service.

When Should I Change to Seasonal Tires? In areas where it's optional, switch to winter tires when temperatures drop below 7°C, and revert to summer tires above that mark.