Just like you, your car needs a check-up once in a while. We all take the time to inspect and ensure our health, acting at the first sign of trouble. So why should it be any different for your car? Regular maintenance keeps your vehicle running smoothly and safely on the roads. It will ensure a longer lifespan if adequately cared for. Some aspects of car maintenance should indeed be left to trained professionals, but there are many ways to keep your car in good condition. And all the while saving some money from maintenance fees! With that in mind, here are the top things you should frequently check on your car.
1. Wash Your Car Regularly to Prevent Damage and Rust
The first one on our list is straightforward and is a prominent aspect of car maintenance. However, keeping a clean car is far more critical than you may realize. When driving, especially in a country that experiences all four seasons to the fullest, your vehicle is subject to the elements. From road salt and ice melt in the colder months to bird droppings, pollen, and tree sap in the warmer ones, your car experiences the whole gamut of what the four seasons have to offer. Keeping your car clean makes it look presentable and may help to prevent long-term damage.
2. Check Tire Pressure and Tread for Safety and Fuel Efficiency
Checking your car’s tire pressure and maintaining it at a reasonable level is not only necessary for safety, but also for convenience. A flat tire is a hazard to drivers around you and those in your car, posing a hazardous risk. Maintaining your car’s tire pressure can help reduce tire wear and ensure you get good gas mileage. Checking your tire pressure involves finding the recommended pressure for your specific vehicle, measuring the PSI (pounds per square inch), and inflating or deflating your tires as needed. Knowing how to add air to your tires is one thing, but knowing and adding the correct pressure is another. This is a vital step to car maintenance! To find the desired tire pressure, refer to the driver’s door jam or the owner’s manual of the car.
3. Review Your Owner’s Manual for Maintenance Schedules
Every vehicle comes with its own owner’s manual. It is a thick book that is usually found in the glove compartment on the passenger’s side of the car. If you cannot find it, you can look up your car model online, and you should be able to find a digital copy of the manual. Make sure, especially when getting behind the wheel of an unfamiliar car, to acquaint yourself with the owner’s manual. More specifically, pay close attention to the maintenance schedule section. Be sure to note the desired intervals for maintenance items and flag this section with a sticky note for quick access. Remember, following the manufacturer’s recommendations is crucial for keeping the car and engine running smoothly and optimally.
4. Inspect and Replace Your Air and Cabin Filters
One aspect of the car that is often overlooked is the air and cabin filters. They protect the air quality within the cabin and, more importantly, the engine. The filter protects the engine from various contaminants, including dirt that can enter and other particles from the cabin. Clogged filters cause the engine to work harder to push air through them, impacting fuel efficiency and performance. Depending on your mileage, automakers may recommend different timeframes in the manual for when to change it, but they might not mention this. This is a valuable tip for maintaining a healthy car.
With this in mind, you can easily use your senses to determine whether the filters are clogged. A musty smell that ruminates, especially when the heat or AC is on, can indicate that the filter is past its prime. When inspecting the filters, try placing a flashlight on your phone or any other light source behind it. The general rule is that if you can’t see through it, it is time to replace that filter.
5. Check and Change Your Engine Oil Regularly
Checking your car’s oil and changing it as needed is crucial for keeping your engine in optimal condition. Please make sure your oil is topped up and change it as directed in the car’s owner’s manual. Either you can change the oil yourself, or if you’re not comfortable, take it to a service centre and have it done by a trained professional. If you decide to change it yourself, please make sure you use the right motor oil for your vehicle. Take the necessary steps to drain the fluid, set the oil level, and dispose of the old fluid.
6. Refill Your Windshield Washer Fluid and Replace Wiper Blades
Checking and changing the windshield washer fluid is not always the first thing on the list when considering car maintenance. However, that does not mean it is any less critical for your vehicle. Windshield washer fluid helps keep drivers and passengers safe by ensuring that the windshields are clean and clear of debris. You always want to be prepared rather than risk having no fluid.
7. Review and Update Your Car Insurance Coverage in Ontario
Just like you should keep up with your car maintenance, you should always ensure that you are up-to-date with your car insurance policy. Doing this can help you understand your policy’s coverage and ensure that your limits and deductibles are up to date. Keeping your car in its best condition is essential for maintaining its efficiency and ensuring that you and your passengers are safe while travelling. Many Canadian drivers unintentionally do things that harm their vehicles without realizing it. Therefore, it’s essential to be diligent and brush up on your car care knowledge. And remember, if you are ever unsure about the procedure for fixing or checking anything within your vehicle, make sure to contact a trained professional, and they will help in any way they can.
If you are looking to renew or purchase a new auto insurance policy, you can contact one of our isure representatives today.
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