The best way to keep your vehicle operating at its best is to give it regular maintenance and seasonal tune-ups. When your car is running at its best, it can help you save money on fuel and prevent costly repairs.
Here are some car care tips that may help you save money:
Read the owner’s manual
The owner’s manual outlines exactly how and when to take care of your vehicle. Everything from the type of oil it needs to the correct air pressure for your tires. If you get your car serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule and specifications, you reduce your car’s risk of breaking down. But if you don’t, your warranty could be at risk.
Get your oil changed regularly
Regular oil changes help keep your engine clean and lubricated. Consult your owner’s manual to find out how often you need to change your oil and what type of oil your vehicle needs.
Check your tire pressure
It is so important to maintain correct tire pressure. An improperly inflated tire could shorten the life of your tires, lead to tire failure and may put you at risk of having an accident. Properly inflated tires also improve your driving performance and gas mileage.
Tip: Keep a good quality pressure gauge in your car so you can check your tire pressure regularly.
Rotate your tires
The front and rear tires on your car wear differently, especially if you have a front-wheel drive vehicle. By regularly rotating your tires, your tires will be able to wear evenly, and prevent your tires from wearing out prematurely. Transport Canada recommends rotating your tires approximately every 10,000 km. Refer to your owner’s manual for the right number for your vehicle.
Get winter tires
In Canada, there is snow and ice on the roads 8 months of the year. During this time, all-season tires do not perform optimally. All-season tires lose their elasticity at temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius, which could result in reduced traction. Snow tires increase traction in soft snow, keeping you and your family safe on the road.
Get a winter and spring tune-up
Winter can be very hard on a car. That’s why it is so important to take your car into a reputable garage before the first blast of winter and then again in the spring once the temperature reaches 7 degrees Celsius.
Winter tune-up: Check your vehicle’s battery, belts, hoses, radiator, coolant/antifreeze, oil, lights, brakes, exhaust system, heater/defroster, ignition system and tires.
Spring tune up: Check your vehicle’s fluid levels, oil and oil filters, replace wiper blades, check lighting, brakes and suspension, battery, and give your car a good wash and wax.
Report unusual sounds
Whether you have a car, motorcycle, or RV, unusual engine noise may be a sign of potential problems. Whenever you hear a creak, whine, or a squeal — think of it as an alert that something has changed. By paying attention to those sounds, you can often catch a minor problem before it becomes a major one.
Pro tip: Have a passenger use your phone to record the sound for the mechanic.
Check into recall notices
If you have received a recall notice for your vehicle or a particular feature of your vehicle, it is important to follow up with your dealership. Recalls generally indicate that the vehicle or vehicle part is dangerous and requires immediate attention.
Let your car warm up for 30 seconds
On cool days, wait approximately 30 seconds after turning on your car before driving it. This will give your car the chance to properly circulate the oil and coolant as well as warm the motor. This will protect your engine from the harsh cold. Be careful not to idle for too long, more than a minute and you are wasting gas as well as harming the environment.
Keep an emergency roadside kit in your car
If your car breaks down or you get stranded on a highway, keeping a roadside emergency kit in your trunk could save your life, as well as the lives of your passengers. Just like having a home kit, having emergency essentials in your vehicle will ensure you and your vehicle are prepared for the worst. The basic emergency kit for cars should include the following items: EMERGENCY CAR KIT
THE 905 REAL ESTATE GUYS
info@905realestateguys.com
Sean Kavanagh 905.220.9198
Leo Manchisi 905.334.9650