As a first-time driver with a fresh license at 16 years old, I was clueless about how to maintain my super cool white 1991 Chevy Corsica. I never changed the oil, rotated the tires, or kept up on my wipers. My definition of car maintenance was keeping the vehicle clean and installing a stereo system and cool lights under the seats to impress my friends.
If you’re a teen, a first-time driver, or a parent of a new driver about to hit the road, you’ve come to the right place. We at Greasemonkey Inspectors have compiled essential car maintenance tips for beginners.
How Often Should You Check Your Oil?
Your local car maintenance shop or dealership can provide a schedule to ensure you change your oil at the recommended intervals. The general rule of thumb is every 3 months or 5,000 kilometres. Regular oil changes are crucial for car maintenance in Ontario and across Canada.
What to Look for When You Inspect Your Tires
Check your tread level, tire pressure, and rotate your tires every six months to avoid flat tires. Proper tire maintenance is a key aspect of car maintenance in Canada, ensuring safety and performance.
How Often Should You Check Your Fluids?
Before road trips or oil changes, check your coolant, transmission fluid, steering fluid, and oil. Keeping your fluids full and clean ensures your engine runs smoothly. Regular fluid checks are vital for car maintenance in Ontario.
Check Your Vehicle’s Battery Strength
Most cars fail to start because of a dead or weak battery. Maintain your battery and keep it clean. It’s also wise to keep an extra pair of jumper cables or a battery pack in case your battery dies. Battery maintenance is a crucial part of car maintenance in Canada.
Ensure All Your Engine Belts Look Good
Your engine belts should be aligned properly with no visible cracks. Losing a timing belt can cause significant engine damage and lead to costly repairs. Checking your engine belts regularly is essential for car maintenance in Ontario.
Ensure Your Windshield Wipers Are Working Well
Check your wipers to ensure they are not cracked or broken. In bad weather, good visibility is crucial for safe driving. Windshield wiper maintenance is an important part of car maintenance in Canada.
Check the Dash for Any Warnings or Lights
If any warnings or lights are on in your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual or Google before driving. You can diagnose the issue with a mechanic or on your own to determine if your vehicle is safe to operate.
Make Sure Your Brakes Work Well
Check your brakes, parts, and rotors. Being able to stop a vehicle in time ensures your safety and that of others on the road. Brake maintenance is a key aspect of car maintenance in Ontario.
You can request a maintenance schedule for your vehicle at mechanic shops, brand dealers, or online. Following this schedule will keep you safe on the road and help maintain your car’s value. For a thorough inspection, book an appointment with Greasemonkey Inspectors.
Explore our Inspection Packages to find the best services for your vehicle.
