Fall auto maintenance provides peace of mind
If I could share one piece of advice with motorists as the cold weather approaches, it would be not to skimp on auto maintenance.
This message may sound familiar, but too many motorists treat car maintenance as an afterthought. They are frustrated when their vehicle breaks down because of neglect and, later, when their vehicle — as a trade-in — is worth less than what they imagined it would be.
It’s a fact that well-maintained vehicles operate more efficiently, more reliably and fetch higher trade-in values than poorly maintained vehicles.
Automotive maintenance is even more important today, as Canadians are keeping their cars longer (11.6 years on average) and driving more kilometres.
The first step in preparing your vehicle for fall is to read your owner’s manual. This sounds like a tedious exercise, but the information contained in the manual will help to ensure that your vehicle runs properly and it will save you money on future repairs.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. If your vehicle is due for scheduled maintenance, do not put it off.
Longer service intervals have left many motorists with the impression that vehicles require less maintenance. Not true. Regular, scheduled maintenance should always be a priority.
Because manufacturers are recommending longer service intervals, it is imperative that automotive service is performed on time to avoid reliability issues.
Longer service intervals may be more convenient for car owners, but the frequency of visits also depends on the number of kilometres driven, driving habits and outside temperatures.
Nor do longer service intervals mean ignoring maintenance items that are mandated by law. Failure to meet vehicle emission standards, poor tire tread and inoperable brake and/or signal lights can lead to fines or the seizure of a vehicle. The two most important items to never compromise on are tires and brakes.
Don’t put yourself and your family at risk. Make sure that you have the right tires for cold weather. Allseason tires are not adequate for all driving and weather conditions. Unlike winter tires, all-season tires lack the cold weather compounds, tread swipes and channelling tread patterns for traction in deep snow and ice.
When purchasing new tires, all four should be replaced at once. All tires require consistent linear (forward) traction and lateral (sideways) traction in order to prevent loss of control.
Most new car dealerships sell and install most brand-name tires for all types of vehicles, and many dealerships offer tire storage as well.
Windshield wiper blades should be checked and, if necessary, replaced. If a wiper blade breaks while you are driving during a rain/snow storm, it could endanger your visibility and result in a collision.
To further prepare for fall driving, include safety items in your trunk: an ice scraper, a blanket, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, duct tape, battery jumper cables, energy bars and a small shovel.
For any automotive service needs, visit your local new car dealership. A qualified automotive technician will review your car’s mechanical and electrical systems and report any required repairs or concerns. If you have maintenance questions about your vehicle, ask a service adviser.
Service advisers can identify areas of concern, such as brake wear, cooling system malfunctions, excessive tire wear and transmission issues. If a service adviser alerts you to a potential problem, make the repairs now, instead of waiting for a breakdown when you least expect it.
Motorists often wait for the first snowfall before winterizing their vehicle. That’s a mistake, as service departments are swamped during these periods. Plan to winterize your vehicle now, before the snow flies — you will be glad you did. This column represents the views and values of the TADA. Write to president@tada.ca or go to tada.ca. Larry Lantz is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and is a new-car dealer in Hanover, Ont.