Do you remember when you first purchased your car/truck? I remember keeping it so clean, and, of course, sticking to the maintenance schedule. Fast forward 10 years, and I hate to admit it, but the only thing I tend to do is get an oil change. Now that my truck is 10 years old, I should take better care of it. I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but I couldn’t even find the maintenance schedule guide! Thank goodness for the Internet, where I was able to download the guide and much to my horror I had missed so many recommended maintenance.

While I was driving, my brake light went on, so I scheduled an oil change and thought it might just be time to top up my brake fluid. I called my local Canadian Tire and scheduled an oil change and let them know my brake light had turned on. It was great, I dropped my truck off and went about my shopping in the store. When I went to pick my truck up, they let me know about my brakes. HORROR!  It was just the brake light – surely I did not need new brakes.

Safety First

Obviously brakes are important, so after they showed me the state of my brakes, I realized I had to get them replaced. So who was to blame? ME! #GUILTY of neglecting my truck. I wasn’t prepared for a brake replacement. Brakes do not last forever, and you are supposed to check them. Fast forward a couple of weeks and I start reading about brakes on the Canadian Tire website. I declined some of the recommended work, so I could get my bill down. I didn’t want to pay the extra charge for the brake flush. What a dumb move. I spent all that money replacing the brakes, but declined the brake flush. My man told me it was the equivalent of never changing your oil. I called back the local Canadian Tire auto centre and scheduled a brake flush! Time to get smarter about maintaining my truck. I really don’t want to purchase a new one any time soon, so I need to really start taking care of her! (Yes -she is a she!)

Seasonal Checklist

Oil, lube & filter

  • As oil ages, it loses it’s ability to provide a barrier between the engine’s moving metal parts.
  • Regular oil and filter changes are the easiest way to protect your engine from wear and tear.
  • Motor oil doesn’t just lubricate the engine, it helps suspend dirt and debris that normally occurs. The oil filter removes all of these contaminants so that they do not circulate back into the engine

Air & cabin filter

  • After a long winter of putting salt and sand down, Canadian roads are filled with dirt and dust, and your vehicle’s air filters keep the debris out of the engine.
  • Your engine requires a steady flow of fresh air to ensure complete and efficient combustion.
  • Driving with clogged air filters reduces your engine’s ability to use fuel efficiently, decrease performance, and can cause excess wear on the engine.

Fluids

  • Preventative Maintenance: Maintaining your vehicle’s fluids is a vital component of maximizing your vehicle’s life. At the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, fluid flushes will:
    1.    Maximize Performance
    2.    Condition internal components
    3.    Prevent dirt and debris build-up
  • Transmission Flush – helps prevent transmission overheating; helps prevent transmission lines from leaking, or transmission seals from leaking.
  • Coolant Flush – helps prevent acidic build-up which can block fluid flow and lead to overheating of the engine. Acidic build-up may also cause radiator hoses to develop leaks.
  • Brake Fluid Flush – brake fluid absorbs and retains water. Once there is sufficient water build-up, the braking system won’t operate at its optimal performance.
  • Engine Flush – helps prevent the build-up of gunk. Will improve fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions.
  • Power Steering Flush – helps prevent the breakdown of seals, hoses, and pumps.

Wiper blades

  • A good set of wipers is essential to ensure you have a good view of the road.
  • Don’t compromise your safety, replace your blades annually or at the first sign of wear (splits, tears, cracks).

Battery

  • Summer’s extreme temperatures, combined with using electrical accessories puts a greater strain on batteries.
  • Battery connections should be cleaned and checked to ensure the vehicle gets the power it needs.

Spark plugs

  • Spark plugs create the spark that ignites your vehicle’s air/fuel mixture to start the engine and maintain combustion.
  • The stronger the spark, the easier it is for the system to work properly.

Interior & exterior lights

  • Seeing in low-light conditions, and being seen by other drivers is not something you should lose sight of, don’t compromise your safety.
  • Don’t forget other critical lights, such as brake and blinkers, too.

Want to find out how to get your vehicle ready for Spring? You are in luck because Canadian Tire is hosting a Twitter Party this week! There will be an auto technician available to answer any questions you may have.

CT_garage-V4

Twitter Party Details
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2016
Time: 7:00pm EST
Host: @CanadianTire
$1,000 in prizing
No RSVP
Twubs Page for Twitter Party Newbies: http://twubs.com/canadasgarage

About Canadian Tire

Canadian Tire Auto Service makes your journey to total car care both easy and worry-free:

  • Extended Hours: Walk-in or book an appointment to suite your schedule. Check your local Canadian Tire store for service bay hours.
  • They know your Car: Visit any of their 5,500 Canadian Tire service bays across Canada, and they will have your vehicle’s history there in order to provide the best diagnosis.
  • Services all makes and models: Bring your vehicle to any of Canadian Tire’s 3,000 licensed technicians for expert guidance, warranty-approved.
  • Nationwide Warranty. Get your vehicle serviced at any of our service bays, and your manufacturer’s warranty remains valid.

Tell us what you do to maintain your car. Do you go to Canadian Tire or to your car dealer for an oil change? Feel free to  leave your car maintenance tips below.