The 10 most important vehicle maintenance tasks

1. Service your car regularly

You’ve probably heard somewhere that your car should be serviced every 5,000 kilometres or every 3 months, or something similar. However, with advances in engines and motor oil, these traditional guidelines have become outdated.

Your owner’s manual, which you should find in the glove compartment, will have a maintenance schedule for your vehicle. As your car ages, your mechanic will adjust this schedule accordingly. Modern cars also have a built-in reminder that will prompt you to get the vehicle serviced.¹ Typically, a service includes an oil change, fluid check and change, filter change, tire pressure adjustment, and a general inspection of the vehicle.

2. Check the engine oil

Some new cars use electronic oil monitors to alert you when the oil needs changing, or when the oil level is low. To manually check the oil, you’ll need to use the vehicle’s dipstick. Make sure the car is parked on level ground with the engine off and cool. Pull out the dipstick from the engine and wipe it off before reinserting it into the tube. Pull it out again and check where the oil comes up on the dipstick. If it is below the required line or marking, the oil level is low.

Additionally, the oil’s colour should be tan, caramel, or brown — somewhere in that spectrum. Black oil isn’t necessarily bad, but if black oil is also thick, it can be a sign of contaminants. If it is light or milky, this could mean that coolant is leaking into the engine.² If you notice any metal particles in the oil, it could mean there is internal engine damage. In either case, take your car to a mechanic.

3. Check the fluids

Your car needs several fluids to run, including coolant, transmission, brake, washer fluid, and, for some vehicles, power steering fluid. A mechanic will check and top them up as needed during regular servicing. If you are topping up the fluids yourself, pay attention to the minimum and maximum indicators on the reservoir, so you don’t underfill or overfill it.

4. Check for leaks

You may notice when your car is parked that it’s leaking fluids. If the fluid is clear, it’s probably water that condensed from the car’s exhaust or air-conditioning system, so no need to panic.

However, if the liquid is dark brown or black, it is probably engine oil. While a small amount of seepage is normal, excessive oil leakage is cause for concern. In this case, check the oil level with the dipstick (see point 2 above). If the oil level is low, take your car to your mechanic or dealership as soon as possible.³

A bright green, pink, orange, yellow or blue liquid is coolant, a fluid that’s vital for keeping your engine from overheating. The liquid will also have a sweet smell. The source of the leak could be a hole in the radiator, a faulty radiator cap, or leaks in the hoses, water pump or engine gasket.⁴ You should have the car looked at by a mechanic.

A slightly yellowish liquid is most likely brake fluid. Any brake fluid leak can potentially lead to loss of braking power, so have a professional look at your vehicle as soon as possible.

5. Check the tires

Regularly check your tires for wear and tear. Make sure there are no foreign objects lodged in the tire, like nails or sharp rocks.

You also need to check the tread depth of your tires. The tread depth impacts the distance you need to brake safely and should be no less than 1.6 mm (1/16 inches). You can measure this with a depth gauge or a nickel.

If you’re using a gauge, extend the pin, and insert it into the grooves between the treads of the tire. Press down on the base plate of the gauge unit until it’s flush with the tire tread. Repeat this step in at least 4 different spots on each tire for an accurate read. The lowest reading is the most accurate one.

Tread depth	Action	Impact to braking distance
5/32 inches or greater 3/32 inches or greater 1/16 inches or less	Nothing Consider replacing Replace immediately	Minimal Significant Very significant

If you don’t have a depth gauge, another quick way to measure your tires is with a nickel. Insert the coin with the monarch’s crown facing down. If you can see the top of the crown, your tire is below 1/16 inches and needs to be replaced.⁵

You should check your tire pressure every month to make sure it complies with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The recommended air pressure for each tire is indicated in the vehicle owner’s manual or on the sticker that is usually located on the side of the driver’s door. You can measure the pressure with a tire pressure gauge available at any automotive store.

Some vehicles are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The device’s warning light is located on the dashboard and switches on when a tire is underinflated.⁶

You can inflate the tires yourself with an air compressor or with an air pump at most gas stations. It is important to not overinflate the tires, as this could cause them to blow out on the road.

6. Check the brakes

A tell-tale sign that your brakes need servicing is a squealing sound or unusual vibrations when you engage them. To prolong the life of your brakes, press the pedal smoothly, avoiding sudden or heavy braking. This avoids unnecessary wear and tear. Your mechanic will also advise you when your brakes need changing.

7. Check the lights

Before heading out, check that your vehicle’s headlights and lights, including its daytime running lights, work properly and are still at their original brightness. Make sure your headlights are clean and free of any obstructive material, like snow, mud or dirt.

While a burned-out headlight or light may seem minor, it can have many consequences. In some cases, it may cause other road users to misread a situation. You could also be stopped and fined by a police officer.

If you are unsure if one of your lights is working, point the front or the rear of your vehicle at a vertical surface, like a wall or a store window. This will allow you to see if any lights are burnt out.

Pay attention to your turn signal indicator. If it is flashing or clicking more rapidly than usual, it’s a sign that one of the bulbs has burned out.⁷

8. Check the windshield wipers and washer fluid

Visibility is crucial for safety behind the wheel. The last thing you want to have happen on a rainy day is to hit the road and then realize you’re out of washer fluid or that your wiper blades are no longer any good. The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec recommends you change your wiper blades at least once a year. You will know when to change them when they start to stick on the windshield or no longer wipe away moisture. You can find the right model for your vehicle online or at an automotive store. If you’re out of washer fluid, pick up a container at the closest gas station.

Check the steering and suspension systems

If you hear grinding noises or clunking sounds while driving, or a clicking sound when turning the wheel, it could mean your car has problems with the steering and suspension systems. You should have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Check the fuel level

We’ve all been there: the fuel indicator is nearing empty, and you are just a few minutes from home, but you’ll fill it up tomorrow, right? Aside from the risk of running out of gas and being stranded on the side of the road waiting for assistance, running your car on empty can clog the fuel filter, damage the fuel pump, cause your engine to misfire, and damage the exhaust system.⁸

So the next time you’re low on fuel, take the time to pull into a gas station — your car will love you for it!

Commonly asked questions

How much does car maintenance cost on average?

Vehicle maintenance costs vary widely, as a single major mechanical issue can cost thousands of dollars. However, regular maintenance is, on average, around $1,000 annually for a compact car.⁹ This figure varies depending on the age and condition of the car, and even the climate in which it is used. Regularly maintaining your car helps control these costs.

How often should I have the tires rotated?

If you have a front- or rear-wheel drive vehicle, you should rotate your tires approximately every 8,000 to 12,000 km. If you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle, the tires will wear out faster. AWD vehicles should have their tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 km.¹⁰

Should I use a dealership or a mechanic for car maintenance?

Where you take your vehicle for maintenance or repairs is your personal choice. Like any service, you’ll need to do your homework. Ask your friends or colleagues for their recommendations and if you’re not comfortable with an auto shop or dealership quote, seek a second opinion.

Some services, like recalls or fob resets, have to be performed by a dealership. Additionally, if your car is under warranty, certain services will be covered by the dealership during the warranty period.

Does car insurance cover maintenance?

Standard car insurance does not cover regular maintenance. Car insurance also doesn’t cover most breakdowns, particularly those arising from poor maintenance or from standard wear and tear. Instead, car insurance is meant to cover repairs to the vehicle arising from sudden, unexpected events (like collisions, break-ins, or hail storms). A burst radiator hose or a snapped belt (for example) would not be covered by insurance, because these components are expected to wear out eventually. Such costs are the responsibility of the vehicle owner.

Many maintenance and routine repair costs are covered by a vehicle warranty.

Sources

1. Consumer Reports. “5 Things to Know About Oil Changes for Your Car.” consumerreports.com, www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/things-to-know-about-oil-changes-for-your-car-a9532249359/. Accessed 30 July 2024.
2. Olathe Toyota. “Engine Oil Discoloration Guide.” parts.olathetoyota.com, parts.olathetoyota.com/blog/4411/engine-oil-discoloration-guide-what-different-oil-colors-represent. Accessed 2 Aug. 2024.
3. DeBoer, Bill. “Diagnosing what fluids are leaking underneath your car.” DeBoer’s Auto, 17 Nov. 2022. deboerauto.com, www.deboersauto.com/blog/diagnosing-what-fluids-are-leaking-underneath-your-car. Accessed on 30 July 2024.
4. FEL-PRO. “What coolant does in your engine.” felpro.com, www.felpro.com/gaskets-101/signs-coolant-leak-in-vehicle.html. Accessed on 30 July 2024.
5. Canadian Tire. “How to check your tire tread depth.” canadiantire.ca, www.canadiantire.ca/en/how-to/automotive/how-to-check-your-tire-depthtread.html. Accessed 30 July 2024.
6. Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec. “Tires: Check their pressure and condition.” saaqgouv.qc.ca, saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/modes-transportation/automobile/maintenance-safety/tires-pressure-condition. Accessed 30 July 2024.
7. Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec. “Regular maintenance.” saaqgouv.qc.ca, saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/modes-transportation/automobile/maintenance-safety/regular-maintenance. Accessed 30 July 2024.
8. Minit-Tune & Brake. “4 ways running on empty can harm your vehicle.” Minit-Tune Blog, 27 Aug. 2021, https://www.minit-tune.com/blog/4-ways-running-on-empty-can-harm-your-vehicle.
9. Deveau, Denise. “First-time car buyer? Here’s what you should be budgeting for.” CPA Canada, 11 Jan. 2022, www.cpacanada.ca/news/canada/2022-01-11-car-ownership-cost.
10. Hawley, Dustin. “How Often Should I Rotate My Tires?” J.D. Power, 4 Oct. 2022, www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-often-should-i-rotate-my-tires.

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