With every new model of cars, the features become more reliable and require less maintenance. The interval between required maintenance also becomes shorter. Still you should never skip on car maintenance. Here is a list of things you should never neglect, skip or postpone for your car. If you get a check engine light or oil check light, you should take your car to a mechanic immediately.
1. Oil & Oil filter
This service should be performed according to your vehicle’s requirements. Check your owner manual to find out the maintenance intervals. Failing to do so or having low engine oil level will result in expensive damage to your car. Also a result you might need to get a new engine.
2.Break Service
The only thing worse than a car that won’t start, is a car that won’t stop. One of most common car accidents are rear end collisions. Breaks are the most important part of the car that will keep you & your family safe and out of harm’s way.
3. Tires Inflation- Tire Rotation & Balancing & Winter Tires.
You should keep your tires properly inflated with the regular inspection. When you are inspecting the tires you should also check the amount of thread you have left. Make sure there is no uneven tire wear as well. You can do a proper check by turning your wheel to the left or right all the way. Sometimes the outside of a tire might look fine but the inside section might be worn out. If the tire is overinflated you will see the center of the tire worn out. If both sides of the tire shoulders are worn out it might be due to under-inflation. If you see an unusual wear pattern it can be caused by a number of problems. You should inspect both the front tires as well as the rear tires. If you live in an area where the temperature drops to 7C or lower than you need winter tires.
4.Windshield Wipers
You need to have a clear view of the road. This is why you should change your windshield wiper blades as soon as they are showing signs of wear or if they start leaving streaks on the window.
5. Exterior Washing
Even if the roads are mostly clean you should get your vehicle washed regularly to prevent body rust. During the winter, road maintenance salts can greatly accelerate rusting of the frame and underbody. We recommend automated car washes as they will also wash underbody and apply rust inhibitor to your car.
6.Interior Vacuuming
This one you should be performing yourself. All you need a vacuum and a few minutes of your time. This will extend upholstery lifetime and keep your car clean.
7.Interior Steam Cleaning & Leather Conditioning
You can perform leather cleaning and conditioning yourself. Regular leather cleaning and conditioning will extend leather seat life and keep them from drying out. It also prevents the leather from wearing out prematurely. Steam cleaning should be left to professionals with expert steam cleaning equipment and solutions. Store bought machines don’t have adequate vacuum power might leave your car wet for days. This is bad for the car frame and mold will start to grow if the material can’t dry efficiently.
8. Battery
This is one of the simplest components in your car. If your battery does not provide enough electrical juice to your car, it will not start. In our personal experience, the car battery needs to be replaced after 5 years or after 100’000 Km.Spark Plugs
9. Spark Plugs
The cost of spark plugs themselves is not expensive. They cost around $20 each and you need 1 for each cylinder. For most cars, you would be looking between 4 and 6 spark plugs. However, the cost of replacing them can be much higher depending on your car and time required to replace them. They should be replaced every 100’000 km or you might experience rough engine idle and increased fuel consumption. You might want to check with your cars mechanic or the manual for exact replacement intervals for your specific car model.