An angry customer talking to a mechanic in an auto repair shop

Mechanic with frustrated customer

Car maintenance is key to keeping a vehicle in good shape. The numerous parts a car is made of all need some attention over the lifespan of a vehicle. Neglect one that is starting to fail and it can have surprising consequences on other parts. We’ve tallied up eight important steps any owner should pay attention to on a monthly basis when it comes to car maintenance. This whole inspection process should not take more than 15 minutes, but will save you a lot of trouble down the road.
<h3>1. Tire pressure</h3>
Checking your car’s tire pressure is important for many reasons. First, under inflated tires will have an adverse effect on fuel consumption and handling while over inflated tires will not allow the car to have the grip needed in emergency maneuvers.

Tire pressure should be checked when tires are cold, which means you have not used the car for a couple of hours. Most manufacturers list the recommended tire pressure on a sticker inside one of the doors or behind the gas cap door; proper pressure is also listed in your vehicle manual.

<img src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/tire-pressure.jpg" alt="checking tire pressure for car maintenance" width="50" height="38" />

When checking tire pressure, use a good quality gauge and use the same gauge every time to insure consistency in the readings. If one tire pressure is a lot lower than it should be, look at the tread closely; there could be a nail or some cut allowing air to escape.

Tire pressure should also be checked manually even if your car is equipped with a <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/news/tire-pressure-alert-system-will-be-complex-and-costly/">tire pressure monitoring system</a> (TPMS), as many of these systems will only warn you when it is too late.
<blockquote><strong>RELATED: <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/news/how-tire-monitors-save-money-and-lives/">How tire monitors save money-and lives</a></strong></blockquote>
<h3>2. Visually inspect your tires</h3>
While verifying tire pressure, give your tires a good look. Does the tread look worn on one side of the tire more than the other? This could mean you have alignment issues. Is wear uniform all across the tread? Any unusual cut, bubble or deformation on the tire itself? Catching these before they cause a flat is always preferable.

While inspecting a tire, also look at the wheel it is mounted on. Are the <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/news/shop-seems-unable-to-balance-rims/">wheel weights</a> still there? Are there any dents or flat spots on the outer rim? Often caused by potholes, these bends can be the reason you started feeling a vibration at certain speeds.
<h3>3. Engine and transmission oil level</h3>
Now time to open the hood and make sure all mechanicals have what they need to run smoothly.

For the following car maintenance steps, park the car on a flat surface so all fluid levels can be properly read.

To check engine oil levels, run the engine for 10 to 15 seconds to make sure the engine is well lubricated. Stop the engine, pull the engine oil dipstick and clean it with a rag; insert it back completely to take a reading, then pull it out to take a look at your levels. The level should be at or very close to the “full” mark.

Do not panic if it is not reading full; add some engine oil until it reads full and monitor the oil level once a week for the following couple of weeks to see if the issue persists. If you are continually getting low readings it may be time to take your car to the mechanic for an inspection.

<img src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Engine-and-transmission-oil-level.jpg" alt="checking oil level for car maintenance" width="50" height="38" />

Some engines will use oil on a regular basis. Talk to your trusted mechanic if you are worried by it, but note that using up to a litre of oil between oil changes is nothing to be alarmed with. The importance of monitoring the oil on a regular basis is to be able to notice if the engine starts using a lot more than normal, which would then signal a more serious issue. It could something as basic as a camshaft seal or as involved as an engine rebuild.
<blockquote><strong>RELATED: <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/news/the-oily-slope-to-engine-disaster/">The oily slope to engine disaster</a></strong></blockquote>
The procedure to check a transmission’s oil level is the same as for the engine oil. The dipstick is often located lower and further in the engine bay. Here though, fluid consumption should raise a concern. Pay a particular attention to the smell of the transmission fluid. Bring the car to your mechanic if it smells burnt as this indicates serious problems with the <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/news/dealers-voice-building-a-better-transmission/">transmission</a>.
<h3>4. Coolant level</h3>
After taking care of the engine oil, the next step is to check the engine coolant. The procedure to check coolant level is simply visual. Most vehicles have a coolant expansion tank which is translucent. A look at the tank will allow you to see two special marks, often located on the sides of the tank: max and min. You should see the coolant level in between these two marks.
<blockquote><strong>RELATED: <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/news/late-coolant-checkup-leads-to-cooked-engine-1281/">Late coolant checkup leads to cooked engine</a></strong></blockquote>
Add some coolant if it is found to be low, but once again don’t panic unless you have to add a full gallon or so. Start to talk about coolant consumption to your mechanic if you realize you need to add coolant at every one of your monthly car maintenance inspections. You may have a small leak somewhere. It is normal to need to add coolant once in a while, but not every single time.

<img src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/coolant-tank-copy.jpg" alt="coolant tank" width="50" height="38" />
<h3>5. Steering fluid level</h3>
Another fluid to monitor monthly is the power steering fluid. Checking the level of this fluid is usually done by unscrewing the cap of the power steering fluid reservoir, which incorporates a special dipstick.

Any fluid consumption here is cause for concern as there is no reason for a steering system to use any fluid other than if there is a leak somewhere.

<img class="" src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Steering-fluid-level.jpg" alt="Checking Steering fluid level for car maintenance" width="413" height="264" />
<h3>6. Brake fluid level</h3>
Last but not least, check your braking system fluid level. Some manufacturers will have a special tank on top of the brake booster allowing you to see the fluid through the tank the same way you can see the engine coolant, but other systems require you to unscrew a cap and use a dipstick integrated into the cap.
<blockquote><strong>RELATED: <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/guides/how-not-to-get-ripped-off-by-your-auto-mechanic/">How Not To Get Ripped Off by your Auto Mechanic</a></strong></blockquote>
It is unusual to see any fluid consumption or variation unless something is wrong with the braking system. The only occasion you may see it slightly low is after your mechanic has performed work on the braking system; he or she will have topped it off, but fluid may allow air bubbles to come to the surface or the simple mechanical movement of the new brakes as they set-in may have an influence on the level. If that is the case, top it off and monitor it once a week for the following few weeks to make sure it is stable. Go back to your mechanic if it does not stabilize.
<h3>7. Check your lights</h3>
Close the hood and walk around your car to make sure all lights are working. You may want to ask a helper to activate brake and signal lights, or simply do as I do and find an industrial area close to home that has those buildings with mirrored glass. Drive there late in the evening so not to bother anyone who works there  and look at the reflections of your lights on the mirrorrd glass to make sure they all work.
<blockquote><strong>RELATED: <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/guides/how-to-change-your-headlights-or-tail-lights-in-5-easy-steps/">How to Change Your Headlights Or Tail Lights in 5 Easy Steps!</a></strong></blockquote>
Take note of when you are changing which light bulb. Having to change the same one too often can point to electrical issues or a headlight/tail light that is compromised.

<img src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/tail-light-at-night-copy.jpg" alt="tail lights at night" width="50" height="38" />
<h3>8. Quick cleanup</h3>
As the final step of your monthly car maintenance checkup, walk around the vehicle and make sure no lights are chipped, no rocks have dented the paint and no small trim is getting loose. Catching these things as they start saves a lot down the road. It is easier to tighten a screw on a mud flap rather than having to find a new one. Same with paint, it is easier to do a simple touch up than to have to respray a whole panel because of rust.
<blockquote><strong>RELATED: <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/guides/how-to-protect-your-car-against-road-salt-and-prevent-rust/">How to protect your car against road salt and prevent rust</a></strong></blockquote>
Another good thing to do when walking around the car is to remove those leaves and other dirt from the various air vents and between body panels. These can prevent some important ventilation from happening as well as cause rust issues down the road.

<img src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/car-hood-covered-in-leaves-copy.jpg" alt="car hood covered in leaves" width="50" height="38" />

While long to read, doing all of this should be quick once you get the hang of it. It will also help you feel good about the general state of your car and help you preserve it for the long run.
<blockquote><strong>RELATED: <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/guides/spring-clean-your-car-5-easy-tips-to-get-your-car-spring-ready/">Spring Clean Your Car: 5 Easy Tips To Get Your Car Spring Ready</a></strong></blockquote>

Save Money with these 8 Easy Car Maintenance Tips

inside the car driver driving on the road

<h3>10 daily driving tips to help your vehicle last longer and save you money</h3>
Have you ever noticed some older vehicles look new while other ones of the same vintage are falling apart? While maintenance has something to do with it, daily driving habits also have a big influence.

Here are ten daily driving tips to help you keep your car in good shape and save money maintenance-wise at the same time.

<strong>1. Avoid potholes</strong>

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is still surprising the number of people I see drive right through potholes even though there is plenty of space to go around them. These, when deep, can not only damage the tire and the wheel, but the impact can also have adverse effects on the suspension and steering components. The whole car will benefit from avoiding or slowing down for potholes, as these repetitive impacts tend to loosen various items in the car, creating rattles and squeaks.

<img class="" src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Potholes.jpg" alt="Potholes" width="600" height="456" />

<strong>2. Look down the road</strong>

It may seem to be another obvious point, but it is important to look down the road not only to see where you are going, but also to spot what is on the road itself. You will want to avoid weird looking items on the road that may damage your tires or bounce against the underside of the car. It will also allow you to spot bumps or dips in the road, or at least slow down for them so the impact is not as harsh.

<strong>3. Slow down for train tracks</strong>

In the same line of thought as the two previous points, slow down for railroad tracks when coming up to a crossing, or when coming up to a bridge on small country roads. These are always uneven with the pavement and create impacts for the wheels, tires and overall car that can be damaging over time.
<blockquote><strong>RELATED: </strong><a href="http://www.wheels.ca/top-ten/top-10-misconceptions-about-driving/">Top 10 driving misconceptions</a></blockquote>
<strong>4. Do not follow trucks up close</strong>

You may not have the choice… Getting stuck behind a truck is unavoidable. But as the driver of your vehicle, you can choose how close you are following said truck. Not only is it safer to leave a greater distance, you will be saving your car from flying rocks and other debris which, over time, damage the paint, damage your headlights and windshield. As a bonus, when following a badly maintained older truck, staying far means less black fumes get into the filter of your ventilation system.

<img class="" src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Cars-and-Trucks.jpg" alt="Cars and trucks daily driving" width="600" height="456" />

<strong>5. Take it easy at first</strong>

Your car engine is made to run and move your car swiftly, but is designed to do so when at operating temperatures. There is no need to idle the car for long, but take it easy for the first few kilometres while the engine goes up to its normal operating temperature. This will save you wear and tear as well as save some fuel; many engines are not as fuel-efficient when cold.
<blockquote>
<p class="p1"><strong><span class="s1">RELATED: <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/news/should-you-warm-up-your-car-before-driving-it/">Should you warm up your car before driving it?</a></span></strong></p>
</blockquote>
<strong>6. Smooth is key</strong>

Smoothness in your actions at the wheel is very important, not only for the stability of the car while moving, but also for the durability of the vehicle’s components. For example, start braking slowly and a bit earlier than you normally do, so you don’t have to make panic stops all the time. The same applies to lane changes or merging into traffic. By going smoothly the various mechanical parts of the car will not take a hit but actually be able to work as intended, and thus last longer… Plus your passengers will enjoy the ride rather than being tossed around.
<blockquote>
<p class="p1"><strong><span class="s1">MORE: <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/news/nine-tips-for-driving-safely-in-the-rain/">9 tips for driving safely in the rain</a></span></strong></p>
</blockquote>
<strong>7. Floor it sometimes!</strong>

It may sound opposite to the previous advice, but your engine does need to be wound up and pushed at times. Wait until it is at proper operating temperatures and once in a while, when merging onto highways for example, step on the gas for a swift acceleration. Getting the engine up in revolution will allow it to work hard and burn some of the carbon deposit that tends to accumulate around the valve train. Doing this occasionally will help prevent having an engine head all gummed up or covered with carbon deposits.

<strong>8. Get to a full stop before reversing</strong>

How often do you, in a rush, throw the gear change lever into reverse (R) while the car is still in movement? That is the best recipe for an early transmission failure. Take the time to reach a full stop before shifting; this applies to any shifting action. Shifting before this full stop means the transmission needs to take the brunt of the momentum while shifting, which causes undue damage over time.

Make sure to also do so when shifting into park (P). Shifting in park on an automatic transmission means your are engaging a very small lever to lock a gear; that lever is not designed to stop the car and having to do so too often will result in premature failure.

<strong>9. Steer while rolling</strong>

Whenever possible, try to steer only when the car is in movement. Even when doing a parallel parking maneuver, get the car rolling slightly before turning the steering wheel. This will prevent too much effort being exerted on the steering rack and components, the major cause for steering rack failure. Turning the wheels while standing still puts tremendous stress on the whole steering system as it then has to fight with the tire and asphalt friction while the whole weight of the vehicle is on them.

<img class="" src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Steering-Wheel.jpg" alt="Steering wheel" width="600" height="456" />

<strong>10. Plan errands in one round</strong>

As much as possible, try to plan all your errands of the day in one outing. There is nothing more damageable for an engine but to be run for only very short trips while being cold. In doing all errands at once, you reduce the time the engine is running cold and have more chances of having it stay to operating temperatures.

A little bit of caution and understanding of your vehicle by following these daily driving tips will help contribute to keeping your car in good shape.
<blockquote><strong>More: </strong><a href="http://www.wheels.ca/guides/10-tips-for-safe-spring-driving-2/">10 tips for safer spring driving</a></blockquote>

10 daily driving tips to help your vehicle last longer and save you money

Man buying new car

There are two lines of thought when buying a vehicle: those who swear by new vehicles and those who will always go with a used car. Both are great ways to solve your automotive needs. Here are a few thoughts to help you figure out which one suits you best.

<strong>Going new</strong>

Opting to go with a new car has a lot of benefits. You get a brand new vehicle, which still has a full warranty, should not need any repairs for a while and has everything working as intended… new brakes, suspension, tires, no scratches, a brand new engine, up-to-date technology and no door dings on a shiny newly painted body. Add to this the ego flattering aspects of having the newest shiny rolling stock on the block and the so elusive new car smell welcoming you every time you get in your new ride and it is easy to understand why new cars are the choice for many.
<blockquote><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/guides/what-car-should-i-buy/" target="_blank">What car should I buy?</a></blockquote>
While it is less true today with fixed option packages rather than stand alone options, you do get the chance to choose a vehicle equipped closer to the way you want it and select your color when going new.

<img class="" src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Girl-getting-keys-to-car.jpg" alt="Women sitting in car, receiving keys from dealer" width="599" height="455" />

&nbsp;

On the downside, the price of entry is the highest and you will be hit be depreciation hard in the first three to four years of ownership. A quick look on <a href="http://www.canadianblackbook.com/">Canadian Black Book</a>’s website, showcasing future value and actual trade-in or selling it yourself values, shows that, depending on the model, vehicles will loose fifty percent of their original price three to four years after being on the road.

<strong>How about a used car?</strong>

From a financial standpoint, opting to go with a used car makes a lot of sense. For half the price of a new car you get the same model and brand of car, but four years older. Seen another way, the price of entry of a brand new compact car will allow you, on the used market, to get a bigger, well equipped or more luxurious vehicle.
<blockquote><strong>RELATED: <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/top-ten/top-ten-things-consider-purchasing-family-car/">Top Ten Things to Consider When Buying a Family Car</a></strong></blockquote>
There are drawbacks though. A proper search of the vehicle’s history, through an online tool is imperative to help figure out if the vehicle has been damaged, totalled or not been thrown in the hands of too many owners.

Other drawbacks have to do with the fact you will never know how well the vehicle has been maintained or exactly in which shape all the vehicle’s functions are. A simple contingency plan will help you here: <strong>reduce your budget by a grand or two and keep this money aside for the first year</strong>. This will allow you to be prepared and be able to afford the repair if the brakes, suspension or some electric gadget isn't working as well as it should.

<img class="" src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Used-Car.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="456" />

<strong>Which is best for me?</strong>

The answer depends a lot on your own needs and tolerance for risk. If you can’t stand not knowing if a car will need repairs or not in the first year of ownership, then go new. If you like to change cars every year or so, just because, then go used and your wallet will feel better for it. In the same vein, if the financial aspect is more important than showing up in the next best thing, a used car will be golden.

A key point to keep in mind when going used: <strong>no two used cars are the same and you need to do a bit more homework before buying.</strong>
<blockquote><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/guides/heres-how-to-buy-your-next-car/" target="_blank">Here's how to buy your next car</a></blockquote>

Should I buy a new or a used car?

happy car salesman handshaking with middle aged buyer

car salesman handshaking with middle aged buyer

<h3>Hints to help you assess which car you need before starting the search.</h3>
Which car should I buy is the question automotive people like me get asked the most. The proper question is more in the lines of: what type of car do I need? Here are hints and suggestions to help steer you towards the type of car you actually need.

Vanity and “how will I look at the wheel of this” kind of ego-driven thoughts always happen, but need to be put aside for a few minutes here. The goal is to figure out what vehicle will suit your needs for the next few years… Or even decade.

<strong>How long?</strong>

Speaking about years or decade, the first question you needs to ask yourself is how long you expect to keep this next vehicle? This will have an incidence on which car you go for… If you plan to keep the car for over ten years, you need to factor in the changes in your family situation and make sure the car will answer these needs appropriately.

<img class="" src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/coulple-buying-car-copy.jpg" alt="couple discussing what car to buy at a dealership" width="599" height="455" />

Say you are a newlywed for example. Do you and your spouse want to have kids? How soon? If yes and the answer is within the next three to five years, then you need to make sure your next vehicle will be able to accommodate for baby seats as well as cargo… You have no idea how much stuff needs to be carried, even on a small day-trip, when you have toddlers and very young kids aboard!
<blockquote>
<p class="p1"><strong><span class="s1">Related: <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/guides/5-essential-car-accessories-moms-toddlers/">5 Essential Car Accessories for Moms With Toddlers</a></span></strong></p>
</blockquote>
To the opposite, maybe your kids are all grown up and progressively leaving the family house. Do you still need that minivan or big SUV? Probably not.

In short, in assessing your needs, you need to ask yourself and try to figure out what your needs will be, in terms of people, cargo and distance covered over the planned ownership timeframe you are considering.

<strong>Various styles</strong>

Cars now come in more shapes and styles than ever. Two door coupe, traditional sedan, station wagon, crossover, small SUV, full-size SUV, minivan, pickup truck, sports car… To make choice even harder, manufacturers are going after small niches that were not even thought of twenty years ago, like VW and its Passat CC which is a coupe-looking sedan version of the <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/2014-volkswagen-passat-1-8t/" target="_blank">Passat sedan</a>.

As mind-numbing as these all are, doing your homework first in assessing your needs will help you narrow down the style of vehicle you should go for. To keep the same example mentioned earlier, you wont go for a low-headroom swoopy sedan-coupe like the Passat CC if you often need to carry adult-sized rear passengers, but it makes sense if you only occasionally have someone on these rear seats and style is important to you.

<strong>The mechanical aspect</strong>

There are a few questions you need to ask yourself that will influence what type of running gear you need to look for.

Do you spend most of your time in the city or on the highway? If you are a <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/kia-soul-ev-2015-review/" target="_blank">city driver</a>, then a smaller car will allow better parking and maneuverability and a font-wheel drive or all-wheel drive car will help you get out of snow covered parking lots; if you are always on the highway, then you will want a larger car for comfort and stability and all-wheel drive is less of a need.
<blockquote><strong>Interested in SUV's? Read about the best SUV/CUV's of 2015 below:</strong>

<strong><a href="http://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/the-2015-subaru-outback-lives-up-to-its-name/">Best SUV/CUV under 35k</a></strong>

<strong><a href="http://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/2015-toyota-highlander-review/">Best SUV/CUV 35k-60k</a></strong>

&nbsp;</blockquote>
Do you go off the beaten path often? Never? Then don’t bother with all-wheel drive. If you do occasionally, then a vehicle with decent ground clearance and a good all-wheel drive system will work well. If you are often <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/top-ten/top-5-road-adventure-vehicles-canadian-international-auto-show/" target="_blank">off-roading</a>, then a proper four-wheel drive vehicle will be needed.

<strong>Who do I carry?</strong>

As important as this question is, it is often the most overlooked aspect of deciding which car to go for.

It is very important to consider rear passenger legroom if you are going to carry toddlers or newborn babies. This may seem counter-intuitive as they are very short, but the rear-facing seats they need to be strapped-in can be very cumbersome. For example, the six-foot tall man I am can’t sit in the front passenger seat if I carry our youngest daughter in her rear-facing car seat in my 2004 <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/sensible-volvo-s60-and-v60-have-an-evil-twin/">Volvo S60</a> as the seat needs to be brought forward to allow enough space for the baby seat; this causes no problem whatsoever in our family wagon, a 2004 Volvo V70, which seems to be the same as the S60, but has a longer wheelbase and offers more rear seat legroom.

<img class="" src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/kid-in-car-seat-copy.jpg" alt="child in car seat" width="679" height="455" />

Another consideration is if you or passengers you often carry are elderly or have mobility issues. You may find a regular sedan to be too low and be hard to sit in or get out of; crossovers and small SUVs are great for that as they often offer a seating position that is closer to waistline and do not require one to climb in the car or drop into it.

If you have a family and often run around to various practices or take short trips with extra kids, ask yourself if a vehicle with an extra set of seats, to be used occasionally, may not be needed?

<strong>What else do I carry?</strong>

People are important, but it is just as important to consider what needs to be carried regularly in the vehicle. Are you packing the car with luggage on a very regular basis to head out to the cottage? Then make sure the cargo area can swallow all this activity gear… If it is only once or twice a year, then a rooftop cargo box can do the trick. Do you spend your winters going to the ski hills once or twice a week? Then you may want to make sure you next car has a ski pass-through allowing you to place the skis inside the car and still have use of those rear seats. If you are a DIY type of person, then a cargo area with a hatch, like a station wagon or an SUV, will allow easier loading at the lumber yard or at the garage sale.

<img class="" src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/full-trunk-copy.jpg" alt="trunk full of items" width="599" height="456" />

Put some thought into what your needs are and it will help ensure you make the right choice when it comes time to decide which car you need next.

Philippe Crowe

Articles by Philippe Crowe

Save Money with these 8 Easy Car Maintenance Tips

10 daily driving tips to help your vehicle last longer and save you money

Should I buy a new or a used car?

What car should I buy?