Maintaining your vehicle
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Driver Habits
Always inspect your vehicle before driving. Check for fresh damage, fluid leaks, under-inflated tires, and anything that may be loose or unsecured.
Make sure doors, the hood, trunk, and fuel door/cap are fully closed or secured.
Clear off any ice, snow, or dirt that might reduce visibility or become hazardous if dislodged while driving.
From the driver’s seat, verify you have unobstructed visibility, all lights are working, and there are no illuminated dashboard warning lights (other than during engine start).
Loose objects in the vehicle can become projectiles; secure them before driving.
While driving, pay attention to unusual engine or exhaust noises, squealing or grinding brakes, and watch for any new warning lights.
For longer trips, check wipers, washer-fluid level, tire pressure/condition, and ensure lights are functioning properly.
Regular Maintenance
Follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule as outlined in the owner’s manual—this often depends on mileage or time intervals.
Regular servicing usually includes: oil and filter changes, checking/changing fluids, replacing air and fuel filters, rotating tires, and brake inspections.
Over time, more intensive servicing such as engine tune-ups, timing-belt replacement, or major fluid flushes may be needed.
Winter Maintenance
Keep your vehicle well-maintained so it can start reliably in cold weather.
Carry emergency supplies: a shovel, booster cables, flares or warning lights, a blanket, and a towing chain.
Always have extra windshield washer fluid on hand—winter conditions quickly deplete fluid levels.
A noisy or rattling exhaust may indicate a leak, which is especially hazardous when windows are closed in cold weather—have it inspected promptly.
Tires
Tires deteriorate over time and lose traction, even if they aren’t frequently used—replace any tire older than 10 years.
Passenger vehicle tires must be replaced when tread depth is less than 1.5 mm.
Vehicles over 4,500 kg must replace front tires when tread depth is less than 3 mm.
Look out for bumps, bulges, or cuts in the tire that expose cords—such tires must be replaced immediately.
All tires on a vehicle should be of a similar size and type for balanced handling and safety.
During winter, use four winter or all-weather tires with matching tread patterns for best traction.
In northern Ontario, studded tires are legally permitted for additional traction.
Regularly check tire pressure, rotate tires, and practice smooth driving to extend tire life.