Looking for some simple car maintenance tips? Car maintenance can seem like a scary and daunting task that is best left to professionals. However, there are some very simple checks and tweaks you can do to save yourself shop visits, and potentially a costly repair!
4. Be mindful of dash lights and engine noises
If you are looking for a reliable mechanic you can trust in the KW area, contact us today!
Car Maintenance Tips
1. Check Your Oil
Your car's engine relies on oil to remain lubricated and in good working order. Fresh clean oil is amber in colour, while old dirty oil will appear black.
You need to check your oil to ensure your vehicle's engine is properly lubricated, which helps prevent overheating, reduces friction, and minimizes wear and tear on engine components.
Regular oil checks can also help you identify potential issues early, such as oil leaks or contamination, maintaining your car's performance and extending its lifespan.
Every car has a dipstick located under the hood which is meant for checking oil levels to ensure they are within the safe operating range.
If your car runs out of oil your engine can be destroyed in minutes, which will cost thousands of dollars to repair! Hansma Automotive is able to provide routine oil changes for customers, but we encourage all customers to be proactive in monitoring their vehicle's fluid levels.
Check your oil regularly.
2. Check Transmission Fluid
Just as the engine needs oil to run, the transmission needs fluid to run as well. Checking your transmission fluid is crucial to ensure your vehicle's transmission operates smoothly and efficiently. Proper transmission fluid levels and condition help:
Prevent Transmission Damage: Adequate fluid keeps the transmission lubricated, preventing wear and tear.
Ensure Smooth Shifting: The fluid enables smooth gear shifts by maintaining hydraulic pressure.
Maintain Vehicle Performance: Proper fluid levels ensure optimal vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
Identify Potential Issues Early: Regular checks can reveal leaks or fluid degradation, allowing for early intervention and avoiding costly repairs.
Extend Transmission Lifespan: Keeping the fluid in good condition helps extend the life of the transmission.
If they fluid has any impurities in it, or appears as a dark/cloudy colour, you should bring your vehicle in immediately to get the transmission fluid changed.
Consult your vehicle's user manual for the exact method on how to check your transmission fluid levels.
3. Rotate Your Tires
The different tire positions on a vehicle wear at different rates depending on your daily commute, and many other factors.
Rotating your tires to different spots on your vehicle ensures that the tires wear evenly, which allows for more life to be gained from each set of tires.
Tires are a costly thing, costing at minimum of $500 for a full set, and going up from there.
Being able to get an extra season or two out of a set of tires can go a long way towards reducing the cost of ownership of your vehicle.
Winter Tire Note: If you use a combination of winter and summer tires, it is important to remove your winter tires as soon as the summer weather comes around.
Winter tires provide much needed grip in the winter, but they do wear faster on summer asphalt , and also have reduced fuel economy when compared to summer tires.
Rotating your tires regularly helps ensure even tire wear, which extends the life of your tires, improves gas mileage, enhances vehicle handling, and maintains balanced traction
4. Be Mindful of Dash Lights and Vehicle Noises
Your vehicle is equipped with the capability to warn you of potential future problems through its gauges and dash lights.
Always be mindful of the check engine light, temperature gauge, check oil light/oil gauge, and any other fluid or notification light/gauges. If you see one light up, it is best to take it in right away to be checked out.
The noises your vehicle makes it also a excellent notifier of potential problems. If any new vibrations, rattlings, or other noises appear, it is best to get your vehicle checked out right away.
Click here to view our article on the different noises your vehicle might make
Don’t ignore what your engine lights are trying to tell you.
TRUST HANSMA FOR all car maintenance
Here’s why you can rely on Hansma for the best auto general repair service in the KW region:
Over 33 Years of Service: We have been serving the Kitchener region with the highest quality automotive services since 1987.
Locally Owned and Operated: You can feel good about supporting a locally owned and operated family business.
True Customer Care: At Hansma, we truly care about our customers. We will do our best to provide you with great customer care and service. When you come to Hansma, you will be treated like family.
Honest Customer Service: Our customers have come to appreciate our honest service. Our word-of-mouth referrals continue to be our largest source of new customers.
Competitive Pricing: Whether you are looking for a quick tire change or you require one of our other automotive services, our highly trained technicians will be able to diagnose and fix your vehicle at a highly competitive price.
Reliable Repairs: You can rely on the technical expertise of our friendly staff to keep your vehicle in peak condition.
Contact us today to book an appointment.
“Going there for over 30 years great service and staff wouldn’t go anywhere else.”