In addition to the many fluids present in your vehicles, don’t overlook the following preventative maintenance components.
Air Filters
A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air into your engine and can cause fuel economy to drop by 15% or more. Air filters should be replaced at least once per year to ensure the unrestricted delivery of clean air to your engine.
Fuel filters
Fuel filters can become contaminated with water or restricted by other particles causing other fuel delivery components to work harder to sustain fuel pressure. Late model vehicles have sealed filters that cannot be inspected and therefore must be replaced at the vehicle manufacturer's recommended replacement interval.
Chassis lubrication
Your vehicle's suspension and chassis contains numerous moving parts that are very susceptible to wear when proper lubrication schedules are not followed.
Cabin air filter
Cabin air filters were introduced in the last decade to enhance the quality of the air inside your vehicle's cabin. These filters remove particles, bacteria and other items harmful to human respiratory systems. They can also reduce the impact of reactions to people suffering from allergies. Cabin air filters should be replaced yearly.
Windshield wiper blades
Windshield wiper blades wear out much faster than most people think; they should be replaced every six months in Canadian climates.
Lights and bulbs
Lights, bulbs and fuses should be replaced as soon as a problem is found.
Coolant hoses
Radiator and other cooling system hoses deteriorate in normal use due to flexing, vibration, extreme temperatures and chemicals contained in your vehicle's coolant. Replace hoses when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen, restricted, or every 4 years.
Engine belts
V-Belts and serpentine belts should be checked annually for looseness and overall condition. Replace when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear.
Timing belts
Timing belts cannot be inspected for wear and must be replaced at the interval specified in your owner's manual. Failure to follow the recommended replacement interval could result in a breakdown or serious engine damage.
Spark plugs and ignition wires
Today's spark plugs and ignition wires range in life expectancy between 50,000 and 160,000 kms, depending on your vehicle and the type of service. Always replace at the interval listed in your owner's manual with the same type of spark plug.