Whether you’ve just bought a used car or had one for years, regular maintenance is essential to save money. In Canada, harsh winters, long drives, and changing road conditions can put extra stress on vehicles. Without proper care, you may face unexpected costs and safety risks.
The Real Cost of Neglecting Maintenance
Routine maintenance keeps your car reliable and helps it hold its value. Simple tasks like changing the oil or flushing the coolant can catch minor issues before they turn into big problems.
At London Auto Valley, a trusted used car dealership in London, Ontario, we believe that educating our customers improves their driving experience. We’ve seen how simple checks can avoid major breakdowns. Whether you’re searching for the best-used car dealer in London or looking at used cars for sale, knowing how to maintain your vehicle protects your investment.
Engine Failure: A Pricey Breakdown That’s Easy to Prevent
Engine repairs or replacements can cost a lot of money, often in the thousands, but most of the time, they can be avoided. The engine is the heart of your car. If you don’t take care of it, it will eventually fail.
Causes You Can Avoid:
- Not changing your oil on time can harm your engine.
- If you don’t pay attention to the check engine light, you might miss important issues.
- Using the wrong type of oil can cause engine problems.
- Dirt can accumulate in your engine, leading to more issues.
Many of these problems develop slowly. Without regular car checkups, you may overlook early warning signs. If damage occurs, you could end up needing to rebuild or replace your engine.
What You Can Do:
- Check oil levels and add oil monthly.
- Change the oil every 5,000 to 8,000 km, or follow the manual.
- Use oil that matches the manufacturer’s requirements.
- Get an engine diagnostic scan once a year.
- Watch for changes in fuel economy; a sudden drop may indicate a problem.
Transmission Trouble: A Silent Bank-Buster
A broken transmission won’t make loud noises like a bad engine, but it can still break down badly. Fixing a transmission can cost more than what many used cars are worth. That’s why it’s important to act quickly.
Preventable Triggers:
- Don’t let your transmission fluid get too low or dirty.
- Avoid driving with old transmission filters.
- Always warm up your car in cold weather.
- Use the correct type of transmission fluid for your vehicle.
To save on repairs, especially for older cars, regularly check your transmission. You can prevent most problems by changing the fluid and driving carefully.
Stay Ahead By:
- Check fluid levels every month.
- Schedule flushes every 50,000 to 100,000 kilometres.
- Ask for filter inspections during service.
- Avoid towing too much without the right gear.
- Look out for slipping, delayed response, or grinding gears.
Brake System Failure: Dangerous and Expensive
The brake system is your car’s main safety feature in emergencies. Brake pads are cheap, but if you don’t replace them on time, you could damage the rotors and callipers, which can make repairs much more expensive.
Early Signs to Watch For:
- Squealing or grinding when braking: If you hear squealing or grinding sounds when you brake, it may indicate a problem.
- Longer stopping distances: If it takes longer to stop your car, this could be a sign that your brakes need attention.
- Vibrations during braking: Feeling vibrations when you brake means there might be an issue with your brake system.
- Brake pedal feels soft or bouncy: A soft or bouncy brake pedal can signal a problem with your brakes.
Regular brake inspections: Check your brakes often, especially if you drive in cities or hilly areas where they wear out faster. Regular car checkups can find these problems before they become serious.
Pro Tips:
- Change the brake pads before they wear out completely, typically between 30,000 and 70,000 km.
- Flush the brake fluid every two years.
- Check the callipers and rotors for wear.
- Act quickly if you see any brake warning lights on your dashboard.
- Request brake inspections when getting tire rotations or oil changes.
Cooling System Issues: Stop the Overheating Before It Starts
Overheating is a common reason cars break down. If you ignore the cooling system, it can build up pressure and seriously damage your engine.
What Neglect Looks Like:
- Coolant is leaking under the car.
- The engine often runs too hot.
- Steam is coming from the hood.
- You smell strange odours while driving.
The radiator, thermostat, water pump, and hoses must work well. If any part fails, the car can’t control its temperature.
Smart Steps:
- Coolant Replacement: Change the coolant every 2 to 3 years or after driving 50,000 km.
- Radiator Testing: Test the radiator for pressure once a year.
- Hoses and Belts: Replace any old or cracked hoses and belts.
- Fans and Thermostats: Check the fans and thermostats during each regular car checkup.
- Temperature Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your dashboard temperature gauge.
Battery and Electrical System Malfunctions
A dead battery is frustrating but easy to prevent for Canadian drivers. Cold weather harms batteries, and lack of care can shorten their life significantly.
Common Causes:
- Batteries that are old or weak can fail unexpectedly.
- Corroded terminals can disrupt the battery’s connection.
- A broken alternator or voltage regulator can lead to electrical issues.
- Electronics can drain the battery when the car is off.
Battery problems can cause sudden breakdowns and harm other parts of the electrical system. It’s wise to test your battery at least twice a year.
What You Should Do:
- Change the battery every 3 to 5 years.
- Clean the terminals every 6 months.
- Check for acid leaks or a swollen casing.
- Test the alternator’s voltage during checkups.
- Park inside or use thermal wraps in extreme cold.
Tire and Suspension Wear: Costly Repairs & Unsafe Driving
Tires and the suspension system cushion bumps and potholes. If they wear out unevenly or are not maintained, it can hurt your fuel efficiency, steering, and safety.
Things to Watch:
- Tires that wear unevenly can cause problems for your vehicle.
- If your vehicle pulls to one side, it may indicate alignment issues.
- Feeling strong vibrations when driving fast can be a sign of trouble.
- Hearing clunky noises when going over bumps means something might be wrong.
Ignoring small alignment problems can lead to major suspension and axle damage. This not only makes your ride uncomfortable but also increases maintenance costs in the long run.
Easy Fixes:
- Rotate tires every 10,000–12,000 km.
- Get wheel alignment once a year or when you change tires.
- Balance tires to minimize vibration.
- Maintain tire pressure at the recommended PSI, especially during seasonal changes.
- Check shocks and struts every 50,000 km.
Bonus Tip: The Hidden Cost of Skipping Inspections
Maintenance does more than prevent breakdowns; it helps keep your car’s resale value high. If you neglect maintenance, you could lose thousands when selling or trading in your car.
At London Auto Valley, we often find that buyers avoid cars without proper service records, even if the car looks good. Missing regular checkups raises concerns about the car’s reliability.
Boost Resale Value:
- Save all your maintenance receipts.
- Keep a service log in your glove box.
- Use approved mechanics for important repairs.
- Share a detailed service history when selling your car.
How to Build Your Own Used Car Maintenance Schedule
Every car needs different maintenance. Here’s a simple schedule most drivers can follow for maintaining a used car:
- Oil & Filter Change: Every 5,000–8,000 km
- Brake Check & Pad Replacement: Every 10,000–15,000 km
- Transmission Fluid: Every 50,000–100,000 km
- Coolant Flush: Every 2–3 years
- Tire Rotation & Alignment: Every 10,000–12,000 km
- Battery Check: Every 6–12 months
- Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000–25,000 km
- Spark Plugs: Every 30,000–60,000 km (varies by vehicle)
Check your owner’s manual and adjust the schedule based on your driving conditions. For example, rural roads, heavy traffic, or towing may require more frequent maintenance.
Why Dealerships Like London Auto Valley Stress Regular Maintenance
At London Auto Valley, we do more than sell cars; we prioritize long-term value and safety. As a leading spot for used cars in London, we aim to educate our customers on vehicle care.
- We recommend that buyers:
- Start a logbook when they buy a car
- Pay attention to dashboard reminders
- Check the maintenance history before buying
- Build trust with reliable mechanics
We also help you budget for car maintenance and plan seasonal services. Whether you’re new to driving or experienced, we’re here to help you protect your investment.
Small Habits, Big Savings
Taking care of your car can be simple. Develop small habits like checking fluids every month, monitoring tire pressure, and keeping maintenance records.
Stick to a used car maintenance schedule, schedule regular checkups, and fix problems early to save on repairs and make your car last longer.
If you need help getting started, our team at London Auto Valley is here for you. As a top used car dealership in London, Ontario, we can guide you in maintaining your car and recommend reliable service professionals.
