Browse through our extensive collection of regular automobile maintenance tips. Learn about your vehicle and how it works with help from our experts.
1. First
Our experts recommend:
- Inspect batteries, cables and belts every three months/6,000 Km.
- Test battery every spring and fall.
- Replace battery after three years (if required).
2. Next
Do you need a new battery? Choose one that:
- Meets or exceeds the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating recommended in your vehicle owner's manual.
- Will be properly held down in the battery tray. A proper fit will prevent damaging vibration.
- Offers the largest possible capacity if you drive in the extreme cold. A battery will lose about 40% of its cranking power in the drop from 27oC to -18oC -even if it's fully charged.
- Has a sufficient Reserve Capacity (RC), which indicates how long accessories can run while leaving enough power to start the engine.
1. First
Our experts recommend:
- Inspect belts and hoses every three months/6,000 Km.
- Replace every three to five years.
2. Next
If your belts are broken, excessively worn (professional measurement required) or cracked and haven't been replaced in at least five years, replace them. Belt tensioners and pulleys should be inspected and replaced as required at the same time a new belt is installed.
The hoses that deliver coolant from your engine to your radiator will degrade from the inside out. When it's time to replace your hoses, be sure to replace them all at once.
1. First
Our experts recommend:
- Inspect shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts annually.
- Replace if worn or damaged.
2. Next
Do you need new shock absorbers or struts?
- Shocks and struts should typically be replaced in pairs.
- Premium designs optimize vehicle control, handling, and can help to reduce braking distance.
- If you carry a lot of cargo or tow a trailer, consider selecting specialty shocks that are designed to respond to different vehicle ride heights.
1. First
Our experts recommend:
- Change traditional coolant every 24 months/48,000 Km.
- Change long-life coolants every five years/120,000 Km.
- Inspect hoses every three months/6,000 Km.
- Top up with 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water only.
2. Next
When flushing the cooling system and replacing the antifreeze, you should also replace these components at the same time:
- The thermostat, which regulates the flow of coolant from the engine to the radiator. This ensures that proper engine operating temperatures are maintained. Also assists in warming a cold engine and passenger compartment.
- The spring-loaded pressure cap, which raises the boiling point of the fluid. A cap that can withstand 15 psi will raise the coolant's operating range by 45oF. (The boiling point rises 3oF for every 1 psi of extra pressure.)
- The hoses, which should be replaced every three - five years, regardless of how they appear on the outside. Antifreeze/coolant chemicals break down hoses from the inside out. Replace coolant hoses in pairs.
- Hose Clamps, which should be replaced any time hoses are being replaced.
Important: To best clean the cooling system, a chemical flush under pressure is recommended.
1. First
Our experts recommend:
- Inspect brake system, including brake linings, brake fluid, parking brake, rotors and drums. every 12 months/24,000 Km.
2. Next
Do your brakes need servicing? Here are a few signs that you should service them right away:
- Noises - Squealing can indicate brake pads that have worn down to the planners and a grinding sound can mean pads have worn down to their backings, which are coming in contact with rotors.
- Warning lights - "BRAKE", "ABS" or "ANTILOCK" warning lights will briefly turn on when you first start your vehicle. If they stay on or continue to flash, there may be a fault in the anti-lock braking system.
- Pedal sensations - A pulsing pedal can indicate rotors that are out of round, while a low pedal can indicate the need to adjust rear brakes.
- Performance - "Spongy" brakes can indicate air is entering the brake system or that the brake fluid is contaminated. A vehicle that pulls to the side may indicate brakes are not balanced or there is a caliper problem.
- Low brake fluid - Dropping levels of brake fluid can indicate wearing brakes. The fluid fills the space left by the caliper pistons as they are required to move outward. Frequent top-ups can be a sign of a leak in the hydraulic system that should be addressed by a qualified technician.
- Brake flush - Recommended when brake fluid is contaminated.
1. First
Our experts recommend:
- Replace oil filter at every oil change after three months/6,000 Km for most conditions.
- Replace air filters every 12 months/24,000 Km-more often in dirty environments.
2. Next
- Replace the oil filter every time you change your oil.
- Internal filter structures can vary significantly - premium filters trap and hold more contaminants.
- Change your air filter often-if an air filter becomes too dirty, your fuel economy or performance may suffer.
1. First
Our experts recommend:
- Check fuel filter every three months/6,000 Km.
- Replace fuel filters at least every two years/48,000 Km.
- Clean entire system every 12 months/24,000 Km.
2. Next
The fuel filter, which is responsible for capturing dirt and rust from your fuel tank, should be replaced whenever a new fuel pump is installed, or work is conducted on the fuel system.
Your vehicle may require a complete fuel system cleaning if:
- It shudders while idling
- The engine stalls
- There's a hesitation when you accelerate
- It's slow to start
- Fuel economy drops
Vehicles built since 1996 also incorporate the latest generation of onboard diagnostic tools known as OBD II. If a "CHECK ENGINE" or "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" light appears on your dash, seek service immediately to prevent expensive damage to your catalytic converter.
1. First
Our experts recommend:
- Replace transmission fluid and filter every two years or 48,000 Km
2. Next
- Flushing and filling the transmission and torque converter will remove more contaminants than simply draining from the transmission pan.
- Transmission fluids-with names such as Dexron III/Mercon V, ATF+4 or Type F-are designed for specific vehicles. Your owner's manual or transmission dipstick will recommend a specific formula.
- Towing and severe driving conditions such as quick stops and starts, steep hills and spinning wheels can all generate heat-and heat is the transmission fluid's biggest enemy. If you regularly expose your vehicle to these severe conditions, consider a premium fluid such as a synthetic formula.
- Replace your transmission filter whenever you change your transmission fluid. The filter captures contaminants such as the metal shavings that are generated under normal operating conditions. It can even trap broken parts that could lead to bigger problems if they're allowed to travel through the transmission.
1. First
Our experts recommend:
- Inspect steering and suspension components every 12 months/24,000 Km.
- Inspect tire inflation and condition every month.
- Check alignment whenever replacing tires.
2. Next
You may require an alignment if:
- You need to hold onto the steering wheel to drive straight ahead
- You've just changed the tires
- You've been involved in a collision
- Steering or suspension parts such as the tie rods, control arms, bushings or idler arm have been changed
- You've driven the first 3,000 Km in a new car
- Your front-wheel-drive car just had a transaxle repair
1. First
Our experts recommend:
- Replace gear lubricant every 24 months/48,000 Km.
2. Next
Do you need to replace your gear lubricant? Here are some trouble signs:
- A high-pitched sound when accelerating or slowing
- A howling sound
- A "clunking" when accelerating or shifting between reverse and drive
- Hopping when turning in one direction only
Rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles should have their differential lubes changed on a regular basis. Just keep in mind that all gear lubes are not created equal.
- Synthetic formulas will do a better job at lubricating parts in all operating conditions-particularly extreme heat or cold.
- Positive-lock differentials-typically known by brand names such as "PositractionTM" or "Traction-LockTM"-can require a special lubricant or the use of an additive.
- Four-wheel-drive vehicles also have a separate differential for each axle.
1. First
Our experts recommend:
- Replace every 12 months-more often in areas with heavy contaminants or when HVAC efficiency is reduced.
2. Next
Replace your filter or ask to do it for you. Never attempt to clean an old cabin air filter and put it back in place. This will damage the filter and reduce its effectiveness.
1. First
Our experts recommend:
- Replace every six months or when displaying signs of cracks, cuts, tears, streaks or chattering.
2. Next
Do you need new wiper blades? You'll need them if you see these trouble signs:
- Streaking - Tree sap, road tar or other grime can harden and crack the rubber, leading to streaks.
- Chattering - Wipers will form a permanent curve if they're parked in one position for an extended period of time, causing them to skip across the windshield.
- Worn rubber - Wipers require a defined edge to do their job.
- Split rubber - Old wiper blades, or those exposed to excessive ultraviolet rays, can split along their length.
- Bent refill vertebra or wiper frames-the backbone of the blade applies pressure against the windshield.
1. First
Our experts recommend:
- Inspect belts and hoses every three months/6,000 Km.
- Inspect A/C system every 12 months/24,000 Km.
- Check for leaks on an annual basis.
2. Next
Is your A/C working? See your NAPA AUTOPRO service centre if you see any of the following signs of trouble with your air conditioning system:
- A fan or blower that's louder than usual
- A compressor that frequently engages and disengages (seen as surge or drop in engine RPM)
- Rough idling or high engine temperatures whenever you run A/C
- Dash controls that don't work
- Musty odours
- Water on the floor
Keep in mind: It is illegal to re-fill or repair older Freon (R12). System must be upgraded to new R134A refrigerant.
1. First
Our experts recommend:
- *Inspect exhaust system every 12 months/24,000 Km.
2. Next
Is your exhaust system working properly? See your NAPA AUTOPRO service centre if you see any of the following signs of trouble with your exhaust system:
- Cracks or small holes in exhaust manifolds and/or gaskets
- Cracks, damaged wires, or blocked intakes in oxygen sensors
- Overheating, dents, clogs or corrosion in catalytic converters
- Excessive rust or holes in resonators and mufflers
- Excessive rust or broken bolts in pipes, hangers, clamps and brakets
- Any parts that are hanging low from the bottom of your vehicle
- If emissions lights glow, this may indicate a problem that has been detected by your emissions sensor and could be exhaust system related
