Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/456199
Spring into Action The time for preventative maintenance is now by Mifi Purvis Y ou may have winterized your vehicle last fall, but have you done anything with it since? Studies show 29 per cent of Canadians don't do preventative maintenance – in any season. Yet this is the one way we can keep expensive problems from cropping up down the road. Spring is a time of renewal, hence a per- fect time for a refresh. Here is your to-do list to keep your car running smoothly. 1. Put away the block heater cord. Open the hood and secure the cord in the engine compartment. Allowing it to flap loose can ruin the cord and damage your vehicle's paint. 2. Change your oil. "The recommended period between oil changes varies, depending on the vehicle," says Ken Francis, Approved Auto Repair Services supervisor for CAA Mani- toba. Your manual may reveal you've been BEHIND THE WHEEL istock S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 | G O I N G P L A C E S 49 TOP TIP: "Keeping your tires properly inflated is an easy and fast way for you to optimize your vehicle's operation. Proper tire inflation makes your tires last longer, reduces fuel costs, helps the environment and provides a safer, more comfortable ride. It's something you can easily do on your own and requires only a tire gauge, air supply and your vehicle's recommended tire pressure, which can be found in the owner's manual." –Ken Francis, Approved Auto Repair Services Supervisor, CAA Manitoba changing oil more often than you need to. Many people opt to use synthetic oil in winter for eas- ier cold weather starting; switch to an organic- based oil for the warmer months. 3. Change your air filter. A clogged filter obstructs the fresh air your engine needs for combustion, causing your car to burn as much as 10 per cent more gas. Check or change your filter every time you change your oil – more often if you're driving on dusty roads. 4. Check your tires. If your tires are wearing unevenly, your car is working harder and burn- ing more gas than it has to. Common wisdom says to rotate and align your tires every 10,000 km, but your car manual might advise other- wise. Check for uneven tire wear patterns that may indicate the need for a wheel alignment. 5. Lighten your load. Is your trunk perma- nently full of odds and ends? A load of 45 kg can reduce fuel efficiency by up to two per cent. While you're lightening up, remove roof carriers to lessen drag and reduce fuel consumption. 6. Clean up. Wipe away winter's salt and sand, washing floor mats and vacuuming your vehicle's interior. Wash and wax the outside to protect it from rust. "Also consider asking your repair shop to wash the undercarriage," says Francis. "is is an often overlooked area for cleaning, and can help prevent rust." GP Save More CAA members save 3% (up to $50) in CAA Dollars at CAA Rewards garage partners. Visit www.caamanitoba.com/3percent for a list of participating facilities. There are more than 100 CAA Approved Auto Repair Service facilities in Manitoba. Find the one closest to you at www.caamanitoba.com/garages.