A new year isn’t just the perfect time to reset your health or finances, it’s also the perfect time to get back on track with vehicle maintenance. For Calgary drivers in particular, staying on top of wear and tear is super important with the winter conditions, gravel roads, and extreme temperatures. A few simple habits can go a long way in keeping your vehicle reliable, safe, and cheaper in the long term to maintain.
Here are five easy car care resolutions to get your year started right.
1. Stay Consistent with Oil Changes
One of the simplest yet most effective maintenance habits is regular oil changes. Engine oil lubricates the parts in your engine and protects them from wear. After some time, the oil breaks down and gathers debris, which diminishes its effectiveness and may even cause harm to your engine.
How often should you change your oil? For most vehicles, every 5,000 to 8,000 km is the rule of thumb, but consult your owner’s manual for confirmation or book an oil change with us today. And remember, the cold-weather season puts additional stress on your engine-don’t delay this easy yet important service.
2. Regularly check for Tire Pressure & Tread
Tires are your only contact with the road-don’t take them for granted. Under-inflated tires wear down more quickly, reduce fuel efficiency, and can even be hazardous, particularly on icy Calgary streets. Meanwhile, overinflated tires can also reduce traction.
Make it a habit every month to:
- Check your tire pressure-use a digital gauge or stop by the local gas station
- Check tread depth- minimum legal tread is 1.6mm, but more is better in winter
- Check for uneven wear or visible damage
If you aren’t certain that your tires are in good condition, schedule a tire inspection with our shop.
3. Don’t Ignore Warning Lights or Strange Noises
We have all been there-wanting to just overlook that “check engine” light if the car seems to be running fine. But overlooking warning signs only invites bigger problems-and much larger repair bills. Odd sounds, too-squealing brakes or clunky steering-indicate something’s amiss.
Early Detection = Lower Repair Costs
If something feels off, let our certified technicians take a look. Learn about our general maintenance services.
4. Monitor Your Fluid Intake
Your car requires more than oil, however. Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid all have important jobs to perform for your vehicle to run smoothly and safely.
Pop the hood once a month-or every time you fill up-and take a look at :
- Windshield washer fluid-especially during slushy months
- Coolant/antifreeze level
- Brake fluid level and clarity
Don’t know what to look for? No problem-we’ll do a full fluid check during your next routine maintenance appointment.
5. Follow a Seasonal Maintenance Schedule
When living in Calgary, your car goes through some serious seasonal stress: salt, ice, potholes, and scorching summer heat. Each season brings along its share of vehicle wear.
Create a seasonal checklist, like:
- Winter: Battery test, tire swap, heater check
- Spring: Suspension and alignment check, wash off salt
- Summer: AC check, coolant top-up
- Fall: tire change, fluid top-up, winter preparation
We also provide seasonal vehicle inspections to help catch small problems before they become big ones. Book your seasonal check-up today.
Start the Year with Confidence
These simple, affordable, and amazingly effective habits will keep your car in a good, reliable state year-round. From daily commutes across Calgary to those road trips on the weekend, a well-maintained vehicle promises to be safer, smoother, and will not catch you off guard with high-priced repairs.
Ready to make 2025 your most reliable year on the road? Book in your maintenance check with Rite-Price today.
Call Rite-Price Today: 403-243-4204