It used to be the norm to change the oil every 5,000 kms but with modern lubricants, most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 8,000 to 12,000 kms. Moreover, if your car’s engine requires fully-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 10,000 kms between services or 6 months whichever comes first.

You should change your brake fluid every 2 years or 40,000 kms. Flushing or changing the brake fluid is a legitimate preventive maintenance method for your car. If the temperature of the brake fluid rises above boiling point, failure to replace brake fluid will lead to moisture contamination in your brake reservoir where the brake fluid is stored. This greatly leads to poor braking performance.

On average, brake pads begin to wear out around the 30,000 to 50,000 kilometer mark, but there are many factors that may impact this figure. Knowing which signs to look out for will therefore prove instrumental in detecting when your brake pads need to be replaced. If you feel your vehicle is taking longer to come to a stop or notice a high-pitch screeching or grinding noise when braking, scheduling a checkup is integral. Running with worn brake pads will eventually affect the rotors, which can be costly to repair. Taking a proactive approach will not only keep you safe but save you money as well.

The standard battery is projected to last three to five years, but variables like hot and cold weather can influence its longevity, so it is best to keep an eye out for signs your battery power is declining. If your headlights and dashboard lights are starting to dim or if your vehicle has difficulty starting, these are clues that your vehicle may be due for a battery replacement.

As the main point of contact with the pavement, tires are subject to the most wear and tear. This is especially true if you utilize your vehicle for off-roading or have a two-wheel drive system which puts most of the labor on a specific set of wheels. That being the case, having your tires rotated every six months or around 10,000 kilometers is a good rule to uphold. Doing so will ensure your tires wear evenly.

You can find out the optimum air pressure printed on the door jamb, and also printed in your owner’s manual. Too much pressure can make it difficult for you to maneuver your vehicle while too little pressure can result in a blow-out. So make sure you pressure is within the prescribed limit.