The current state of the automobile market has been turned upside down: order books swollen to the hilt, new vehicles that are long overdue, significant price increases for used vehicles. In this rather pessimistic context, consumers are choosing to keep their vehicle (or to buy it at the end of the lease). And they are not alone. According to the Statistical Institute of Quebec, the aging of the vehicle fleet is accelerating. For example, before the pandemic, there were 1,251,379 cars and light trucks over 11 years old in the Belle Province; 24 months later, that number had increased to just over 200,000. Some maintenance is required.
We can never repeat it enough, a well-kept maintenance record not only extends the useful life of a vehicle, but will also make it – if necessary – more attractive at the time of resale.
Prevention is better than cure
Despite the progress made by the automotive industry to extend the life of certain components (spark plugs, for example), periodic maintenance remains a necessity and does not call for any dispute. And yet, yes. Consumers have neglected to follow the most basic recommendations of the manufacturer. Examples ? Here are two that will do the trick: failure to meet the recommended octane rating for an internal combustion engine or the false impression that an electric vehicle requires no maintenance. And, in the current economic context, we can only assume the rest: an “on the go” interview.
Despite its large circulation, the owner’s manual is still a little consulted book today. Yet it contains all the relevant information (including in the aesthetic sector) to keep your vehicle in top shape.
And since the administration of warranties is the responsibility of the manufacturer, it is their responsibility to establish the rules of the game.
do it yourself
The maintenance recommended by the manufacturer takes precedence at all times over that of the dealer or the independent workshop. They sometimes offer checks that you could normally perform yourself: checking tire pressure and wear, replacing windshield wipers, adding engine oil and much more.
Small outings
If you travel more than 18,000 km per year, maintenance intervals must be observed. On the other hand, if you drive very little, the question arises.
Imagine that you are recommended an inspection every three months or 6000 km. But during this same period, you travel only 1500 km. So the temptation would be great, given the costs associated with these inspections, to skip a few. While we recognize that mileage determines actual wear, the fact remains that some components are directly affected by time, weather conditions, and even road conditions. Hence the importance of complying with the instructions listed in the maintenance booklet. If not, some of the indicator lights on the dashboard will be sure to remind you of your responsibilities. The computer connected to these lights establishes the frequency of maintenance by calculating the number of engine revolutions per minute, the number of times the vehicle has been started, etc. But it does not take into account any measure of the time elapsed between inspections.
Good addresses
As soon as the warranty expires, many motorists leave the dealership network in favor of independent workshops or supermarkets. Most are able to perform the same inspections, the same routine maintenance. But before having recourse to these establishments, it must first be ensured that each of the verifications will be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations using appropriate equipment.