Service Tips And Advice Spring Vehicle Maintenance
Winter is fading quickly from memory and the smell of spring is in the air. Most vehicles have survived Canada’s harsh winter environment without prob‑ lems, but winter driving usually means a lot of idling time for our vehicles. Extended warm up times and slower commutes because of poor road conditions take their toll on all vehicles. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way to ensure trouble-free motoring this spring. Under hood inspections are mostly visual. You can see the levels of brake fluid and engine coolant in their reservoirs on most vehicles. Low brake fluid could indicate a leak but if the brake pedal is firm, then it likely indicates worn brake pads. Low engine coolant is a sign of a leak. External leaks will leave a visible stain on the parts. An internal engine coolant leak is more serious as it can destroy an engine when cool‑ ant mixes with the oil. It’s time to have your Mitsubishi service centre check out your vehicle if either level is low. Also, an oil or wet spot on the driveway or gar‑ age floor may be an early indication of trouble. Your service centre can determine if it is serious or just re‑ quires some maintenance. Spring is also time to change your engine oil. Cold starts and short trips cause a lot of condensation in‑ side the engine. Over the winter, a litre or more of water could collect in your engine oil. The water caus‑ es sludge and acids to form inside the engine. The oil level may look fine, but extended highway driving will cause the water to evaporate and your engine is now operating with low oil levels. A simple oil and filter change will help protect the engine. While under the hood, take a look at the engine acces ‑ sory drive belt or belts. Belts can last many years but if you see large cracks or chunks missing from the belt then they are due for a change. Now is also a good time to refill the windshield washer container. Spring rains and dirty roads can hinder your visibility quick‑ ly. If your vehicle sits outside most of the time, wind‑ shield wiper blades should be replaced every couple years. The rubber blades get hard with age and don’t clean well. Washing the vehicle thoroughly is a good way to get rid of winter salt accumulations. Wash inside the wheel openings, inside front fenders, along the bot‑ toms of doors and beneath the car body as much as possible, but avoid spraying electrical components and connections. Finish the task by applying polish to the exterior paint (in a shaded location). This not only prolongs the life of your vehicle but increases its value and you will likely feel better driving it.
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