Regular Maitenance

What is Regular Maintenance?

Scheduled maintenance (SM) is a set of regular service procedures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to ensure its proper functioning and longevity.

Why is Regular Maintenance Important?

Regular maintenance helps to:
✔ Prevent major breakdowns
✔ Ensure driving safety
✔ Extend the vehicle’s lifespan
✔ Maintain the manufacturer’s warranty

Maintenance Frequency

The frequency of scheduled maintenance depends on:
🔹 The make and model of the vehicle
🔹 Mileage (usually every 10,000–15,000 km)
🔹 Operating conditions
🔹 Time (e.g., once a year)

What Does Regular Maintenance Include?

Replacement of consumables:

Engine oil and oil filter
Air and cabin filters
Fuel filter
Spark plugs
Coolant and brake fluid

Inspection and diagnostics:

Braking system
Suspension
Electronics and battery
Tire pressure

Next, we will take a closer look at all types of scheduled vehicle maintenance.

*Regular maintenance takes an average of 30 min for Oil and Filters and up to 120 minutes for brakes, spark plugs, etc.

Engine Oil

An essential part of every scheduled vehicle maintenance is the replacement of engine oil and related consumables.

The replacement of consumable materials is carried out according to a "schedule" determined by the regulations and the vehicle's mileage.

Our auto service in Calgary will perform an engine oil change for your vehicle, ensuring high-quality consumables and top-notch service.

Regular oil changes protect your engine from wear, prevent overheating of components, and shield metal surfaces from corrosion. That’s why this maintenance should never be neglected.

We partner with the German company Liqui Moly, a trusted and reputable brand known for its high-quality products that keep your engine running smoothly.

Filters

Air Filter Replacement Frequency

During the operation of a car, the filter gradually loses its capacity due to contamination, which makes it unable to "supply" the engine with the necessary amount of oxygen.

IMPORTANT!
The air filter is part of the mandatory list of consumables that should be replaced every 10-15 thousand kilometers.

A high-quality, fresh cabin filter not only ensures the intake of fresh air, cleaning it from various impurities, dust, moisture, and dirt, but also guarantees a comfortable environment for the driver while operating the vehicle.

What are the consequences of a clogged cabin filter?
The pores of the filter become clogged, preventing the free flow of air into the car's cabin. Additionally, a large amount of dirt and moisture in the filter promotes the growth of microorganisms and fungi, leading to unpleasant odors inside the cabin.

Fuel is one of the main components necessary for the operation of an internal combustion engine, and its quality directly affects the engine's performance and condition. To combat contaminated fuel, cars are equipped with a fuel filter that needs to be regularly replaced.

Where does contaminated fuel come from?
Fuel can contain various impurities and resins, dust, sand, dirt, and small hard particles.

Brake system

Brake pads, like brake discs, are one of the most important components of a car's braking system. The condition of the pads directly affects safety while driving. We recommend checking the condition of the pads during every visit to the service center, as even the sensor doesn't always accurately reflect the wear level.

Signs of brake pad wear:

Squeaking noises while driving and braking;
Increased braking distance;
“Dips” when pressing the brake pedal;
Vibrations during sharp braking.
Uneven pad wear

Recommendations after replacing brake pads:
After replacing the pads, to ensure proper bedding to the brake discs and effective performance of the braking system as a whole, we recommend maintaining a calm driving style and avoiding sudden braking for the first 100-200 km.

Brake discs, like brake pads, are crucial components of the braking system. Their condition directly affects the safety of the driver, passengers, and other road users. Therefore, we recommend checking the brake discs and pads during each service visit.

On average, brake discs last twice as long as brake pads, and they are usually replaced during the second pad replacement. The service life of original brake discs is typically 40,000-50,000 km.

We also recommend not forgetting about other brake components, such as brake fluid and the parking brake.

Grinding and other unpleasant noises when using the parking brake may indicate a need to replace the parking brake control unit.

This unit can fail if the vehicle has been driven a significant distance with the parking brake accidentally engaged.

Brake fluid should be replaced every two years and bled as needed when working with brake components.

Spark Plugs

The average lifespan of spark plugs is 60,000 kilometers, and according to the maintenance schedule, they should be replaced during every fourth service interval. The main factor affecting spark plug lifespan is fuel quality — poor-quality gasoline can lead to unstable engine operation and electrode burnout.

Signs of malfunction or wear may include:

Misfires and engine misrunning;
Increased fuel consumption;
Difficult engine startup;
Reduced power and decreased torque.

Coolant

Why and When to Change Engine Coolant in a Car:

Why Change the Coolant:

Decreased Efficiency Over Time: Over time, coolant loses its ability to effectively dissipate heat and prevent engine overheating.
Changes in Freezing and Boiling Points: Old coolant can lose its protective properties, resulting in a higher freezing point and a lower boiling point, potentially damaging the engine.
Corrosion Prevention: Coolant contains additives that protect the metal components of the cooling system from corrosion. These additives break down over time, leading to rust, clogs, and potential damage to the radiator, water pump, and engine block.
Preventing Scale and Deposits: Old coolant can form deposits and scale, disrupting fluid circulation, causing overheating, and potentially damaging the thermostat.
Protecting Seals and Gaskets: Fresh coolant helps maintain the elasticity of seals and gaskets, preventing leaks.

When to Change the Coolant:

Typically, coolant should be replaced every 2-5 years or every 40,000 - 100,000 km, depending on the coolant type and the manufacturer's recommendations.
If there are signs of corrosion, overheating, leaks, or discoloration of the coolant, it should be changed sooner.

Regular coolant replacement helps maintain stable engine performance, prevents overheating, and extends the lifespan of the cooling system.

Wheel alignment

Wheel alignment should be done in the following situations:

After replacing suspension or steering components: Replacing control arms, shock absorbers, tie rods, ball joints, or steering ends requires adjusting the wheel alignment.
After suspension repairs: Repairing or replacing suspension parts or the subframe can affect the wheel alignment angles.
After changing tires or wheels: If new wheels or tires of a different size are installed, it's recommended to check the alignment.
After an accident or a hard impact: If the vehicle has been in an accident or hit an obstacle (curb, pothole) with significant impact, the wheel alignment may be off.
Uneven tire wear: If the tire tread wears unevenly or too quickly, it may indicate misaligned wheels.
Steering issues: If the car pulls to one side, the steering wheel is off-center when driving straight, or there is instability on the road, checking the wheel alignment is recommended.
Routine maintenance: Some manufacturers recommend checking wheel alignment every 20,000 - 30,000 km or once a year.

Timely wheel alignment helps extend tire life, improve handling, and ensure road safety.