What scheduled maintenance is

Every vehicle has a maintenance schedule that lists what to service and when: fluids, filters, spark plugs, belts and inspections at set distances or times. Following it is what gets a car to high mileage without big surprises.

If you bought the car used and have no records, we start with a baseline: check what is due by age and distance, look at the condition of each fluid and build a plan in order of importance, so you are not hit with everything at once.

When your car is due for service

A service reminder on the dash (Service A or B, Inspection, Service due)
You are coming up on a distance milestone
You bought the car used with no service history
It has been more than a year since the last service
You are planning a long road trip
The manufacturer warranty is ending and you want it checked over

How a maintenance visit goes

01
Look up your schedule
By make, model, engine and distance, including time-based items.
02
Inspect
Fluids, filters, belts, hoses, brakes, tires, lights and a check for leaks.
03
Do what is due
Only the items the schedule and the inspection call for, after you approve them.
04
Reset and record
Service indicators reset, and an itemized invoice for your records.

What a schedule usually covers

Engine oil and filter
Engine air filter and cabin air filter
Brake fluid
Coolant
Transmission and differential fluids
Spark plugs
Drive belts
Inspection of brakes, tires, suspension and steering

Maintenance questions we get asked

What happens if I skip scheduled maintenance?

Nothing right away, which is why it gets skipped. Old fluids stop protecting the parts they are in, and the repair that follows costs far more than the service would have.

My car is used and has no records. Where do I start?

With an inspection and the items that protect the expensive parts: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid. Then the rest in order of importance.

Does my driving count as severe service?

Most schedules define severe service as short trips, stop and go traffic, extreme cold or heat and dusty or salted roads. A daily Toronto commute usually qualifies, which shortens some intervals.

Can you reset my service light?

Yes, as part of the service. On European models the reset is done with a scan tool so the car's service counters stay accurate.