When it comes to keeping a car running well, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When I was younger, I had a bad habit of running my vehicles until they were no longer road-worthy and only then getting them fixed. The result? Costly repairs that could have been prevented with some cheap and easy maintenance. That’s why now I put a lot more effort into keeping my car in good running order. Spring is the perfect time to do that, since I’m already heading to the garage to take off my winter tires. And Canadian Tire is always a top choice for one-stop servicing for my beloved car!

Wondering what kind of maintenance your car might need this spring? Topping up fluids is a must, from antifreeze to brake fluid. An oil change is usually a good idea too; planning one every spring and fall will help keep a car running smoothly for years. It’s also a good idea to check spark plugs, especially if you’ve noticed your engine stutter a bit at any point. And having your mechanic check the condition of a car’s brakes, timing belt and air filter can save thousands on future repairs. Brake pads need to be changed periodically; left too long and both pads and disks will need replacing. And breaking a timing belt can ruin the entire engine, so checking it for wear is a must.
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