Car care tips

Spring and summer

Spring Car Care Tips Photo

Seasonal changes can mean your vehicle will need extra care. Get your car ready for the nicer weather by visiting an Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS).

Also, follow the manufacturers' recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle, which can be found in your owner's manual.

Clean your vehicle
Give your vehicle a thorough cleaning to remove salt and sand accumulated over winter. Clean under the hood, shampoo the engine, as well as wheel wells. Wax and polish your vehicle at least twice a year to preserve its paint.

Lights
Make sure headlights, brake, reverse, parking, turn indicators and hazard lights are working properly. Check the small bulb above your license plate.

Block heater
Tuck away the block heater cord.

Batteries
Alberta’s cold winters and hot summers limit a battery’s lifespan. Even a boost cannot be relied upon to keep you going as it will often help you get to your next destination, but it doesn't fix the real problem. Members can use our CAA Battery Service to test the battery and purchase a new one if needed. You should replace the battery every 3 to 5 years.

Tires
Make sure your tire pressure is within factory specifications. The vehicle's owner's manual will have recommendations. The information can also be found on the door jam or glove box. Learn about the performance of winter tires in summer driving conditions or read more tire tips.

Wipers
Wiper blades are critical for safety, but have a short lifespan - six months. Check the blades and replace if they are worn or damaged.

Oil change
Change your oil regularly and keep fluids like brake, coolant and windshield washer, topped up.

Fall and winter

Winter Care Care Tips

Seasonal changes can mean your vehicle will need extra care. Get your car ready for the cold and blustery weather ahead by visiting an Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS).

Follow the manufacturers' recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle, which can be found in your owner's manual, or prepare for winter by reading these winter safety tips.

Oil change
Ask for synthetic grade oil. Cold temperatures cause oil to thicken, making your vehicle harder to start. 

Block heater
Is it working? Use a PLUG ALIVE tester, which is available at any AMA Centre.  

Batteries 
It's critical heading into winter that you have a battery load test done to determine its strength and whether it needs to be replaced or repaired. Members can use our CAA Battery Service. If your car will be sitting idle, use a CAA Battery Tender® to keep the battery charged. Remember, with Alberta's cold winters and hot summers, a battery’s lifespan is reduced, generally lasting 3 to 5 years.

Tire pressure
As temperatures drop, so does your tire pressure. Check your tire pressure monthly; maintaining proper pressure helps prevent flats and optimizes fuel efficiency. Ensure your tire pressure is within factory specifications. The vehicles' owner's manual will have recommendations. The information can also be found on the door jam or glove box. More tire tips.

Tire condition
Is the tread wearing evenly or worn out? Is it adequate for snow and icy conditions? More tire tips.

Fuel
Keep your gas tank half-full to reduce condensation from forming in the fuel tank. Condensation can cause gas line freezing.

Liquids
Switch to winter-grade windshield washer fluid. Check the level and strength of coolant.

Belts and hoses
Have them checked for cracks, bulges or leaks and replace as necessary.

Check
The tires, wiper blades and electrical accessories.