The Importance of Regular Car Maintenance
A Guide to Kia Canada’s Recommended Service Schedule
Regular car maintenance is crucial to ensuring the safety and longevity of your vehicle. Just like how we need to take care of our health by eating right, exercising, and going for regular check-ups, our vehicles need to be regularly serviced for a long life on the road. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to costly repairs and even compromise your safety.
The Risks of Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Neglecting regular car maintenance can come with significant risk and cost. An oil change, for instance, may seem like a minor and optional expense, but failing to change the oil regularly can result in engine damage, poor fuel economy, and expensive repairs. Similarly, ignoring brake inspections can lead to brake failure, which poses a serious safety risk.
Here are some examples:
OIL CHANGES
For example, without regular oil changes engine oil will lose its ability to lubricate the moving parts and your engine will eventually seize. A new engine will cost about $7,500 to $10,000 depending on your vehicle. As this is clearly the result of a systemic lack of maintenance, your engine replacement would not be covered by your Kia warranty or your extended warranty. However, if your engine needs replacement – and you have service records and receipts – most likely your costs will be covered by your Kia warranty or your extended warranty.
BRAKE INSPECTIONS
Another great example is brake inspections. If your brakes wear out, you’ll have to replace your brakes/pads costing upwards of $1,800. Safety concerns aside, a vehicle with zero history of brakes service that has gone all the way to metal on metal would be looking at $3,000 – this includes $1,800 for brakes/pads, but you’ll be on the hook for rotors and caliper replacement too.
TIRE ROTATION AND BALANCING
Another simple maintenance measure is tires. If your tires aren’t rotated and balanced annually, you could be facing uneven wear that results in premature tire replacement. This costs generally between $800-$1,200 depending on brand/size. Brand-new tires should last three to four years in most typical driving situations.
The Benefits of Following the Manufacturer’s Service Schedule
Following the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule can save you from a lot of trouble and money in the long run. These schedules are based on the vehicle’s mileage and are designed to keep your car in optimal running condition. They also help ensure that your warranty, and any extended warranties you purchased, remain valid.
The Kia Canada Recommended Service Schedule
Kia Canada recommends a specific service schedule for all their vehicles. This schedule includes regular oil changes, brake inspections, and battery maintenance. Let’s break down the service schedule for Kia vehicles. This schedule is based on the guidelines provided by Kia Canada, and it’s a roadmap for keeping your vehicle in top condition.
1. Oil Changes:
Regular oil changes are the cornerstone of a good maintenance routine. All internal combustion engines require oil to lubricate moving parts, prevent overheating, and keep the engine functioning properly. Over time, the fast-moving parts break down the oil and reduce its lubricating properties, leading to increased friction and engine wear. This can result in poor engine performance, reduced fuel economy, and costly repairs. Regular oil changes, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations, can help you avoid these issues and ensure the longevity of your vehicle.
2. Brake Inspections:
Properly maintained brakes are vital for your safety on the road. Regular inspections can help identify and address any issues before they turn into costly repairs or, worse, brake failure. A qualified technician can visually inspect the brake system and test its functionality to ensure your safety on the road.
3. Battery Maintenance:
The battery is the heart of your vehicle. Regular maintenance and checks can help prevent the battery from dying, which could leave you stranded. The KIA Victoria service centre can test the battery and ensure it’s in good condition to power your vehicle.
4. Tire Inspection and Rotation
Ensuring your tires are inspected, rotated, and balanced once per year is a simple way to extend the life of your tires.
How Following the Recommended Service Schedule Can Benefit You
Following the Kia Canada recommended service schedule can have several benefits:
Maintaining Warranty Coverage:
Regular maintenance ensures your vehicle is in good condition, which is typically a requirement to maintain warranty coverage. If you fail to follow the recommended schedule, you could be left without warranty coverage when you need it.
Preventing Costly Repairs:
Regular inspections can help catch and address small issues before they turn into costly repairs. This can save you money in the long run.
Extending Vehicle Life:
Routine maintenance can significantly extend the life of your vehicle. A well-maintained car is likely to be more reliable and have a higher resale value.
Enhancing Safety:
Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Regular servicing can help ensure that all safety-critical components are in good working order.
A Guide to the Cost of Maintenance
The average Canadian drives about 15,200 kms annually, according to Natural Resources Canada. Kia Canada recommends servicing your vehicle every 6,000 kms or 6 months, depending on where you live. Generally, most Canadians spend on average about $1000 annually in vehicle maintenance. As your vehicle ages, this figure can rise. Plus, if you’re shopping for luxury brands such as Porsche or Mercedes, this figure can as much as double or triple.
The Bottom Line
Regular car maintenance is not just about changing oil and checking brakes. It’s a holistic approach that involves all aspects of your vehicle, from the engine to the battery and everything in between. Following the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule can save you from a lot of trouble and money in the long run. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so don’t wait for warning signs to appear. Keep up with your regular maintenance and enjoy a safe and reliable ride. Follow the Kia Canada recommended service schedule to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely for years to come.