Tune-up: When vehicle maintenance pays

Tom Johnston knows a thing or two about cars. He started racing them in 1960 and stuck with it for decades, going on to win competitions all over North America. The West Vancouver-based engineer then started designing and building race cars. A Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee, Johnston is a firm believer in the value of regular tune-ups.

“Regular preventative maintenance allows Canadians to drive their vehicles longer, save on fuel costs, and prevent major problems with big repair price tags,” Johnston says. “It also gives people peace of mind on the road and can help prevent accidents.”

It pays to service a car, Johnston maintains, a view seemingly shared by many: DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc. found that 85.6 per cent of Canadians consider regular car care to be a priority. However, another DesRosiers survey found that 40 per cent of recommended light vehicle maintenance and repairs are postponed or abandoned altogether.

The Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada’s 2013 Demand Study, meanwhile, found that Canadian car owners are underspending on their vehicles by an average of $621 every year.

“Vehicle service schedules are designed by automotive engineers, not service technicians,” says Stephanie Miksik, communications coordinator at AIA Canada. “Neglecting regular maintenance can often lead to bigger problems that cost more to fix,” she notes. “For example, failing to replace or top-up transmission fluid or to change motor oil can lead to severe engine damage. It’s far cheaper to spend a little on an oil change now than to replace your engine when it fails.”

Other examples of how it’s worth forking out for service?

• A tune-up can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 per cent, according to Miksik, while fixing a serious maintenance issue, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by up to 40 per cent.

• “Checking your tire pressure regularly can save you money in the long run,” Miksik adds. Poorly inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to 4 per cent, with each 5 per cent of under-inflation (about 14 kilopascals or 2 pounds per square inch) translating to a 1 per cent increase in fuel consumption.

“Every year, improper tire maintenance costs Canadians almost 643 million litres of fuel, which adds up to about $700 million a year in wasted fuel,” Miksik says.

Bringing your car in for regular inspections can also help with budgeting.

“A technician can identify that you will need to replace your brakes in the next four to six months, allowing you to plan for the repair as opposed to being surprised when you encounter brake trouble,” Miksik says.

To find a place to take your car, experts suggest doing your research the way you would for any other service. Start by comparison shopping when it comes to fees and packages then find a technician you trust.

“Get references and check them, and ask your friends,” he says.

Miksik advises shopping around, too.

“Your service provider should be your go-to person to keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently,” she says, “and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions about the work being recommended.”