Winter is looming and your Baie-Comeau Mazda dealership reminds you of the importance of inspecting your Mazda. Although vehicle maintenance varies according to model, age and mileage, it is essential to perform periodic checks. Here are a few tips to help keep your car in good condition for longer.

Vehicle Maintenance: Prefer the Mazda Garage

Make of Fall the perfect season for a complete tune-up of your vehicle. The chart below includes the most important items to check.

Monthly	Quarterly	Yearly	Seasonal
Change your tires. Check that the warning lights work properly. Inspect oil and coolant levels. Have your windshield tested and replaced if necessary.	Change the oil. Replace the oil filter. Make sure belts and hoses are in good condition. Check the car’s battery and cables.	Replace cabin and engine air filters. Carry out tire rotation. Monitor the condition of the brakes Remember to lubricate the hinges.	Switch tires (summer/winter). Replace blades on windshield wiper. Fill up your windshield fluid with antifreeze during the winter.

Some people ask, “Is Mazda expensive to maintain?” According to Mazda dealership, the average annual maintenance cost for Mazda vehicles is $462, which is significantly less than the industry average of $652 for all vehicles.

Prepare for your visit to the dealership. Write down any problems you see as you go, and give your dealer your vehicle manual to guide him or her through the process.

The Priority in Québec: Changing to Winter Tires

It’s that time of the year again: you have to change your vehicle’s tires. Reminder: by law, the deadline to have your winter tires installed is December 1^st. However, we recommend that you have them fixed earlier, because frost and freeze can arrive well before this date! If you are negligent, you will be subject to pay a high-fine. Consult a professional and choose tires that fit your needs, which may not be the same for everyone, and don’t skimp on this purchase.

Mechanical and Other Systems Inspection

But there’s more to it than just changing the tires! A mechanical inspection will allow you to enjoy a worry-free drive. Your Mazda garage will therefore proceed, as recommended by the Québec Ministry of Transport – MTQ, to a quality winter inspection.

Also, make sure to change the cabin filter of your Mazda car, to prevent your windows from fogging up due to humidity and poor ventilation. Poor filters cause wear and tear on all of the vehicle’s systems.

A Back-Up Kit: Your Useful Winter Ally

Keep a back-up kit with the following items in it:

Quality snow brush and ice scraper
Winter mats with wide grooves to protect the vehicle floor
Windshield washer designed for winter use
Lock antifreeze (to keep with you)
Blanket to keep warm in case of breakdown
Booster cables
First aid kit
Anti-skid grids for your tires

Additional Tips

Go on a hunt for automotive “decays” as corrosion is the most expensive problem to deal with. You can cover these paint glitches yourself or have a professional do it for you. You can opt for a rustproofing treatment done when your anti-corrosion warranty expires or start it earlier. Oil, grease or electronic rustproofing? Our experts will help you make an informed choice.
Apply a sealer or protective wax to the paint when the outside temperature is still high. Some people also suggest to use a cooking spray (e.g., PAM brand) to spray on your wheels.
Get rid of corrosive substances (salt and calcium) by washing your car frequently and applying a silicone spray on the doors if you wish. Do this when the car is cold and in the shade. Do not use hot water, which will cause thermal shock. Remove any leaves that block the ventilation system and water drain channels.
Maintain appropriate fuel level (at least 50%).
Replace windshield wiper blades, which deteriorate quickly. Optimal visibility is important in winter.

Entrust the pre-winter maintenance of your vehicle to a recognized professional. The team at Baie-Comeau Mazda, your dealership and garage in Baie-Comeau located on the Côte-Nord near Pointe-Lebel and Chute-aux-Outardes, looks forward to serving you.