Maintenance Tips

Consider changing your cabin air filter

If you spent much of the winter coughing and sneezing you might want to replace your cabin air filter and thoroughly vacuum interior surfaces.

Cleaning inside and out

Try to clean the interior of your vehicle each time you wash the exterior. Allergens like pollen, as well as bacteria, are just some of the substances that build up over time.

Take care of your windshield

Make sure your vehicle has antifreeze rated for the coldest weather. It's also a smart idea to replace your windshield wipers every year before winter begins or purchase winter rated windshield wipers.

Change your vehicle's oil regularly

A properly lubricated engine will use less fuel and emit fewer emissions. The GM Oil Life System (OLS) tells you when you need to change your oil, saving you time and money. Your GM Goodwrench Dealer is also equipped to properly dispose of waste oil.

Replace a dirty air filter

Change your air filter as recommended. Between changes, inspect it by taking the filter out and tapping it against a hard surface. If dirt falls out, replace the filter. Doing so can improve fuel economy by up to 10%.

(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

Ensure tires are properly inflated

Take five minutes every month to check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can increase your fuel consumption by 3% and lead to reduced tire life-spans, which means more worn tires in our landfills.

(Source: Government of Canada's Riding on Air pamphlet)

Tire tread - measure it and inspect it

Tires with treads worn down to the same level as the tread wear indicator (1.6 mm or 2/32 of an inch in depth) should be replaced. Proper treads allow for normal handling of your vehicle and as a result more efficient fuel consumption.

(Source: Government of Canada's Be Tire Smart website)

Keep your brakes in top shape

Improperly maintained brakes can result in unwanted drag. This unnecessary resistance can substantially increase fuel consumption.

(Source: The National Automobile Dealers Association's Green Driving website)

Replace worn wiper blades

Your wiper blades may not be cleaning your windshield properly if you haven't replaced them in the past 12 months. Consider replacing them to ensure a cleaner windshield and to avoid over using your washer fluid.

(Source: British Columbia Ministry of Environment)

Oil Level

You'll get a more accurate dipstick reading if you wait a few minutes after turning off the engine. This gives the oil in the crankcase time to drain back into the oil pan. Also, make sure the vehicle is on level ground.

Fabric/Carpet Stains

Rub stubborn stains with a damp cloth moistened with club soda or glass cleaner. Also try denture cleaner dissolved according to directions on the package. It's a good idea to do a spot test to ensure that the colour of the fabric or carpet doesn't come out.

Wash Wax Concentrate

Use GM Wash Wax concentrate (part number 10953196) as directed for a clean, shiny finish. It rinses off quickly and leaves no residue.