Essential Vehicle Care & Maintenance Tips
Keeping your vehicle in top shape doesn't have to be complicated. From everyday care to essential tire maintenance and even what do to when you get a flat, we've gathered our best tips in one place. Whether you're looking to extend the life of your tires, keeping your vehicle running smoothly, or handle unexpected roadside surprises, these practical insights will help you drive with confidence.
Essential Tire Care for Longer Life & Safer Roads
At Dueck Auto Group, we’re committed to helping drivers in Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, and surrounding areas stay on top of tire performance and routine maintenance. Following the guidelines in your owner’s manual is key, but there are a few extra steps you can take to get the most out of your tires year-round.
Proper tire care not only protects your investment but also keeps you safe on the road. Regularly checking tire pressure, rotating and balancing your tires, and selecting the right replacements based on safety and handling will all contribute to better performance and longer tire life. As the seasons change, don’t forget the importance of winter tire care—switching to the right set of tires can improve traction, control, and safety in cold, wet, or snowy conditions. By keeping tire safety top of mind, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more confident drive no matter the road ahead.
Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Maintaining proper inflation is one of the most important steps you can take for tire care. Underinflated tires generate excess heat, cause uneven wear, and reduce braking and handling capabilities—issues that can lead to dangerous structural failures like blowouts or tread separation. Keeping your tires properly inflated helps extend tread life, improves handling, boosts fuel efficiency, and enhances overall driver safety.
Rotate Tires on Schedule
Follow the rotation schedule outlined in your owner’s manual to ensure even tire wear. Routine rotations help balance out front-to-rear and side-to-side wear, maximizing tire life and performance. Keep in mind, however, that tire rotation won’t correct wear caused by mechanical issues—those should be addressed separately.
Balance Tires as Needed
Unbalanced tires often reveal themselves through vibrations or bumps that become more noticeable at higher speeds. Proper balancing is required during initial installation and anytime a tire is remounted. Regular balancing not only improves comfort but also prevents premature wear and stress on suspension components.
Prepare for Winter Conditions
Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop more quickly, so it’s especially important to check inflation levels often during winter months. For drivers in regions with snow, ice, or heavy rain, switching to winter tires provides improved traction, handling, and safety. Winter-specific tread patterns and rubber compounds are designed to perform better in harsh conditions, keeping you in control no matter the forecast.
Install New Tires in Set or Pairs
Replacing just one tire can create instability and handling issues. For best performance, install new tires in sets of four whenever possible. If only two new tires are being added, always place them on the rear axle, moving the partially worn tires to the front. This improves traction, stability, and overall safety.
Watch for Signs of Damage
Regularly inspect your tires for abnormal wear or visible damage. Look out for punctures, embedded objects, cracks, bulges, or uneven tread wear. Addressing these issues early can prevent unsafe driving conditions and help avoid costly repairs down the road.
Store Tire Properly
When it’s time to store seasonal tires, choose a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Keep them clear of grease, oil, or ozone-producing equipment (such as generators or compressors), as these can speed up tire deterioration. Proper storage helps extend the life and performance of your tires.
Stay On Top of Tire Care
Taking just a few minutes each month to inspect your tires can make a big difference. The Rubber Manufacturer’s Association (RMA) recommends a five-minute tire check every month to help catch potential issues early. Keep in mind that mechanical problems can also lead to uneven tire wear, so addressing them promptly is key to maximizing tire life and performance.
By giving your tires the care they need, you’ll enjoy safer travels in all conditions, improved fuel efficiency, and longer-lasting tires—all of which help reduce costs and benefit the environment.
Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Vehicle In Top Shape
At Dueck Auto Group, we want our customers in Vancouver, BC and surrounding areas to get the most out of their vehicles.
What's the key to keeping your car running for a long time? Following the recommended maintenance intervals outlined in your owner's manual and checking for potential problems before they happen are essential to overall vehicle maintenance. But when the time for necessary auto repairs arrives, remember where to turn: Dueck Auto Group.
Stay on top of routine vehicle maintenance and visit us today or contract us online when your vehicle needs to be serviced by our professionals.
Keep Up with Oil and Lubrication
Regular oil changes are one of the simplest and most important ways to protect your engine. Always follow the service intervals recommended by your manufacturer, and use the correct type of oil for your vehicle to improve efficiency and fuel mileage. At the same time, make sure moving components like CV joints and u-joints are properly lubricated. Neglecting these flexible parts can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.
Don’t Forget Fluids and Battery Care
Transmission and differential fluids are vital to smooth performance. If you notice sluggish shifting, odd noises, or jerky gear changes, it may be time for service. Always check your owner’s manual for the correct fluid type and viscosity. Your vehicle’s battery also deserves attention—keep the connections clean, tight, and free of corrosion. Since batteries often fail without warning, replace them as needed to avoid unexpected downtime.
Protect Brakes and Essential Systems
Brake fluid naturally attracts moisture, which can corrode hoses and calipers over time. Replacing brake fluid once a year helps keep the system in top condition. Power steering fluid and coolant are also critical and should be changed according to your manufacturer’s schedule. Driving habits matter, too—avoiding excessive stop-and-go traffic reduces unnecessary wear on key components and helps extend vehicle life.
Stay Comfortable and Aligned
Your climate control system isn’t just about comfort—it also plays a role in safety. A complete coolant flush clears out dirt and rust that build up in the engine, radiator, and hoses, while refrigerant levels should be checked before hot weather arrives. Wheel alignments are equally important for safety and performance. If your vehicle pulls to one side or tires show uneven wear, an alignment will restore straight-line tracking and extend tire life.
How to Change a Tire Safely
Getting a flat tire is never convenient, but knowing how to change it yourself can save time and keep you moving if roadside assistance isn’t available. At Dueck Auto Group, we want to give you the tools and knowledge to handle a flat safely and confidently.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools on hand:
- Spare tire (check condition and air pressure regularly)
- Car jack
Lug wrench - Owner’s manual
- Wheel chocks (or heavy objects/rocks)
- Flashlight
- Emergency warning devices (flares or reflective triangles)
Tip: Keep extras like gloves, hand wipes, or a small mat in your vehicle to make the process easier.
Getting Started Safely
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Find a Safe Spot – As soon as you notice a flat, slow down gradually and pull over to a flat, stable surface away from traffic. Avoid sudden braking or turning.
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Secure Your Vehicle – Turn on your hazard lights, apply the parking brake, and put the car in “Park” (or in 1st gear/reverse for manuals). Set up flares or reflective triangles if you have them, and chock the wheels to prevent rolling.
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Consult the Owner’s Manual – Your manual will show where the spare and tools are stored, and where to position the jack safely.
Changing the Tire
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Locate Tools & Spare – Most spares are under the trunk floor, tailgate, or under the vehicle.
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Remove Hubcap (if equipped) – Pry it off with the flat end of your lug wrench or the recommended tool.
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Loosen Lug Nuts – Use the lug wrench to loosen (not remove) each nut by turning counterclockwise. Apply body weight if needed.
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Raise the Vehicle – Place the jack at the correct jacking point and lift the car until the flat is off the ground.
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Remove Lug Nuts & Tire – Take off the nuts completely, then pull the flat tire straight off. Place it under the car as a safety precaution.
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Mount the Spare – Align the rim with the bolts, making sure the valve stem faces outward. Raise the vehicle slightly more if needed to fit the spare.
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Hand-Tighten Lug Nuts – Secure the nuts in a star pattern, tightening each a little at a time to keep the wheel balanced.
Finishing Up
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Lower the Car & Tighten Fully – Bring the car down, then tighten the lug nuts as much as possible with the wrench, again using the star pattern. Replace the hubcap if it fits.
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Check Tire Pressure – Ensure the spare has enough air (temporary spares usually need 60 psi). Drive cautiously to the nearest service station if it needs more.
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Pack Up Tools – Put away the jack, lug wrench, flat tire, and any warning devices or chocks.
Important Note on Spare Tires
Most compact “donut” spares are temporary. They’re not designed for high speeds or long distances (typically max 90 km/h). Drive carefully, expect different handling and braking, and visit a service center as soon as possible to replace or repair your flat.
At Dueck Auto Group, we’re here to help with tire repairs, replacements, and alignments at any of our three convenient locations. Drop by or book your appointment online to get your vehicle back in top shape.