First of all, let’s remember that you shouldn’t improvise yourself as a mechanic if you aren’t! With today’s advanced engines, most maintenance work is best left to a specialist. But let’s see how to avoid unwanted visits to the garage.
To start, we read this book that we all have, but, let’s face it, that few have read: the owner’s manual. Everything is there: periodic maintenance schedule, heating operation, oil to use, cleaning of fabrics, etc. He is conspicuous by his absence? Request a copy from your dealer or vehicle manufacturer.
The 5-point monthly inspection
Measure the tire pressure and examine them for any signs of uneven wear.
Around the car and underneath, check for leaks. The color of the liquid indicates its origin. For example, oil is black, and automatic transmission fluid is pink.
Check fluid levels per the owner’s manual instructions.
Look under the hood for cracked spark plug wires, leaky hoses, loose fasteners, corrosion around the battery terminals.
The condition of the brakes and the parallelism of the wheels can be checked while driving on a straight, level road without traffic. If the vehicle veers when braking gradually, one of the brake linings may be too worn. If it deviates while driving straight ahead at regular speed, the wheels may no longer be parallel.
Source: The Office of Energy Efficiency of Canada.
Getting started with the basics
We are full of goodwill to indulge in a monthly inspection… But how to check the pressure of a tire and measure the liquids? Then how to change a flat tire? The solution: take an initiation workshop! To do this, get information from the recreation department of your municipality and from vocational training centers that offer courses for the general public.
Some tracks
Auto mechanics 1 and 2
A course covering general automotive knowledge and basic maintenance.
Frequency: fall and winter.
Location: Sophie-Barat School (Montreal).
Duration: 12 hours per course (6 evenings of 2 hours, over 6 weeks).
Cost in 2003-2004: $70 (taxes included) per course.
Reserved for 16 years and over. No automobile is required.
Info: (514) 872-1015.
Automotive for women
Presented within the framework of socio-cultural activities and personal training for adults, this course deals with maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, with your personal car.
Frequency: fall, winter.
Location: Canadian Tire of Repentigny.
Duration: 9 hours (3 evenings of 3 hours, over 3 weeks).
Cost in 2003-2004: $51 (taxes included). Cost valid for residents of member municipalities (Charlemagne, L’Épiphanie, L’Assomption, Repentigny).
Info: Repentigny sociocultural hub (450) 581-9671.
Car maintenance
General car knowledge, troubleshooting techniques, maintenance work.
Duration: 30 hours (10 evenings of 3 hours, over 10 weeks).
Location: La Prairie.
Cost in 2004: $210 (plus tax).
Note: We register at all times: the workshops start when there are enough registrations. The ideal is to have your own vehicle, but it is not mandatory.
Info: Rives-Sud Skills Training Center (450) 659-9724.
automotive aesthetics
Among other things, exterior maintenance work (washing, waxing, polishing), cleaning of interior leather, plastic, and fabric upholstery.
Duration: 24 hours (8 evenings of 3 hours, over 8 weeks).
Location: La Prairie
Cost in 2004: $170 (plus tax).
Note: We register at all times: the workshops start when there are enough registrations. The ideal is to have your own vehicle, but it is not mandatory.
Info: Rives-Sud Skills Training Center (450) 659-9724.