Regular car maintenance isn’t just about preventing breakdowns—it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring your vehicle stays safe, efficient, and reliable for years to come.
At Hansma Automotive in Kitchener, we offer a wide range of maintenance services designed to keep your car in top shape, whether you’re heading into another Canadian winter or planning a summer road trip.
Here are five of the top maintenance procedures we recommend to help extend the life of your vehicle.
To book your next car maintenance appointment in Kitchener, contact us today.
1. Oil Changes
Changing your oil regularly is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain your engine’s performance and avoid costly repairs.
Hansma Automotive recommends an oil and filter change every 5,000 kilometers to ensure that your engine stays lubricated and runs smoothly.
Old or dirty oil becomes thick and gritty over time, causing friction and overheating. If you run low on oil—or worse, run out completely—you risk catastrophic engine failure.
Our technicians will complete your oil change efficiently, using high-quality products and proper disposal methods.
Pro Tip: Set a reminder every 5,000 km so you never miss an oil change.
2. Rust Proofing
Ontario winters are tough on vehicles. Road salt, slush, and moisture can quickly lead to corrosion, especially underneath your car, where it’s hard to see.
That’s where rust proofing comes in.
At Hansma, we apply specialized rust inhibitors that form a protective barrier over vulnerable areas of your car’s frame, undercarriage, and seams.
This helps extend the lifespan of your vehicle, maintain structural integrity, and even preserve resale value. Annual rust protection is especially important before winter arrives.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait for rust to appear—prevent it before it starts.
3. Tire Swaps, Balancing, and Alignments
Your tires are the only part of your car that actually touch the road, so they deserve regular attention. At Hansma Automotive, we offer complete tire services, including:
Tire Swaps: Switch between winter and all-season/summer tires as the seasons change.
Balancing: Ensures each wheel rotates evenly, reducing vibrations and uneven wear.
Wheel Alignments: Helps your vehicle drive straight and prevents premature tire wear.
Misaligned wheels or uneven tire pressure can hurt your gas mileage, steering, and braking performance. Regular tire care helps you drive safely and saves money over time.
Pro Tip: Check your tire pressure monthly and rotate tires every 10,000 km.
4. Fluid Flushes
Your car runs on more than just gasoline. Fluids play a critical role in everything from shifting gears to stopping safely and seeing clearly.
That’s why regular fluid flushes and top-ups are an essential part of your car maintenance routine.
At Hansma, we inspect and service:
Transmission Fluid – Keeps your gears shifting smoothly
Brake Fluid – Crucial for responsive and safe stopping
Differential Fluid – Reduces wear in your drivetrain
Windshield Washer Fluid – Keeps your visibility clear
Chassis Lubrication – Ensures suspension and joints move smoothly
If any of these fluids are low, dirty, or neglected, they can lead to serious problems down the road.
Pro Tip: Watch for warning lights on your dashboard and schedule fluid checks seasonally.
5. Tune-Ups & Safety Checks
Even if your car seems to be running fine, regular tune-ups and safety checks are key to catching issues before they escalate.
Today’s tune-ups may look different from those in the past, but the goal remains the same: to keep your car operating at peak performance.
At Hansma, our safety checks cover important components like:
Spark Plugs – Poor spark plugs can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 30%
Fuel Filters – Should be changed every 15,000 km
Crankcase Vent Filters – Replace every 40,000 km
Vapour Canisters – Also replaced every 40,000 km
By staying on top of these items, you’ll enjoy better fuel economy, smoother starts, and improved reliability.
Pro Tip: Your owner's manual includes a maintenance schedule—follow it or contact us for personalized guidance.
6. Why Preventative Car Maintenance Matters
Preventative maintenance isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns—it’s about maximizing the lifespan, performance, and value of your vehicle. Staying on top of routine services like oil changes, fluid checks, and rust proofing helps you:
Avoid unexpected repairs: Small issues can be caught early before they become major, expensive problems.
Improve fuel efficiency: A well-maintained vehicle runs more smoothly and uses less fuel.
Extend vehicle life: Regular upkeep reduces wear and tear, helping your car run reliably for years to come.
Increase resale value: A documented service history shows buyers and dealers that your car has been properly cared for.
At Hansma Automotive, we make maintenance simple and stress-free. Not sure what your vehicle needs? Just ask—we’re happy to help you stay on schedule based on your car’s make, model, and mileage.
Book Your Car Maintenance Here
At Hansma Automotive, we believe preventative maintenance shouldn’t be complicated or stressful. That’s why we offer:
Certified technicians who know your make and model
Honest advice about what your car actually needs
Convenient scheduling and competitive pricing
A commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction
Whether you're a new driver or someone who’s clocked countless kilometres, we're here to help you keep your car on the road and running strong.
If you’re unsure what maintenance is required, bring your vehicle in—we’ll walk you through the recommendations based on your driving habits and vehicle type.
“Recently got a cabin filter changed in my car. It was a very quick and efficient job. Very friendly and professional staff as well. I would highly recommend and will be bringing my car back in the future should I need any further repairs/maintenance.”