Demystifying Car Service Costs: Answering Your Most Common Questions
Demystifying Car Service Costs: Answering Your Most Common Questions
Posted on July 30, 2024
If you find yourself searching “common car service questions” on Google or trying to figure out your car service invoice, you’re in the right place. We understand that car maintenance can be confusing and stressful, and often the last thing our customers want to do with their busy schedules. But it’s essential to keep your car running smoothly!
Preventative maintenance can reduce vehicle breakdowns and pricey repairs in the future.
This blog will answer questions like:
- Why do I have to get my car’s oil changed?
- What is a cabin air filter?
- Do I need winter tires in Alberta?
- Why do I have to replace my windshield wipers?
- What fluids need regular refills?
Common Car Service Questions: Why Do I Need An Oil Change?
Our Toyota Maintenance Guide recommends regular oil changes every 5,000 to 10,000 KM, depending on oil type and driving conditions. But just what does oil in your vehicle do?
Engine oil is responsible for lubricating moving parts in your vehicle’s engine, reducing damaging friction and preventing the buildup of dirt and sludge. When your oil levels are low or your oil is dirty, you run the risk of damaging your engine. The oil degrades from heat and collects harmful particles that need to be removed! Regular oil changes to remove oil that has broken down will keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Moreover, if you have a newer vehicle, it may run better on synthetic engine oils! Learn more about conventional vs synthetic oils here. We recommend checking your owner’s manual for more information on oil types and change schedules for your specific Toyota model.
Need an oil change? You can book an appointment with our Service Department here.
Common Car Service Questions: What Is A Cabin Air Filter?
Cabin air filters are designed to clean the air entering your car’s cabin and protect you from exhaust, dust particles, allergens, and other particles in the air. These air filters are typically flat and pleated.
If this filter is dirty, it can no longer effectively clean the air from dust, exhaust or pollen. Luckily, these filters are typically cost-effective and easy to replace.
You should check your owner’s manual to see how often these should be changed, but in general, your filter should be changed at your next service appointment. (We recommend getting a service check-up every six months or 8,000 KM) Get your air filter inspected during your next oil change to see how dirty it is.
Watch how cabin air filters work in this explanation.
Common Car Service Questions: Do I Need Winter Tires In Alberta?
While winter tires are not mandatory by law in Alberta, Alberta Transportation recommends winter tires when driving in severe winter conditions. So what makes winter tires helpful for Albertans?
When tires experience cold weather conditions, the rubber stiffens. Winter tires are designed to withstand temperatures of -30°C and to maintain their elasticity. This means that winter tires provide more traction and grip than other tires at that temperature range!
Your safety is our priority! The majority of car collisions resulting in injury in Alberta occur in December, making cold weather conditions a factor in your safety on the road.
Common Car Service Questions: Why Do I Need To Replace My Windshield Wipers?
Tires play a part in your safety on the road, and so do your windshield wipers. Have you ever had streaked windows while driving down a busy highway? Or encountered a problem with your wipers not working and struggled to see the road? It can be a scary experience.
It’s recommended to replace your windshield wipers with the change of the seasons or every 6 months. Damaged windshield wipers can reduce visibility on the road, and increase glare and risk in Alberta’s unpredictable summer thunderstorms and winter blizzards.
It’s time to change your windshield wipers if the following applies:
- Your wipers have visible damage like tears or cracks
- They stutter or have irregular movements
- They leave smudges or streaks on your windshield
Toyota Windshield Wipers
If you need new windshield wipers, look no further! West Edmonton Mall Toyota has an extensive parts inventory with competitive pricing and a full line of accessories. Visit our Parts Centre here.
Common Car Service Questions: What Fluids Need Regular Refills?
Your vehicle has many fluids that help keep it running smoothly and safely, and much like an oil change, your fluids need regular refills and maintenance.
Proper fluid levels and quality are crucial for various systems to work correctly and prevent overheating or malfunction. We recommend having your vehicle’s fluids checked at your next service appointment. This includes checking and potentially replacing coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid.
Toyota Vehicle Fluids
If you need some fluid refills, then we’ve got you covered. Our Parts Centre sells a wide range of Toyota Genuine Parts, including conventional and synthetic motor oils, washer fluid, transmission fluid, complete fuel system cleaners, coolant, and more. Visit our Parts Centre on Mondays to Saturdays from 9 am - 9 pm or Sundays from 10 am - 6 pm.
Want to learn more about Toyota maintenance and car parts? Read our blog, “Car Part Basics: A Beginner’s Guide”.
Your Car Service Centre In Edmonton
We’re here to help you! West Edmonton Mall Toyota has the largest service centre in Edmonton, with genuine Toyota parts and convenient service hours. You can chat to our friendly team if you have any service-related questions, or read more of our service FAQ blogs here.
Need new winter tires? Visit our Tire Centre.