Have Your Vehicle Serviced Regularly

A well-maintained vehicle is a safe one. All cars and trucks on Ontario roads must be registered, insured and maintained to meet certain basic safety standards. It is illegal to drive a car or truck in dangerous condition. Keeping your car or truck in good shape will also reduce the amount of fuel it uses and increases the resale value. It also helps to protect the environment.

A well-maintained vehicle will generally start in all weather conditions. The following types of regular maintenance will help keep your vehicle fit and safe:

• check tire pressures and check tires for damage or wear. Replace tires with bumps, bulges, exposed cords and deep cuts.
• check that all lights are working and replace any broken or burned out bulbs.
• check that windshield wipers and blades are working properly. Replace wiper blades that streak the window.
• check, and change if necessary, oil and filter, water in the radiator, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid and battery.
• check all hoses for cracks or leaks, and check fan belts for wear or slackness.
• have the exhaust system checked if it sounds noisy or rattles.
• keep your vehicle clean, inside and out.
• keep seat belts clean to prevent dirt and moisture from damaging the mechanism.

Remember, a police officer or Ministry of Transportation inspector can examine your vehicle, its equipment and any trailer attached to it, at any time. If the vehicle is found to be unsafe, it may be taken off the road until the problem is fixed. You can be fined if you refuse to allow your vehicle to be inspected, and if your vehicle is then found to be unsafe, your licence plates can be taken away.