Everyone is aware that keeping your car in good condition requires year-round effort. But when the seasons start to change, it becomes especially crucial. Additionally, when the seasons change, so do the conditions of the roads.
In light of this, you should consider adapting your car-care routines to the changing weather patterns and potential threats that each season offers. Read on to consider the tips for vehicle maintenance and a list of precautions to help keep you and your car safe as the seasons change.
Understanding car servicing may be challenging for those who aren’t mechanically aware. When you take your car to the mechanic, you should understand the fundamentals. You want to know what happens to your car while it is there and that it is returned to you in the best possible condition for safety and functionality.
The majority of automobiles have a schedule for minor and significant maintenance. Minor maintenance is often performed every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers. Major maintenance is typically performed every 30,000 to 45,000 kilometers.
This will also depend on the car’s type and manufacture, how it has been driven, and the mechanic’s recommendations.
For example, if the car is driven in the city, the constant starting and stopping puts additional pressure on it. Often, despite the basic service, it results in more effort. There are many different services offered, including the following:
Basic Service: Involves a visual inspection, replacement of the oil and filter, and topping off of the engine’s vital fluids (such as antifreeze, brake fluid, washer fluid, and steering fluid).
To ensure the car is in the best possible condition, several vital components are inspected. The brakes are also examined per the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Additional service could be recommended if the car requires more work; however, not all facilities do this.
Full Service: Compared to basic servicing, a full service often entails an additional 15 to 30 component checks. In addition to the basic service, there is an additional charge if the car needs any additional maintenance.
Major Service: A major service includes everything that is covered in a full service, as well as the replacement of spark plugs, fuel filters, and other worn components as recommended by the manufacturer. Any further upkeep or repairs are not included.
Manufacturer’s Service: A manufacturer’s service is thought to be the most thorough and expensive service available and includes all wear, maintenance, and service the car requires.
Your tires’ suitability and quality rely on the demands of each season. Regardless of whether you decide to drive on all-season tires until the snow and ice start to fall or switch between a set of summer and winter tires based on the conditions.
To ensure the transitions are seamless and secure, you’ll need assistance lining things up evenly and switching back and forth.
Regular tire maintenance includes the following things:
Examining the pressure in your tires: Maintaining adequate tire pressure will result in safe braking, acceleration, and steering performance. At least once a month, check the tire pressure before driving.
Check the vehicle information placard if you’re unclear about the recommended tire pressure for your car. The pressure for both your front and rear tires should be shown there, and it can be found on the driver’s side, front or back door of your automobile.
Rotate your tires: It has been established that regularly rotating your tires will increase their durability and boost their overall performance.
Importantly, you must make sure your tires are balanced after being rotated to prevent quick and uneven tire tread deterioration.
Avert packing your car too full: Tire damage will unavoidably result from consistently overloading your vehicle. Particularly if you don’t keep the recommended tire pressure, it will weaken the sidewall and make your tires more prone to failure.
Any time the seasons change is a good opportunity to have a brake inspection because the stopping power decreases on ice and snow. The calliper, rotor, drum, and pads will all be examined by your mechanic.
They’ll check to see if everything is in functioning order. The brakes should be checked first because it just takes a short while. Without performing a comprehensive car overhaul, it is one of the simplest ways to keep you and your passengers safe.
Therefore, study more about auto accidents, and get your brakes tested frequently to keep your car as trustworthy as possible. You’ll be glad you did when the roads are slippery.
You can easily and affordably clean salt, sludge, and rocks from the underside of your car by just bringing it to a professional car wash for an undercarriage spray. If you attempt to do this yourself, you run the risk of destroying paint, jolting or disconnecting shock absorbers, or suffering from other dangerous effects that could harm both you and your automobile.
Some automobiles have rust-prevention coatings. But even those, particularly concerning the undercarriage, are not always reliable. Even more caustic than rock salt, the brine solution is used to melt ice on many highways. And as it does so, it eats away at the components in the nooks and crannies of the underbelly.
Gustafson Auto Clinic is a one-stop auto center for your vehicle’s needs and requirements in Westlock, AB. They have experts that offer top-class seasonal vehicle maintenance.
First time coming in . Place was very warm and welcoming :) staff were super friendly . Completed what I needed done in a timely manner. Will definitely go there again :)
Maurice Groves Oct 10, 2025
Great staff. Good experience. Only fixed what I asked them to fix, nothing more. Quote was bang on and very detailed.
Richard Fontaine Oct 10, 2025
Always get great friendly service there.
ron souster Oct 10, 2025
Very straight forward,greet customer service,Gustafson’s auto clinic has true leaders and greet staff,very happy with my business there!!!!
Ethan Dennis Sep 9, 2025
They provided prompt professional service and had my car back on the road in no time!
colin byers Sep 9, 2025
Good mechanics, prices, and customer service. They’ll never try to sell you a repair you don’t need. Also worth mentioning that it is the cleanest mechanic shop I’ve ever seen
Audrey Pidlubny Sep 9, 2025
Price was good and they were able to accommodate my schedule. Great staff and pleasant environment.
Mike Pelletier Sep 9, 2025
Appointment reservation system works great and you can count on knowledgeable and friendly service.
Darcy Dierker Sep 9, 2025
Not an online guy by any stretch of anyone’s imagination but Gustafson’s Auto asked for a review & they treat me so well I’ll give it a shot . I mostly run older vehicles & I like everything working right & looking good . Kevin & Stacy & Colton & everyone else there have made sure repairs were done right & at a fair price ever since I showed up there out of the blue with truck trouble quite a few years ago . Besides regular maintenance like brakes , steering & suspension they have done some unique work for me that many other shops wouldn’t touch & I probably wouldn’t trust them with anyway . I have 1 fairly new vehicle & when it needs attention I would rather take it to Kevin than to the dealer . I know you can’t please all the people all the time but they sure please me & that’s not easy .
Brian Twining Aug 8, 2025
The staff at Gustafson's are at the top of their game every time we go there . Very friendly and inviting atmosphere. Highly recommend them for all your services needed on your vehicle 👍 👌
Collin Sikora Aug 8, 2025
Gustafson were truly angels! Last minute problems with my truck were going to interfere with my holiday plans. They orders parts and got my truck fixed just in time! So thankful! They are the best!!
Jackie Shank Aug 8, 2025
Excellent service as usual!! I have remained a customer for 15 years now. I always feel well looked after and trust that I can take my car on the highway with no anxiety. Thanks to the team at Gustafson’s!!👍🏼
Brandi Lamont Aug 8, 2025
Very pleased with the service. Didn’t solve the problem on first try but didn’t give up until the problem was resolved ! Well done
Ross Lindenberger Aug 8, 2025
Great quick friendly service
Gregory Wade Topola Jun 6, 2023
Simply put you are not a number on a waiting list but rather being treated like you are part of their family. They are the real deal!
Paul C Harris Jul 7, 2025
Phenomenal service!!! They went above and beyond to diagnose and repair concerns on my Ford Escape and now it works smoothly. Thank you very much to Kevin and the team at Gustafson's Auto Clinic in Athabasca , AB. I highly recommend this business.
Lois Redding Jul 7, 2025
Very helpful and item that I requested for my vehicle is good quality. The service was done very well and completed when I was told it would be.
Kathy Clow Jul 7, 2025
Amazing service and expertise. We were on vacation in Calling Lake with friends of ours. Their truck broke down with a fuel pump issue. All the other automotive part suppliers told us it would take 3+ days for a replacement part. Kevin managed to get it the very next morning early. Great service and expertise
Michael Eybers Jul 7, 2025
Very satisfied
Howard Mason Jul 7, 2025
I've brought all of my vehicles here for some work over the past couple months and I can't say anything but good things. Great customer service, great technicians. Getting parts in fast and scheduling the vehicles in a timely manner. I look forward to bringing all of my business to Gustafsons Trail Tire in Athabasca.
Devon Mackenzie May 5, 2025
Recently had my ac repaired here and as usual the service was excellent.
Dean Oilberta Mar 3, 2025
Kevin and his team are a pleasure to deal with! Very professional and not trying to rip you off! Would highly recommend them if you are looking for auto service in Athabasca.
Kevin Gay Jun 6, 2025
5+ star service. If I could, they would get more stars. This business is a friendly knowledgeable family run business and I am happy to be their customer Way to go Gustafsons Trail Tire Auto Center
Debbie Chrusch Jan 1, 2025
Service was great, didn’t do anything that wasn’t asked for, gave great prices. Definitely will coming here again for future repairs and replacements
Sam May 5, 2025
Had my CP4 high pressure fuel pump on my 6.7
Bayne Balaski Mar 3, 2025
Great, reliable, service and people. Highly recommend!!
Shawn Jackson Dec 12, 2024
**Outstanding Service & Expertise!** I’ve been bringing my vehicles to Kevin and his team for some time now, and I can confidently say they are first-class professionals. They always get the job done right the first time, with meticulous attention to detail and expert craftsmanship. Beyond their technical skills, Kevin and Stacy make every visit a pleasure with their warm, friendly, and helpful approach. It’s rare to find a team that combines top-quality repairs with such genuine customer care. Absolutely no complaints—just pure appreciation for the exceptional service they provide!
Ian Nichols May 5, 2025
Friendly staff when I come in. The service is great, always on time and they let me know if there are any issues or what needs to be done.
Wendy Yakowchuk May 5, 2025
Great service and my exhaust turned out great with no rattles or squeeks. Thank you again
Larry S Apr 4, 2025
As always a pleasure to deal with they were able to book me in with a very short wait time and even had the job done a day early.
Graeme Douglas Apr 4, 2025
I was on my way to a job test when J blew a wheel bearing and was sidelined on the highway, they got me in the next morning and I was on my way an hour later. Great service, hopefully I don’t break down like that again but if I did I would go to this shop everytime.
jesse tilander Apr 4, 2025
Fantastic
Grant Gustafson Mar 3, 2025
Professional, friendly, speedy service.
Calvin St.Louis Apr 4, 2025
Solid service at fair price. Great experience. They'll be getting my business again.
Brian Potts Apr 4, 2025
Gustafson’s Trail Tire in Athabasca took what was a horrible experience of my truck broke down & stranded on the side of the road. Scheduled it into their already busy garage. Quoted & repaired the issue. Took the time to ensure some smaller details were looked after so that I could make it home. Without hesitation! Would strongly recommend!
Justin Kohlman Mar 3, 2025
Gustafson's Auto has been our "Go To" service and repair shop for over 30 years. Pricing is competitive. work is completed as promised, and they stand behind their work. There have been several times where they've gone above and beyond. Thank you Kevin, Stacey and Colton.
Gerry Kiselyk Mar 3, 2025
Prompt, helpful, friendly service
Michael Wallace Mar 3, 2025
The service was quick and done right!
Sharron McKinnon Mar 3, 2025
Professional and offer the best services. I’ll recommend them first to anyone in Athabasca and its environ 👍
Alogo emmanuel Alogo Mar 3, 2025
Vehicle was repaired on time and at the quoted price. Knowledgable staff explained options for parts and why I needed them and what I could do at a later date.
Warren Zyla Mar 3, 2025
They have managed to fix shit that I give up on like my exhaust system. Also they found much more problems with my car than other local tire giants. So I’m putting in all the right new parts in this time
Unknown Shopper Mar 3, 2025
Gustafson 's Trail Tire Auto Center and the Gustafson family have been keeping me driving safely for 50 years. They have been dependable and reliable. Their personal integrity shines though in all they do. Whatever automotive delima I bring they always find a solution.
Sherrie Breese Feb 2, 2025