Hey there! We have a heartwarming story about an elderly father and his 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. With a mere 50,000 kilometres on the odometer, this vehicle has been a reliable companion. At 101 years old, it's crucial to ensure its continued smooth running. Let's dive into the necessary maintenance steps.

Preserving the Legacy of an Elderly Father's Car

Service Intervals and Requirements

According to the Hyundai Canada website, this vehicle follows a specific service schedule. Service 1 is due at intervals of 6,000 kilometres, Service 2 repeats every 12,000 kilometres, and Service 3 every 24,000 kilometres. At 48,000 kilometres, a Type 3 service is essential. It includes fuel injection cleaner, oil and filter, cabin, and air filters, along with various other inspections. Fuel injection cleaner is listed for every service, but it's noted as (suggested) in brackets. Even though the main services repeat at specific mileages, additional items are added periodically. For instance, transmission fluid is due at 96,000 kilometres, and spark plugs, transfer case, rear differential fluids, and coolant are due at 120,000 kilometres.When searching for services according to months, it's revealed that at the 60-month interval, the vehicle was due for spark plugs, transfer case oil, rear differential oil, and coolant. Since the father's car is about 132 months old, there is clearly some servicing that needs to be done.

Recommended Maintenance Steps

For peace of mind and as a minimum, it is advisable to replace all the items listed above. To make management easier, it would be wise to get all these services done at the current 48,000-kilometre Type 3 service, assuming it hasn't been done already. Additionally, a thorough inspection of the main drive belt and all rubber hoses is crucial. Look for bulges and noticeable fatigue areas and replace them as necessary. While the dealer may perform a cursory inspection of braking components during oil change intervals, it is recommended to add a four-wheel brake service. A brake fluid flush is also a must. If the vehicle still has the original battery, it should be added to the list.And don't forget about the tires! If they are original to the vehicle, it's time to consider replacing them.Some may argue that some of these items are unnecessary or excessive at this mileage. However, it's better to trust your instincts. The last thing you want is for your elderly parent to be stranded by the side of the road with a disabled vehicle in the cold winter months.Lou Trottier, the owner-operator of All About Imports in Mississauga, is here to assist. Have a question about maintenance and repair? E-mail globedrive@globeandmail.com, with "Lou's Garage" in the subject line.When shopping for a new car, check out the new Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates, and rates on new cars, trucks, and SUVs. Click here to get your price.