Maintaining your Mitsubishi: Understanding what is needed, when
Keeping your vehicle in top condition requires regular maintenance, an essential practice that protects your investment and ensures reliable performance. Mitsubishi’s 2025 lineup, including the Outlander PHEV, Outlander, RVR and Eclipse Cross, is designed for longevity; but only with proper care and maintenance. We spoke with a service manager from one of the 97 Mitsubishi dealerships across Canada to better understand why maintenance matters and what drivers can do to keep their cars running like new.
Why is Maintenance Necessary?
Modern vehicles, despite their advanced engineering, require consistent upkeep to perform at their best.
“Every vehicle manufactured has a lifespan of certain components that need to be taken care of,” says Mark Javat, Service Manager at Dixie Mitsubishi in Mississauga, Ontario. “Just like aircraft or ships, manufacturers set schedules to change engine oil and check certain parts. This ensures they don’t break down and cause further damage. Regular maintenance keeps the vehicle safe, extends its longevity, and improves its overall life.”
“Every vehicle manufactured has a lifespan of certain components that need to be taken care of,” says Mark Javat, Service Manager at Dixie Mitsubishi in Mississauga, Ontario. “Just like aircraft or ships, manufacturers set schedules to change engine oil and check certain parts. This ensures they don’t break down and cause further damage. Regular maintenance keeps the vehicle safe, extends its longevity, and improves its overall life.”
Every 5 Months or 8,000 KM
These frequent maintenance tasks ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and prevent minor issues from turning into costly repairs:
- Rotate tires: Even tire wear improves handling and extends tire life
- Change engine oil: Fresh oil keeps the engine lubricated and running efficiently.
- Replace engine oil filter: A clean filter helps the engine oil work effectively.
- Inspect cabin air filter: Ensures clean airflow for heating and air conditioning.
Every 15 Months or 24,000 km
In addition to the regular three-month maintenance items above, these additional checks are vital to your Mitsubishi’s safety and performance:
- Inspect disc brake pads and rotors: Ensures braking safety and efficiency.
- Inspect suspension system: Identifies any issues that could affect handling.
- Inspect engine air cleaner filter: Keeps your engine running efficiently.
- Inspect cabin air filter: Improves air quality inside the vehicle.
Every 30 Months or 48,000 km
At the one-year mark or 48,000 km a more comprehensive service is recommended:
- Rotate tires
- Change engine oil
- Replace engine oil filter
- Inspect engine air cleaner filter: Keeps your engine running efficiently.
- Check automatic transmission: Verifies smooth shifting and optimal performance.
- Inspect brakes: Includes disc brake pads, rotors, rear drum brake linings, and wheel cylinders.
- Check brake system hoses: Ensures there are no leaks or blockages.
- Inspect drive shaft boots: Protects joints and ensures smooth drivetrain operation.
- Inspect cabin air filter
Monthly Maintenance You Can Do at Home
Even outside of scheduled service visits, there are simple tasks you can perform at home to maintain your Mitsubishi:
- Wash the exterior and clean the interior: Protects your vehicle from dirt, rust and wear.
- Check lights: Ensure headlights, turn signals and brake lights are working properly.
- Check tire pressure and tread: Prevents uneven wear and improves fuel efficiency.
- Top off windshield wiper fluid: Keeps your windshield clear for safe driving.
Common Maintenance Mistakes
Javat says the biggest mistake dealers see is customers skipping oil changes.
“They think going over by a thousand kilometres is fine, but oil sitting in the engine loses its properties. This leads to poor lubrication and engine damage,” he says.
Another common oversight is neglecting transmission care, especially for CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) systems.
“Transmission fluid needs to be replaced on schedule — or even earlier if you’re planning to keep the car long-term,” says Javat. “Mitsubishi drivetrains are built to last, but transmissions also require proper care to avoid issues.”
By following Mitsubishi’s maintenance schedule and performing simple tasks at home, you can keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently for years to come. Regular care ensures reliability, protects your investment and keeps you ready for any journey.
“They think going over by a thousand kilometres is fine, but oil sitting in the engine loses its properties. This leads to poor lubrication and engine damage,” he says.
Another common oversight is neglecting transmission care, especially for CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) systems.
“Transmission fluid needs to be replaced on schedule — or even earlier if you’re planning to keep the car long-term,” says Javat. “Mitsubishi drivetrains are built to last, but transmissions also require proper care to avoid issues.”
By following Mitsubishi’s maintenance schedule and performing simple tasks at home, you can keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently for years to come. Regular care ensures reliability, protects your investment and keeps you ready for any journey.