Basic car maintenance is essential to ensure safety, performance, and longevity—especially in Japan, where seasonal temperature changes can significantly impact vehicle performance. Key items to monitor include oil changes, tire condition, and battery health.
Oil Change
It’s recommended to change the oil every 5,000 km or as specified in the vehicle’s manual. For used cars, it’s best to change the oil as soon as possible after purchase. Neglecting this can lead to engine damage and costly repairs.
Tires
In Japan, winter tires (studdless) are typically used from November to March, particularly in snowy regions. Summer tires should be installed around April. It’s also important to check tire wear and air pressure every 1–2 months for safety and fuel efficiency.
Battery
Batteries are sensitive to temperature changes, especially during winter. It’s advisable to test your battery every 6 months, especially if your car is used infrequently or for short trips only.
Where to Service
All Easy Car branches—located in Mie, Hamamatsu, and Aichi—provide complete vehicle maintenance services, covering everything from oil changes to inspections. If you live far from an Easy Car location, you can also take your car to authorized dealerships, or auto centers like Yellow Hat, Autobacs, and Super Autobacs. These locations often offer quick, no-appointment-needed services.
Keeping up with these three key areas can help prevent unexpected problems and extend the life of your vehicle—a crucial benefit for anyone who relies on their car for daily life in Japan.