When it comes to boating in Canada, the conditions can be as varied as the waters we navigate, from salty Atlantic breezes in Nova Scotia to navigating choppy late-summer swells off Vancouver Island. Your Mercury outboard is built to handle it all, but like any high-performance machine, it thrives when you give it proper care.

Some maintenance tasks can wait a weekend or two. Others can shorten your season or even leave you stranded far from the dock if they are skipped. Here are the three Mercury-approved maintenance steps you should never skip, no matter how eager you are to get back on the water.

1. Oil & Filter Changes – Your Engine’s Lifeline

Oil changes are not glamorous, but they are the single most important maintenance step for keeping your Mercury running like new. Fresh oil reduces friction, carries away heat, and prevents harmful build-up inside the engine. Combine that with a clean filter, and you have an engine that is ready to perform season after season.

Why it matters in Canadian waters: Temperature swings, especially in provinces like Alberta or Ontario, mean your engine oil works harder to keep components protected. Summer heat, long runs at cruising speed, and even short trolling sessions can break down oil faster than you think. Neglecting this simple task can lead to costly repairs that could have been avoided.

Pro tip: Mercury recommends using the oil type specified in your owner’s manual, along with a genuine Mercury filter. Always change both at the same time. Skipping the filter is like putting on clean socks but keeping yesterday’s shoes.

2. Lower Unit Inspection – Protecting the Power Below

Your outboard’s lower unit is where the magic of power transfer happens, turning engine horsepower into propeller thrust. It is also the part most exposed to damage from submerged rocks, weeds, and other underwater hazards common in Canadian lakes.

Why it matters in Canadian waters: In places like Georgian Bay or the Rideau Canal, hidden shoals can easily nick your prop or crack a seal. If water sneaks past a damaged seal, it can contaminate your gear oil, leading to internal wear. Catching issues early during a quick lower unit inspection can save you from a ruined weekend and an expensive repair bill.

Pro tip: Before each trip, check for fishing line wrapped around the prop shaft, inspect the prop for dents, and look for signs of leaking gear oil. A milky colour is a clear giveaway of water intrusion. At least once a season, have a certified Mercury dealer pressure-test your lower unit to confirm all seals are intact.

3. Fuel System Care – Keeping Things Clean & Efficient

Modern Mercury outboards are fuel-injection marvels, designed for maximum efficiency. They are also precise machines that do not perform well with dirty or stale fuel. Canadian boaters who store fuel over the winter or fill up at remote marinas know how quickly contamination can happen.

Why it matters in Canadian waters: Seasonal storage, particularly in provinces with long winters like Saskatchewan or Quebec, increases the risk of ethanol-related issues. Moisture in the tank can lead to phase separation, clogged filters, or corrosion inside your fuel system.

Pro tip: Always use fresh, clean fuel, and add a Mercury-approved fuel stabilizer before seasonal storage. Replace your fuel filter as part of your annual service, and sooner if you have had a questionable fill-up. This small step can prevent a lot of headaches.

The Mercury Difference

These are not just good ideas. They are best practices tested in conditions from Yukon cold snaps to humid Ontario summers. Mercury engineers design every outboard with durability in mind, but they also know that the best-built engine is only as reliable as the care it receives.

By committing to these three maintenance steps, you are not only protecting your investment, you are making sure that every time you turn the key, you can trust your Mercury to start, run, and bring you home safely.

Your turn: What is your go-to maintenance tip that has saved you from trouble on the water? Share it in the comments. Your advice might help another Canadian boater make the most of their season.