Here is a list of common services your vehicle requires. We are always happy to help answer any questions you may have. To obtain expert advice, an urgent fix or a simple preventative maintenance inspection, contact us or come in to visit us!
BRAKES
Maintenance of your brake pads: to brake safely
Over time, your car’s brakes can wear out and make braking more difficult and dangerous. As brake wear varies from one driver to another, your brakes should be checked at least twice a year. At your next maintenance appointment, take the opportunity to have them checked. That way, you’ll always be safe. However, if you notice any of the following signs, contact your us as soon as possible:
- Your brakes squeak when you brake.
- Your brakes don’t work as well.
- The brake pedal is no longer easy to press down.
- Your vehicle vibrates or stutters when you brake.
- The brake light on your instrument panel is lit.
AIR CONDITIONING
The importance of never neglecting your car’s air conditioning system
Your vehicle’s air conditioning system is important not only for your comfort but also to ensure your safety. Running out of coolant gas and a dirty cabin filter are the main reasons for problems with this system. Therefore, you should have it inspected to make sure it’s fully operational. If a leak occurs, it’s also important to ave your air conditioning system repaired. The cabin filter should be changed at least once a year. You should have your air conditioning system repaired if you notice:
- Excess humidity
- A lack of cool air
- A lack of power
- Strange odour
- Unusual noise
CHARGING AND STARTING SYSTEM
Prevent breakdowns and towing, maintain your charging and starting system
Battery, starter, alternator and battery cables and connectors are what makes up your charging and starting systems. These components can wear out over time. To avoid breakdowns or unexpected tows, we recommend checking the condition of your charging and starting system at least once a year or before winter. These are the signs your charging and starting system is faulty:
- The battery dashboard light is on
- Having trouble starting the vehicle
- Strange sounds when you start your car
- Change in the intensity of the dashboard lighting when driving or breaking
DIAGNOSIS
The dashboard indicator light comes on? It’s time for a diagnosis!
Several indicator lights may appear on your dashboard. One of the most familiar ones is the check engine light. It important to determine what’s going on quickly because an unresolved issue can lead to many problems such as:
- A break with another car part
- Increase in your vehicle’s fuel consumption
- Increase in your vehicle’s polluting emissions
ELECTRONIC FULE INJECTION
The electronic fuel injection system: for a more efficient motor
The injection system’s purpose is to supply the engine with fuel, cleaning it provides better combustion and better fuel consumption which reduces your ecological footprint and allows the injection system to work efficiently. If your vehicle’s injection system isn’t cleaned frequently, you may experience the following problems:
- Poor acceleration
- Stalling and knocking noises
- Increase in gas consumption
ENGINE TUNE-UP
The engine tune-up: for a powerful and highly effective motor
The engine is the heart of your vehicle. For it to work properly, you must tune it up on a regular basis. During your tune up we will replace your spark plugs, check your ignition system and clean the injectors and inspect the belt. Insure your vehicles performance, smoother driving and power during acceleration. Examples of situations that may require a call to your technician:
- Check engine light is on
- Increase in your vehicle’s fuel consumption
- Increase in your vehicle’s polluting emissions
EXHAUST SYSTEM
Maintenance of the exhaust system for great performance
The exhaust system consists of the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, gas analysis probes, exhaust pipe and the muffler. When the muffler is defective you will hear rumbling sounds or other types of noises upon acceleration. To extend the life cycle of exhaust system parts you should have them checked regularly to insure:
- Better road performance
- Fuel economy
HEATING
To ensure your safety, have your heating system checked
When your vehicle’s heating system has a leak or a defective part, several problems can occur. If the antifreeze doesn’t have the right density the result may be lack of hear which will increase fuel consumption and have a negative impact on engine performance. Several signs indicate that your car’s heating system needs to be repaired:
- Lack of heat
- Unusual odours
- Unusual sounds coming from fans or under the hood
LIGHTING AND VISIBILITY
Windshield wipers and headlights in good condition for better visibility
We recommend changing your windshield wipers seasonally to ensure maximum efficiency. Keeping your headlights in good working order helps with safety and visibility. We can help maintain optimal visibility by preforming:
- Windshield wiper replacement and repair
- Windshield wiper fluid top up and jet adjustment
- Windshield wiper pump repair
- Headlight polishing
- Headlight replacement and repair
TIRE SERVICES
TIRE ALIGNMENT
Aligning the wheels on your vehicle involves adjusting the wheel angle to prevent premature wear an reduce tire friction. Your wheels should be aligned at least once a year or every 20,000km.
TIRE BALANCING
Wheel balancing distributes the weight of the wheels and tires a they rotate. Your wheels should be balanced every 20,000km as well as any time a tire needs to be repaired, replaced or installed. If you feel a slight vibration when you are driving this is a sign your tires may need to be balanced.
TIRE INSTALLATION & SALES
Our technicians can check tire levels of wear to determine if it’s time to change or replace your tires. Canadian law stipulates that a tire worn down to 2/32 is illegal. Wear greater than 5/32 increases your risk of hydroplaning and traction loss. With our help you can determine when to change your tires and find the once that are right for you.
- Ideal road handling
- Reduced risk of hydroplaning and traction loss
TIRE REPAIR
When a tire has a puncture it goes flat, it can often be repaired rather than replaced. Avoid driving with a flat tire, even over a short distance. If your tire meets the following conditions, you can probably get your tire repaired:
- You didn’t drive your car while the tire is flat
- The diameter of the puncture hold is smaller than 6.35 mm (1/4 inch)
- Only the tread is damaged; the side wall is intact
TIRE ROTATION
Tire rotation is essential to maximize your tires’ life cycle and ensures even tread wear. You save money by changing your tires less often!
TIRE STORAGE
Storing your tires is important to preserve their condition. When not in use they must be protected from the elements in a closed, well-ventilated, dry and cool place. Avoid lifting and transporting your seasonal tires, let us store them for you!
SHUTTLE SERVCE AND COURTESY VEHICLES
A repair shop attentive to your needs
When your vehicle needs maintenance and repairs you shouldn’t have to worry about getting around. The shuttle service will take you where you need to go and if we need to keep your vehicle longer you can use one of our courtesy vehicles.
- Less stress and planning surrounding your next visit
- You’ll save time and never be late!
STEERING
The power steering system consists of several components making for precise and safe driving
The system’s operation is rather complex and consists of components including the power steering pump and fluid, steering rack, steering wheel speed sensor, steering wheel and steering column seal. The system responds to the steering wheel’s movements and then directs hydraulic pressure towards one side of the rack to move the wheels in the desired direction. These are the signs your system is faulty:
- Red or translucent oil leak occurs when you move the steering wheel
- Unusual or grinding noises when you start or drive your car
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Check this system every year for better road adherence
Shock absorbers and the coil spring ensure road adherence and better braking. The coil spring absorbs road shocks and aids steering in a straight line. It’s essential to have your shock absorbers checked as soon as you reach 80,000km and have this system inspected every year to insure:
- better road handling and adherence
- Improved braking
- Better sock absorption
- Vehicle steers straighter
TRANSMISSION AND TRACTION
Ensuring engine power to your drive wheels
Automatic or manual vehicle’s transmissions are connected to the rear of the engine. The transmission is made up of may components, including the transmission shaft, differential and velocity joins which send the engine’s power to the drive wheels. Here are some signs your transmission should be checked:
- Feel jolts when you change gears
- Becomes difficult to shift gears, gear slips, no longer shift gears at all
- Use more force to make manual gear shifts
- Leaks bright red transmission fluid
- Check engine light is on
TRANSMISSION AND TRACTION
Ensuring engine power to your drive wheels
Automatic or manual vehicle’s transmissions are connected to the rear of the engine. The transmission is made up of may components, including the transmission shaft, differential and velocity joins which send the engine’s power to the drive wheels. Here are some signs your transmission should be checked:
- Feel jolts when you change gears
- Becomes difficult to shift gears, gear slips, no longer shift gears at all
- Use more force to make manual gear shifts
- Leaks bright red transmission fluid
- Check engine light is on