Posted by Curt Larsen on Sun, Feb 12, 2012 @ 08:25 PM
Your vehicle has many parts and systems that work to perform important driving functions. Summer driving is especially hard on your vehicle. 
Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms?
- Car not starting every time
- Tires slipping on road in light - moderate rain
- Car pulls to one side during braking or pedal feels mushy
To avoid problems have a look at these 5 steps in the Quick Guide to Summer Car Maintenance.
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Tune-Up A well tuned engine balances efficiency in power and fuel economy with the lowest level of emissions. Worn parts are not the only factor in looking at vehicle maintenance. Routine tuning will restore optimum operating performance and efficiency of the engine & emissions.
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Tire check Tires affect ride, handling, traction and safety. They are the critical connection between you and the road. Tire pressure should be checked once a month (don’t forget the spare) and rotated every 6,000 miles or 9,700 km. Replace tires when tread depth is at the minimum requirement – your mechanic will be able to tell you this. Uneven wear may be an alignment problem which should be monitored.
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Battery If the battery is more than 3 years old, have it checked and replace if needed. Batteries don’t last forever, and will eventually need replacing. Battery connections should be clean, tight and corrosion free. Look for a good quality battery; they are not all the same.
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Brake system check Your car’s brake system is the most critical safety system. Any problems you think you have should be checked out immediately. Typical wear and tear differs from each individual’s driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and quality of brake lining material.
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Air conditioning Proper heating and cooling allows for interior comfort, defrosting and balancing humidity levels. Your system should ideally be checked annually. Ensure it is operational before that summer holiday. The refrigerant needs to be tested for operation, charge and outlet temperatures.
Posted by Jane Larsen on Mon, Oct 31, 2011 @ 03:26 PM
Start preparing for snow as early as November and a deep freeze right through to at least February next year! Now is the perfect time to be thinking about what you need to be doing to look after your car and yourself over the winter. Our resident mechanic and blogger has some tips for you!
Check your coolant / antifreeze!
This can be a very costly mistake when the temperatures start to drop below freezing, unless your car is in a heated garage then its a good chance your radiator might freeze up and even worse the block and the water pump with it. This can result in some serious engine damage in the worst cases. Mix your water with coolant at a ratio of 1:1 in winter ( that means 50% water to 50% coolant ). Also remember to pick the correct type of coolant for your car, Most modern cars use long life coolants which are often red or orange in color, older cars will use a green coolant DONT MIX THEM UP! There is also a universal coolant clear or yellow in color that can be used.
Check your tire pressures & tread depth.
A car running over inflated tires will handle poorly at the best of times, never mind when the road is covered with snow and ice. You should be running the pressure stated on your drivers door jam and if in any doubt then check with your local dealer who should know exactly what pressure it should be at. If you get stuck in the snow then a good trick is to drop the tire pressure right down, this essentially flattens the tire and allows it to get much more grip REMEMBER TO REINFLATE IT AFTER! Don't drive around on flat tires, it sounds silly but its easy to forget. A tire with very little tread left wont have much grip on a nice day, it will have almost no grip at all in snow and ice, check its within the legal limits but even if its still just about legal you might want to consider a new set, perhaps even some winter tires. If your budget can't stretch to new tires then get some good used fitted, cost is around $400 for some good quality tires that will still have 90% of their tread left. Its a small price to pay for your safety.
Vision.
Please whatever you do, don't drive off like a tank commander, with a 6 inch by 6 inch hole in the frost to see through, its illegal and most important very dangerous! Invest in some good anti freeze washer fluid, some quality de icer and a good ice scraper, they will cost you very little in reality compared to the benefit you get from being able to quickly defrost your windshield in the morning. Good quality windshield wipers are also a must all year round, the roads get very dirty and salty in the winter and this can quickly muck up your windshield so make sure you have filled your washer fluid properly using a quality washer fluid that will work in low temperatures.
Electronics and battery care.
Cold weather effects batteries and your electronics more than anything else, that's why most of the BCAA call outs in the colder months are to people with dead batteries. If you have any doubts at all about your battery then get it replaced. It might cost you $50-200 depending on your car but that's nothing compared to getting stuck in the snow for 4 hours while the breakdown services try to get to you and the other 8,000 people that have broken down that day.
Things to carry with you.
It's important in the winter months to keep a selection of items with you in case the worst happens. You should carry a flash light, jump leads, first aid kit, candles, kitty litter for traction on ice and a warm blanket at the very least as well as perhaps a tow rope, a warning triangle and a charged cell phone.
As always have your car running in its tip top shape so you won't be left out in the cold and snow waiting for help!
Watch for our next blog on tips for driving on snow and ice.
Posted by Jane Larsen on Wed, Mar 23, 2011 @ 02:44 PM
Ever wondered why your mechanic wants to know when the last time you had your oil changed? 
This is a key guage in how well your car will perform over time. The type of oil used is important too. Quality products do make a difference in how well all the moving parts of your engine work. Over the last 10+ years the quality of engine oil and filters has improved, not to mention longer manufacturer recommended intervals between oil changes.
If you think about it, with all the short driving trips to work, our kids sports and the grocery store, these engine stop and starts and lack of adequate engine warm up subjects our engine to extreme heat, high levels of friction and contaminants.
Engine performance tips:
- Minimize engine parts wear and tear - About every 5,000 km change engine oil and replace the oil filter. Depending on how much you drive and the type of driving you do; city or highway, you can have this service done when its best for your situation. Your mechanic can tell you this once you have had your car in for a few visits.
- Allow for well lubricated parts to work at their optimum - When parts are working properly they will last longer.
- Remove contaminants - Dust, metallic shavings, condensation and antifreeze can contaminate motor oil, and contaminated oil will inhibit the engine from running the way it should.
Lesson learned: get started on a regular routine of oil changes and engine checks with a licenced mechanic and avoid expensive surprises.
Take action: interested in learning more about what kinds of repair services can help maintain your vehicle? Check out this quick online car care guide here.