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Auto Care & Tips

Repair It or Replace It?

Every aging car reaches a point where you may wonder, "Should I fix it or sell it?" Considerations like repair costs, vehicle condition, and long-term reliability play into this decision. Click here for more details.

Vehicle Storage Tips

When storing your vehicle for the season, ensure proper protection with these tips:

 

  • Use a Drive-In Bag or Capsule: Invest in one that completely seals your car for extra protection.

  • Seal Your Garage: Plug any holes with stainless steel mesh, sheet metal, or aluminum flashing.

  • Rodent Deterrents:
    • Use taste deterrents like bitter apple spray, peppermint oil, or powdered fox urine.
    • Ultrasonic deterrents and strobe lights can keep rodents away.
    • Set a snap trap baited with peanut butter under your car or on the engine.

  • Insurance Check: Check with your insurance company for rodent damage coverage.

Tire Tips

  • Tire Rotation: Rotate tires every 8,000 to 12,000 kilometers (every other oil change) for even wear.
  • Tire Inflation: Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications (usually 32 psi). Overinflation causes wear in the center, while underinflation wears at the edges.
  • Manufacturer Guidelines: Always double-check the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure and specifications on the label inside your driver’s door for the most accurate information.

Quick Tips

  • Battery Replacement: Keep an eye on your battery’s performance and replace it as needed. More informations here.
  • Foggy Windshield: Clear up your windshield for better visibility with regular maintenance.  More informations here
  • Don’t Blame the Oil: Sometimes other issues cause performance drops, not just oil. More informations here
  • Cost of Owning a Vehicle: Understand the ongoing costs of maintaining and repairing your vehicle.  More informations here
  • Aluminum Rims: Regularly clean and inspect your rims to avoid damage.  More informations here

Maintenance and Repair Tips

Proper vehicle maintenance ensures smooth operation and reduces costly repairs:

  • Engine Oil: Milky brown oil may indicate coolant contamination, signaling a serious issue like a blown head gasket.
  • Washing Your Car: Use specialized car wash products to prevent damage to the finish.
  • Cooling System: Flush and refill your vehicle’s cooling system every two years to avoid rust and scale buildup.
  • Battery Maintenance: Clean and inspect battery cables and terminals for a good electrical connection.
  • Synthetic Oils: For high-output or towing vehicles, synthetic oils offer better performance, improved fuel economy, and longer intervals between changes.
  • Short Trip Driving: This is tough on oil. Always follow severe service maintenance intervals.
  • Fuel Filter Replacement: Replace your vehicle’s fuel filter every 48,000 kilometers or as recommended in your owner’s manual.
  • Oil Changes: Experts recommend changing your oil every 3 months or 5,000 kilometers to maximize engine protection.
  • Spark Plugs: Replace spark plugs every 30 months or 48,000 kilometers for optimum performance.
  • Flat Tire: Pull off the road as far as possible, set your parking brake (for manual transmission), and switch off the ignition.
  • Air Filter: Replace your air filter every six months or as per manufacturer’s guidelines.
  • Fuel System Maintenance: Replace the fuel filter and inspect fuel lines when replacing the fuel pump.
  • Windshield Wipers: Replace wiper blades once a year for clear visibility.

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  • Unlike large corporations, your support fuels the hopes and aspirations of everyday families.

  • To us, you are not just a customer—you’re part of our story. Your happiness is what drives us every day.

Thank you for choosing to support small businesses like ours. Together, we can make a lasting impact.