4 Locations to Serve You!
Prince George, BC
1st Ave. & George Street: (250) 563-8160
Hart Highway: (250) 563-9160
Maple Ridge, BC
22855 Lougheed Hwy: (604) 463-7661
1362 Marine Drive: (604) 980-9115
CAR CARE (TIPS)
If you want your vehicle to purr, having it ready for your driving conditions is vital. Wear and tear can be costly. Proper preventative maintenance can save you lots of dough, plus extend the average life of your vehicle.
Spring & Summer Car Care Tips
Tips to ensure your vehicle is ready for hot temperatures and summer fun:
Cooling System: Make sure your coolant has been changed to manufacturer recommendations. Every two to three years is a general recommendation. Make sure all hoses are in good condition.
Oil: Don’t exceed your recommended oil change interval. Oil will break down and with the hot summer temperatures, this can seriously damage the working components of your engine.
Transmission: Transmission fluid breaks down just like motor oil. The transmission, manual or automatic, needs clean fluid to work properly. Avoid serious problems with your transmission by servicing it according to your manufacturer recommendations.
Fuel System: Fuel systems, injectors and intakes get dirty and rob your car of gas mileage and performance. Keep it clean by having your fuel system serviced today. Don’t forget to change your vehicle's Fuel Filter and Air Filter. This will add to the longevity of the fuel pump and increase gas mileage and horsepower.
Tires: Make sure your tires are checked and pressure corrected on a regular basis. This decreases tire wear, enhances performance, and adds to fuel economy. Recommended tire pressure can be found on the drivers side door of most vehicles.
Drive Belts: Over time rubber dries out and belts begin to crack. Most vehicles now use only one serpentine belt for all of the functions of your vehicle (alternator, water pump, cooling fan, etc). If the belt fails, everything fails. Have your belts inspected prior to any long trips or summer outings.
Winter Car Care Tips
Tips to ensure your vehicle is ready for our not-so-friendly northern climate:
- Ensure your vehicle's in top running order.
- Never travel with less than half a tank of fuel. (This will allow you to get through any delays and keep your vehicle warm in an emergency)
- Ensure your spare tire is inflated and you have the proper tools to change a flat.
- Travel with an emergency kit including cell phone, blankets, emergency candles, matches and a small amount of food and water. "You can never pack too much to deal with any winter problems."
Oil: Oil breaks down over time and does not perform as it should in cold temperatures. Make sure your vehicle has the proper winter weight oil installed, and that you don’t exceed the recommended oil change interval. For extra protection and easier cold starts consider upgrading to a semi-synthetic or full synthetic oil.
Antifreeze/Cooling Systems: Have your antifreeze checked to ensure against winter freeze up. Ensure that you have not exceeded the manufacturer recommended antifreeze/coolant change interval. Every two to three years is a general recommendation. Have your hoses inspected and block heater checked prior to the cold days ahead.
Fuel System: A clean fuel system, fuel filter, and air filter will help ensure easier starting in the cold winter months. Have your fuel system serviced and fuel filter changed on a regular basis. In extreme cold, add a gasline antifreeze everytime you fill up.
Windshield Wipers: Change your wipers to ensure good winter visibility. You can upgrade to winter wipers to help deal with ice and snow.
Transmission: Transmission fluid breaks down just like engine oil. If you exceed the manufacturers recommended transmission service interval, it will hinder the performance of the transmission and accelerate transmission wear. Avoid serious problems with your transmission by servicing it on a regular basis. Old transmission fluid does not perform well in cold temperatures.
Tires: Make sure your tires are checked and tire pressure is corrected on a regular basis. Extreme changes in temperature will affect your tire pressure. Recommended tire pressures can be found on the driver’s door of most vehicles. It is essential that you choose tires (all season, winter or studded) to suit the winter driving conditions in your area. It is recommended that ALL tires on your vehicle be the same tread, size and design. This is especially important on front wheel drive vehicles.
Drive Belts: Over time rubber dries out and begins to crack. Most vehicles use only one serpentine belt for all the functions of your vehicle (alternator, water pump, cooling fan, etc.). If the belt fails, everything fails. Don't get left out in the cold and have your belt inspected today.
