8 Tips to make your Car Last Longer

If you wish to keep your car on the go, you must take care of it as much you’d like to take care of yourself. Buying a new car every few years may not be a feasible option in the long run. Read through the following tips to increase the longevity of your car.

Let your car breathe

Along with the oil and oil filter in your car, other filters and fluids need to be changed and maintained on a regular basis. This will enable your car to breathe at ease and increase the life span of your car engine.

Cool it down

When you lubricate your car engine, take an extra initiative to check the cooling system in your car. If the coolant system in your car is maintained properly, it will save you from steep repair expenditures every month. The hoses must be lubed properly to prevent your engine from melting away.

Check the pressure

Conduct a routine tire check and maintain the right inflation pressure in your tires. Maintaining proper pressure in your car tire is an inexpensive precaution towards safety on road.

Focus on the car gauge

You must listen to your car gauge to prevent long term damages in your car. Whether the problem is related to tire pressure, the coolant system or oil pressure, your car gauges will always provide clear signals to prevent potential harm. To prevent long term damages consult a professional automotive technician or take you car to a local automotive repair shop.

Regular check ups

When you fall sick, do you visit a different doctor every time or do you stick to the one who knows you inside out? A car mechanic should share the same relationship with your car. Find a mechanic you can trust to take care of your car through regular check ups and get your car servicing done by him all the time.

Drive smart

Some people are naturally prone to rash driving and are blissfully unaware of the damage they’re creating. If you start or stop your car aggressively and quickly, it effects your car, tire, brakes, engine and gas adversely. Adopt good driving habits to save fuel.

Keep It Clean

You must keep your car squeaky clean all the time. Wash and wax your car exterior and vacuum the interiors of the car. In case of spills, clean them immediately and avoid using too much of car perfume.

Keep it Covered

Do you wish to increase the resale value of your car? If you do, you must park your car inside a garage or wrap it up with a cover after you return home. Take measures to protect your car from the scorching heat of the sun, tree sap, bird droppings and scratches. If you protect your car on a daily basis, the life condition of your car will be elevated and the longevity of your car will increase in leaps and bounds.

For more Information call us (780) 645-2478 or you can contact us. You can also drop a mail to us.

Tips on Eco-friendly Car Wash

When it comes to giving your car an Eco-friendly wash, most of us think about doing it at home, happily forgetting the fact that the rinse-off water runs down the drain and streams into the water bodies contaminating them. Moreover, washing a car at home uses more water since many times we let the hose running while we are busy scrubbing away. Here’s why you should choose commercial car washes and avoid DIY-ING:

  • Commercial car washes are carried out with the help computer-controlled systems and high-pressure nozzles and pumps that cuts down water usage.
  • Many service providers also recycle the rinse-off water. So,commercial car washes save up to 50% water when compared to washing at home.
  • The law has made it mandatory for the car wash services to direct their rinse-off water to the sewer systems so that it is treated and then drained into the water sources.

However, if you still wish to do it on your own, follow these tips to ensure that you do it the green way.

Tips#1 Choose the right cleaning agent

Using cleaners with as less chemicals as possible is the best way to ensure that you’re caring for the environment. Biodegradable, phosphate-free, water-based products pose serious threat to aquatic life since the waste water travels all the way to the waterways and pollute them.

Tips#2 Cut down the use of soap

No matter how Eco-friendly the car cleaning agents are, they will never be completely free from toxic chemicals. Therefore as an Eco-friendly move, you should limit your usage of soap-based cleaners. For instance, if you wash your car twice a month, you could go soap-free one time.

Tips#3 Use cleaning accessories that reduce the water usage

You will find water sprays and nozzles widely available in the market that restrict the flow of water thus helping you conserve more water.

Tips#4 Pick waterless car cleaners

Just spray it and wipe and voila! Waterless car wash products are that easy to use. The formula used in them allows you to wipe off the dirt and grime without the use of water. However, make sure that you choose a product that biodegradable and free of phosphate.

Tips#5 Forget the driveway, do it in your lawn

You might wonder what difference will this make? Well, instead of polluting the local water bodies, washing the car in your lawn will lead the waste water to seep into the soil.

For getting some information about an automotive repair shop visit our website. You can also call us on (780) 645-2478 , Contact us or drop a mail to us.

What do you do when your car breaks down?

So you’re driving all by yourself when your car starts groaning and it comes to a sudden halt. What should you do?
Thumb through the following pointers to get yourself out of a sudden car break down.

The first few steps

  • Your first step in to steer your car off the road. Utilize the existing momentum of your car and get it parked safely before it shuts down completely.
  • If you’re unable to park your car off the road, switch on your hazard lights and stay put if you’re stuck in the middle of a highway.
  • Turn on the hazard lights and engage the emergency brake of the car and most importantly, call a professional car mechanic for assistance.

Stay beside your car

  • You must stay with your car because it is extremely dangerous for you to loiter around a busy road.
  • Know that if you are availing for roadside car services, they would require the driver to be present at all times. Your car will not be fixed if you are nowhere to be found.

Don’t try to actualize your car repairing skills

Even if you happen to have a faint idea about car repair, stay put and wait for a mechanic or a police officer to provide assistance. You might have changed a car tire or two in the comfort of your front porch but a highway isn’t exactly the ideal place to demonstrate your potential expertise. Wait for a police officer to slow the traffic down if you must change a tire by your own self.

Bank on your common sense

It is important to realize that there are various types of breakdowns. Depending on the time of the breakdown, the place, car and the underlying problem you must take the right kind of decision. The key is to not panic and do the needful. Keep your calm and reach out to people for help in a wise manner. You could phone car services or wait for patrolling officers to help you out of a breakdown.

The Most Prevalent Car Problems During Summertime

After a cold winter spell the warmth of the summer heat feels wonderful, right? What could be more exciting than hitting the road with some friends or your family? Be it errands or road trips, driving is thoroughly enjoyable during the summers. Sadly, the sudden heat might affect your vehicle and disturb your engine. Read through some of the most common car problems that you must be aware of during summertime.

Tire Failure

When temperatures rise the tire pressure also shoots up in equal accordance. As a result of this, your tires could suffer a sudden blow out. To prevent your tires from any potential damage, keep a check on the tire inflation regularly. If your tire demands for frequent air on a regular basis, inspect thoroughly for a leak that might require immediate attention.

Dead Battery

This is a common summertime issue. The heat generated on a summer day can affect the battery of your car adversely. Car batteries are intolerable to heat as much as they are to cold. Extreme temperatures can deteriorate the functionality and utility of a car battery; get your battery tested by a qualified car mechanic frequently to ensure a smooth summer drive each day.

Engine Overheating

Have you seen a car engine cough up huge gasps of fume at the side of a road? It is a common sight and most of us have witnessed it at least once while traveling. The huge puff of smoke is a direct result of an overheated engine. Besides the external temperature of a hot summer day, the engine of your own car is capable of attaining soaring temperatures of more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Hence, the root cause of the problem is not very difficult to identify. To keep your engine cool, you must ensure that the coolant, motor oil and all the other fluid levels in the car is always balanced and maintained adequately before you set out for your destination. You can also consult any qualified automotive service technician for getting a detailed inspection of your car engine. A automotive service technician is like a doctor who can actually get the right treatment of your car.

In a crux

These are the most prevalent causes behind summertime car troubles. If you are worried about encountering these problems, take sincere actions towards regular car maintenance.

For more Information call us (780) 645-2478 or you can contact us. You can also drop a mail to us.

Important Winter Automotive Maintenance Tips

It’s common for you to prepare yourself for the harsh winter months ahead, then why leave your car to suffer? Here are the top 5 tips that will help you get your car ready for the chilly weather.

Tip #1 Get new wiper blades

If there’s winter knocking at your door, gift your car a new set of wiper blades. This is one of the most important things you can do to your vehicle for the days ahead. If you’re using new wiper blades, get them checked and fixed if needed. After all, you wouldn’t want to be blinded by the snow and mud in the middle of an already difficult drive.

Tip #2 Check your brakes

In winter, the ice and snow can make it difficult for you to determine your vehicle’s stopping distance. Bad breaks can exacerbate the condition further. Therefore, it’s advisable that you get your breaks inspected by a reputed automotive repair shop. Faulty brakes pose a number of serious threats and the snow covered roads can make it even more difficult for you to control your vehicle.

Tip #3 Ditch your old battery

The last thing you would want in a cold and dark winter evening to get stuck in the snow due to a dead battery. Watch out for those signs that will tell you that you need to replace your car’s battery. For instance, a build-up on your car battery points finger at the fact that your battery must be replaced. In case you cannot the read the sign on your own, it is advisable that you take your car to a certified professional automotive service technician for a thorough inspection.

Tip #4 Fix the alignment

Driving through roadways covered with snow can be a challenge for even the most expert driver. In such a case, a misalignment in your vehicle can be a surefire way to invite accidents. Keep an eye on the signs such as the wearing tread of your tires, or unnatural shaking while driving as these clearly indicate that your car needs an alignment.

Tip #5 Treat your car to a thorough tune-up

Before the winter sets in, take your car for a detailed check up. Since colder temperature might trigger issues such as pings, sluggish performance or difficult starts, it’s always better to eliminate the possible causes before these problems start showing up. When it comes to your vehicles, always rely on expert hands. Therefore, contact the most reputed automotive repair service provider in your area for prepping up your car for the winter months.

For getting some information about professional car mechanic or automotive repair shop visit our website. You can also call us on (780) 645-2478 , Contact us or drop a mail to us.

Tips to Keep Your Brakes in Check

Brakes may not be the most attractive thing about your car but they’re easily one of the most significant parts of your car. If you listen to the warning indications of your car, you might end up saving more than one life on road.

One of the most obvious signs that might impel you to rush your car to the automotive service shops is when the break light starts blinking on the dashboard of your car.
In case you find that your car is taking a longer time to stop, you must rush your car for servicing with equal urgency. There are some other signs that might report a faulty brake system. Thumb through the following pointers to promote safety on road:

Reduced responsiveness

Are your pedals sinking towards the floor every time you hit the brakes? This might either happen due to a leakage in your braking system or a fluid leakage in the brake hose. A sure sign that might assist you while detecting a brake fluid leak is the presence of a tiny puddle of fluid underneath your car.

Pulling

If your car is pulling away to one side as soon as you brake, it might indicate that the brake linings of your car are wearing unevenly. It might also happen due to the presence of a foreign matter in the fluid. In both the cases your car fluid has to be drained and the brake adjustment has to be replaced. You can also take the help of a professional who makes brakes inspection.

Grinding or growling

If you can hear a loud metallic sound, it is a clear indication that you have worn out your pads completely. The grinding noise happens when two pieces of metal rub against each other. This can sever your rotors and might require your rotors to be completely replaced with new ones.

Vibration

If your rotors are warped or your car is way out of its alignment, it might make your brakes pulsate every time you use them.

To sum it up

If you wish to keep your car brakes in good working order, avoid expensive repairs in your future and most importantly save yourself from callous accidents, take extra efforts to maintain your car brakes.

For more Information call us (780) 645-2478 or you can contact us. You can also drop a mail to us.

5 Tips to Ensure a Safe Summer Time Drive

Inspect Your Vehicle

  • You car is essentially a machine that needs to be maintained for proper functioning and longevity. You cannot bring your car out in the open without being absolutely certain that it is in a workable condition. Car maintenance is essentials.
  • Scrutinize your car tires every day to check whether they are inflated or worn out.
  • Take a round or two around your car every morning religiously to ensure everything is okay. Car maintenance is very essential.

Safety First

  • It is mandatory for you to get into the discipline of using your seat belt as soon as you hop into your car.
  • Adjust your driving seat as per your height and put on your safety belt correctly.
  • You must adjust your seating position every time you get into your car.
  • Maintain a straight posture while driving and ensure that the belt runs down your hips and not your stomach.

Driving is just like your everyday job!

  • Just like you need to monitor your conduct at your work place, you must do the same while driving. Most accidents take place when the driver is distracted.
  • Keep the multi-tasking tendencies at bay and focus solely on driving when you’re inside your car. The most common distractions are using mobile phones, drinking, eating and shuffling radio channels.

Try to get into the discipline of responsible driving and encourage your friends to do the same.

Avoid Road Rash

  • Road rashes are an increasing problem on road. If you’re in a hurry, make sure you plan your journey wisely from the next time. Road raging does not benefit anyone, it damages your car and petrifies fellow drivers. Respect the road and enjoy driving.
  • Road rage is also common among teens and young drivers; if you’re looking for some adrenaline rush, sign up for water-surfing sessions or mountaineering classes.

Keep Calm

Bad driving behaviors can actually take lives. Do not drive if you feel stressed or unwell. You must drive only when you are calm and relaxed. Rash driving or careless driving might risk more than one life and leave you with a lifetime of regret.

For more Information call us (780) 645-2478 or you can contact us. You can also drop a mail to us.

 

 

How to go for Green Auto Repair Shops

As you’re driving your car back home from your repair shop with a smile of satisfaction, does it occur to you that you’re repair needs have just added to the environmental woes of this planet?

That’s right. Approximately 200 million gallons of oil are drained in the sewers every year while just 1 gallon of oil can contaminate 1 million gallons of drinking water. This is a dangerous threat to ourselves and our surroundings.

Therefore, it’s important that we make eco-friendly changes in our lifestyle and habits which applies in this case too.You can avoid this by opting for those auto repair shops that carry out eco-friendly practices.

If you’re a car repair dealer, it’s a choice you can make in support of a greener and better environment. So, before the situation rolls out of control, you can take a few steps to make an eco-friendly statement. Incorporating measures such as recyclable windshield wipers, recycled motor oil, biodegradable engine additives, VOC-free paint or non-toxic shop cleansers can help you make the right start.

Here’s a list of 5 things you can do to ensure that your auto repair shop operates in strict compliance with environmental policies.

1. Offer eco-friendly tune-ups

Include in your services those tune-ups that are specifically designed to conserve resources by improving gas mileage and the life of your customer’s vehicle.

2. Stop using hazardous chemicals

Paints, thinners, antifreeze chemicals, scrap metal, batteries, fuels and acids that are generally used by repair shops pose many health threats such as cancer, respiratory problems, skin disorders and so on. Therefore avoid using these chemicals. Instead, you can use environmentally-better substitutes available in the market.

3. Improve your waste management practices

Keep a check on your waste management and disposal practices. Use dry-cleaning techniques to minimize the use of liquid cleaners and grease removals which also have some level of toxicity.

4. Encourage your customers to use bio-diesel

Assist your customers with diesel conversions and encourage them to switch over to bio-diesel. You can also keep special offers on repairing services for hybrids and electric cars as a means of supporting the use of eco-friendly cars.

5. Go paperless

Minimize the use of paper in your business. Instead use online systems for management of documents, maintaining customer records, payment details and storing files. This is one strong step towards embracing eco-friendly practices for your auto repair business.

5 Tips to Retain Female Customers for Auto Repair Shops

When it comes to cars and auto-repairs, it’s no longer a man’s world. Don’t believe us? Take a look at these facts collected by Harvard Business Journal, Forbes and Nielsen Ratings:

  • 68% of decisions with respect to new car purchase are made by women.
  • In the US, over $200 billion is spent by women each year on new cars and vehicle servicing.
  • Women account for nearly 65% of requested service at dealerships.

With an increasing rate of women customers flocking the auto-repair shops, they need to tweak their customer service policies quite a bit to earn more customers and to keep them coming. While it does not require a major overhaul in terms of infrastructure, there are a few ideas that you can adopt to make your car-repair business more women-friendly.

Here’s a roundup of 5 tips to retain female customers and to keep them happy:

1. Be polite

There’s no match for politeness when it comes to dealing with a woman. Bring out the gentleman in you and your employees, attend to your female customers right from the time they step out of their cars and hear them out with patience and a smiling face. These gestures are sure to make your female customers feel comfortable right from the beginning.

2. Keep it clean

Women are a sucker for cleanliness so make sure that your shop and your workspace is clean and uncluttered. Pay special attention to the floors and walls of your repair shop. Wipe out any liquid, grease or oil from the floor on regular intervals. Women with heels are very likely to trip over a messy floor and you definitely wouldn’t want such a mishap.

3. Make it a little special for her

Women love to be treated special and a gesture in that direction goes a long way in ensuring that she feels comfortable every time she walks into your repair shop. Many repair shops keep latte machines to let their customers enjoy a hot cuppa. You can walk an extra mile by serving the beverage in a coffee mug instead of a Styrofoam cup.
Also make sure to keep some good women’s magazines on the shelf and yes, keep buying the new editions every other month, if not every month. You can also stock your restroom with diapers, wet tissues and tampons.

Trust us, your efforts will be hugely appreciated.

4. Explain issues without jargon’s

While explaining her what might have gone wrong with her vehicle, do so in a simple, jargon-free language. There’s nothing that puts off a woman more than having to ask for a clearer version of your car talk every time you break into a conversation laden with jargon’s and technical terms.

5. Follow-up after repair

This is an important step to ensure that a woman customer is happy with your service and is not facing any further problems.

IMPORTANCE OF VEHICLE INSPECTION SERVICES

Before you rush to drive home your dream car, there’s just one more level for you to complete. It’s called the Vehicle Inspection Service or VIS. So, why are these services so important? Read on to find out.

What is VIS?

For those who are not yet aware of this concept- VIS is a service that’s meant for monitoring the safety, maintenance and the general condition of your vehicle. There are various types of services that fall under the category of VIS. Safety inspections, emission inspections, pre-purchase inspections etc.

While it’s important that you avail these services before buying a car, you must also carry out regular follow-ups of such services even if you’re already owning a car.

These are some of the car parts that you should normally get inspected:

  • Brakes
  • Seat Belts
  • Steering, Front End, Suspension, Chassis, Frame and Wheel Fasteners
  • Tires
  • Windshield, Wipers and Blades
  • Horn
  • Lights
  • Mirrors
  • Fuel Leaks
  • Emissions
  • Engine light

Why do you need VIS?

Here’s a roundup of the top reasons for you to rush to your nearest vehicle inspection service provider:

Your car’s life gets extended

Proper maintenance goes a long way in ensuring that your car runs like new for longer. Therefore, taking your car to regular trips to a professional VIS provider helps.

You spend less on repairs

A regular VIS ensures that you don’t have to take your cars for frequent repairs. This means you save a lot of money that would have otherwise gone in paying for repair services.

You get the best deals for pre-owned cars

If you are willing to zero in on a used car, VIS becomes a mandatory step. VIS is important to ensure that the car you are about to buy is free from any technical problem.

You follow the safety rules

It is important to have your vehicle tested regularly at a reputed VIS provider to maintain optimum levels of safety when you’re driving it. This way you also comply to the road safety rules and other legal aspects of driving.

What’s more important is that VIS doesn’t break your bank. So, by spending a little, you ensure that your car runs not just safer but longer too.