OIL CHANGE

What is the role of motor oil in a car?

Engine oil is primarily used as a lubricant, while having a number of other functions that are important to the life and performance of the engine.
Indeed, oil can dissipate heat and makes parts run cooler, preventing energy loss and engine deterioration. Also, it can combat rust and corrosion while acting as a seal space between the piston and cylinder, improving engine performances. At last, oil additives such as detergents remove impurities in the oil filter. It can also clean existing deposits, preventing the engine from damage.

Why do you change oil in a car

We can’t stress enough how important it is to regularly change your vehicle’s oil in order to keep the engine running smoothly. The latest generations of engines are extremely complex and require lubricants of a particular viscosity that contain specific additives. However, these lubricants have a limited life span, and if they are not changed regularly, a gelatinous sludge will build up in the lubrication system and slowly damage the engine. That’s because detergents and other additives in the oil break down over time.
Also, how you drive can have a big effect on your oil change intervals. Driving condition can be harder on your vehicle, such as stop-go driving, short trips, driving in very hot or cold weather, heavy loads and towing.
Depending on your vehicle, we have the right oil and related parts.

How often do you change your engine oil?

Your Automotive Solutions technician knows the right type of lubricant for every engine, as well as the recommended oil change schedule. Generally, engine oil should be changed every 5,000 km or so. However, some manufacturers suggest longer intervals between maintenance and specify the viscosity and type of product to use, such as synthetic oil. Therefore, your manufacturer should have a recommendation for how many kilometres you can go between oil changes. They usually have a number of months between recommended oil changes.

CAR ALIGNMENT

Wheel alignment is unique to each vehicle model. Manufacturers specify each of the numerous parameters, taking into account the steering and suspension systems, engine, and original tires.
Even though today’s vehicles are better designed and more resistant to impact than in the past, hitting a pothole or curb, or frequently driving over speed bumps can cause the wheels to become misaligned.
Poor alignment affects the car’s performance, causing the steering wheel to vibrate or the car pull to one side, forcing the driver to constantly correct course in order to keep moving in a straight line.
Over time, poor wheel alignment can damage other parts and, in particular, can cause your tires to wear unevenly and faster than usual. That’s why it’s important to get your wheel alignment checked by a certified Automotive Solutions technician, who will be able to correctly align the front and rear axles.
Tip: If you can’t avoid a pothole, brake right away to slow the vehicle down, and then release the brake pedal before the vehicle hits the hole.

CAR'S TRANSMISSION

CAR MAINTENANCE: TRANSMISSION

Transmission functions:

The transmission main function is to make sure that the right amount of power goes to the wheels. It includes a series of components that receive power from the engine. The transmission is switching gears depending on speed, therefore power.
Motor vehicle transmissions have experienced major changes in the last decade. Although automakers use 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions less frequently than in the past, the number of gears in automatic transmissions has jumped from 4 to as many as 10! Certain gearboxes are controlled with paddle shifters mounted on the steering column to recreate some of the power and control of driving a stick. Every year, there are more and more vehicles with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) on the road.

What are the signs indicating a faulty transmission?

Transmission fluid is vital to smooth transmission operation. Low or insufficient fluid can cause internal components to overheat and potentially lead to significant damage. If you see red fluid under your vehicle, have your transmission inspected. There may be a leak from the gasket hose or seal could be leaking and may need to be repaired.
Transmissions are heavy-duty pieces of equipment that are designed to last a long time. But like every other machine, they will eventually wear out and need repair. In other to push that day off as far as possible, you can make sure your transmission have always enough fluid. Transmission fluid cools and lubricates the transmission. When there is not enough fluid, the transmission will run hotter and wear out sooner. The transmission fluid also provides pressure needed to transfer power from the engine to the transmission. Not enough fluid and your transmission won’t shift properly.
The next thing you could do to prolong the life of your transmission is to replace your transmission fluid on schedule. As you can imagine, all those gears gridding on each other result in lots of little pieces of metal in the fluid. The more there is, the faster the transmission parts will wear out. Transmission fluid also contains detergents and other additives to protect your transmission. These additives are depleted over time; old fluid does not protect as well as new fluid. Your owner manual or service advisor will have a recommendation for when you should have your transmission service.

How often do you need to maintain your transmission?

If your transmission is not shifting as smoothly as it should, or if you suspect a transmission leak, let us take a look at it and ask if it is time for a transmission service. Regular maintenance and taking care of small leaks right away will help your transmission last as long as possible.

WINTER CAR MAINTENANCE

This comprehensive seasonal service is specially designed to help your car face all the hardships of Canadian winters. Book an appointment with us in the fall to make sure your vehicle is winter-ready!

Our Winter Service includes:

LUBE, OIL, AND FILTER
Replace filter with oil filter
Drain oil and replace with up to 5L premium Oil
Lubricate chassis, suspension and steering components

MULTI-POINT VISUAL INSPECTION All lights and signals
Air filter / cabin filter
Coolant reading
Hoses
Drive belt / Timing belt
Wiper blades
Battery case, cables and clamps
Battery cranking test
Exhaust
Chassis
Brake fluid
Windshield washer fluid
Power steering fluid
Differential fluid (RWD)
Transfer case fluid (4WD)
Transmission fluid
Tire pressure
Tire rotation
Tire wear and tread depth and visual shock / strut inspection

VISUAL BRAKE INSPECTION

Inspect calipers
Inspect rotors and drums
Inspect brake lines and hoses
Inspect parking brake cables
Inspect wheel cylinders
Check master cylinder fluid
Measure brake linings

SPRING CAR MAINTENANCE

This comprehensive seasonal service is designed to help ensure the proper operation, safety and performance of your vehicle during the spring season. Book an appointment with us towards the end of the winter season to make sure your vehicle is ready for spring!
Our Spring Service includes:
LUBE, OIL, AND FILTER
Replace filter with oil filter
Drain oil and replace with up to 5L premium oil
Lubricate chassis, suspension and steering components

MULTI-POINT VISUAL INSPECTION

All lights and signals
Air filter / cabin filter
Coolant reading
Hoses
Drive belt / Timing belt
Wiper blades
Battery case, cables and clamps
Battery cranking test
Exhaust
Chassis
Brake fluid
Windshield washer fluid
Power steering fluid
Differential fluid (RWD)
Transfer case fluid (4WD)
Transmission fluid
Tire pressure
Tire rotation
Tire wear and tread depth and visual shock/strut inspection
VISUAL BRAKE INSPECTION
Inspect calipers
Inspect rotors and drums
Inspect brake lines and hoses
Inspect parking brake cables
Inspect wheel cylinders
Check master cylinder fluid
Measure brake linings

SUMMER CAR MAINTENANCE

This comprehensive seasonal service is designed specifically to get your car ready for everything summer can throw at it. Book an appointment with us towards the end of spring to make sure your vehicle is good to go all summer long!
Our Summer Service includes:
LUBE, OIL, AND FILTER
Replace filter with oil filter
Drain oil and replace with up to 5L premium oil
Lubricate chassis, suspension and steering components
MULTI-POINT VISUAL INSPECTION
All lights and signals
Air filter / cabin filter
Coolant reading
Hoses
Drive belt / Timing belt
Wiper blades
Battery case, cables and clamps
Battery cranking test
Exhaust
Chassis
Brake fluid
Windshield washer fluid
Power steering fluid
Differential fluid (RWD)
Transfer case fluid (4WD)
Transmission fluid
Tire pressure
Tire rotation
Tire wear and tread depth and visual shock / strut inspection

Lease Turn-in Repair

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6,000 KM CAR MAINTENANCE SERVICE

It is important to do regular check-ups on your car’s most important and most used functionalities.

How often do I have to service my car?

At Automotive Solutions, we recommend a service every 6,000 km and we offer additional service packages every 24,000, 48,000 and 96,000 kilometers.

6,000km Car Maintenance

We recommend that you take advantage of this service every 6,000 km or 3 to 4 months.

Our technicians will:

Change oil
Replace oil filter
Inspect and top up (if necessary) these fluids:
Cooling system
Brake
Power steering
Transmission
Windshield washer
Inspect drive belt
Lubricate hinges, locks and latches
Lubricate chassis, steering and suspension components (if applicable)
Visually inspect front/rear wheel drive systems, steering system, suspension component, universal joints and boot
Detect leaks
Visually inspect exhaust system
Inspect tires and adjust air pressure
Inspect and replace (if necessary) outside lights
Inspect and replace (if necessary) windshield wipers
Inspect horn

24,000 KM ANNUAL CAR MAINTENANCE SERVICE

We recommend that you take advantage of this service every 24,000 km or 12 months.
Our technicians will perform the 6,000 km Maintenance Service plus:
Road test vehicle
Align wheels
Rotate/balance tires and inspect spare tire

Service brake system:

Disassemble and inspect primary components at all four wheels Clean
Lubricate/reassemble, adjust brake shoes (if necessary) Inspect flexible and rigid brake lines
Inspect and replace (if necessary) air filter
Inspect and replace (if necessary) passenger compartment air filter(s) and pollen filter(s)

Inspect cooling system:

Test pressure
Check pH
Inspect hoses and clamps
Clean outside of radiator and air conditioning condenser
Inspect transmission
Inspect:
Steering system
Suspension components
Power train
Inspect and lubricate:
Accelerator linkages
Shifter linkages
Space tire retractor (below vehicle)
Parking brake cables and linkages

48,000 KM PLUS SERVICE

48,000km Plus Service
We recommend that you take advantage of this service every 48,000 km or 24 months—or upon purchasing any used vehicle with an unknown service history.

Our technicians will:

Perform the 6,000 km Maintenance Service and the 24,000 km Annual Maintenance Service, plus:
Flush and replace:
Cooling fluid
Transmission fluid and filter
Differential lubricant
Hydraulic brake fluid
Hydraulic power steering fluid
Transfer case lubricant (4X4)
Inspect ignition system
Inspect and replace (if necessary) spark plugs
Performance test heating and air conditioning systems
Replace fuel filter
Inspect gas fume collection system
Inspect clutch system
Compliance check airbag system and seatbelt retractors
Read computer codes
Replace PCV valve

96,000 KM SUPREME SERVICE

96,000km Supreme Service We recommend that you take advantage of this service every 96,000 km or 48 months.

Our technicians will perform 6,000 km Maintenance Service, 24,000 km Annual Maintenance Service and 48,000 km Plus Service, plus:
Replace timing belt
Replace spark plugs
Replace ignition cable
Clean injection system
Test ignition advance (if applicable)
Replace hoses and belts

The importance of tire rotation and balancing.

Tire Rotation:

In normal driving, your front tires wear more on the shoulders because they handle much of the cornering forces in turns. Front wheel drive vehicles have even more force on the front tires. We rotate the tires so that all the tires do some duty on the front end as well as getting a little break on the back end. This way, all four tires wear more evenly over their life, and last longer. Indeed, tires are rotated to even out tread wear.

Tire rotation patterns vary on different vehicles. For most vehicles, the tire rotates front to back. Some manufacturers recommend a cross rotation pattern that includes the spare tire. Some high-performance vehicles have a different size tires on the front and rear, and may even have a unidirectional tire that can only be on the left or right side of the vehicle. Your service advisor can help you sort that out, and will perform the right tire rotation for your vehicle.

Your tire manufacturer will have a recommendation for how often you should rotate your tires. It is usually somewhere around 8000 to 10 000 kilometres.

Wheel balancing:

Wheel balancing is when there are heavy spots on the tire and wheel that cause it a bit of wobble. Balancing adds weights to the wheel to balance it out. When wheels are out of balance, there are very small weight differences between tires. Even small differences can cause annoying vibrations at speed. The wheel is essentially bouncing a bit as it goes down the road. Therefore, unbalanced tires can wear out prematurely. If a front wheel is out of balance, you will feel the vibration through the steering wheel. When it is a rear tire, you will feel the vibration through your seat. If you're getting bad vibes from your vehicle, bring it in to see if it's a balance issue or something else. You should balance your wheels whenever you get a new tire or remount a tire like when it's been removed for a flat repair. Rotating your tires helps ensure even wear on all four tires, since acceleration, cornering, braking, and engine weight can all cause the front tires to wear faster than the rear ones. What are the signs indicating you need a tire rotation or balancing? Every day wear on tires will contribute to imbalance. Remember, just half an ounce in weight difference can cause a vibration when driving. Here are some common signs that your wheels may be out of balance: - You feel a vibration in the steering wheel or through your seat. - You notice uneven tire. In those cases, you should get a tire balancing done. It is also important to balance your tires when you get a flat, you buy new tires or when a weight that used to be on the rim falls off. How often do you need a tire maintenance? There are several tire rotation methods that take into account the type of tread pattern (directional, symmetrical, or asymmetrical) and the size of the front and rear tires, which can differ. Your certified NAPA AUTOPRO technician can determine the correct method and rotate your vehicle’s tires accordingly. Wheel balancing is necessary in order to avoid vibrations, “wheel hop,” and premature tire wear, in addition to keeping your car driving smoothly. Wheel balancing is usually done when you get your tires changed in the spring and fall. If a second set of rims is used, your certified NAPA AUTOPRO technician will recommend getting your wheels balanced every year. Your technician can also determine which type of weights work best for balancing, depending on whether you have metal or alloy rims. A new set of tires should be balanced when they are installed on your vehicle.

The brake booster and braking system functions

The braking system is made up of a circuit of hydraulic pipes that connect each wheel’s brakes to a master cylinder. The brake pedal controls the system, while the brake booster increases the pressure in the pipes so you can stop safely and effectively.

The power brakes system helps you provide braking power so you don’t have to do all the work with your brake pedal. When you step on the brake pedal, you create pressure in the power booster, which is multiply by vacuum in the engine. The resulting pressure pushes brake fluids through the master cylinder into tubes and hoses that runs to the brakes in each wheel.

The importance of a brake booster and braking system The braking system is vital to your vehicle. Without it, you can’t slow or stop your car. In order to keep your brake system run smoothly, you should replace your brake fluids periodically. Replacing brake fluids prevents corrosion damage to the braking system.

Brake fluid is responsible for moving the various components of the braking system. It is also known as hydraulic fluid, which means, moved or powered by fluids. Brake fluid protects the different metals used inside components, such as master cylinders, wheel cylinders, calipers, and ABS control valves. Also, the fluid protects against corrosion as moisture enters the brake system. Brake fluid is subjected to high temperature and, without it, your vehicle would not be able to stop. It must maintain a low level of compressibility under extreme temperatures, to accommodate in different environments.

How often do you need to verify your brake booster and braking system?

A soft or spongy brake pedal and irregular braking can be caused by leaking brake fluid or a master cylinder failure. When the brake fluid reservoir is empty, you will not be able to stop the vehicle with the brake pedal and will have to use the hand brake.

Make sure your brake fluid is filled to the recommended level. Also, it is important to make sure you use the recommend type of brake fluids. There are several kinds, and using the wrong one can lead to total break failure. There are two main types of brake fluid, glycol-based fluids and silicon-based fluids. Glycol-based fluids are classified by numbers (DOT) betwee3 and 5.1, which indicates the boiling point of the fluid.

As said before, brake fluid absorb moisture from the air, which will cause the fluid eventually to degrade. It is important to periodically drain the oil fluid of your brakes and replace it with new fluid. Every vehicle has different maintenance needs, check your owner’s manual for the recommended brake fluid changing period.