Regular automotive maintenance is suggested all year round, but there are certain areas to focus on before each season to optimize the payoffs. In this article, we are going to take a look at some helpful ways to prepare for the summer season.
Summer Car Care
Summer is a great time to get out for a road trip, so it is good idea to make sure your vehicle is safe for the road before heading out. Getting your vehicle fully inspected by an automotive professional may help put your mind at ease.
Depending on what kind of upkeep your vehicle saw in the spring, it may be time to do general maintenance on your car by taking it in for an overall tune-up. After being exposed to Canada’s long and harsh winters, your vehicle will likely have experienced some wear and tear.
The summer can be just as tough on a vehicle, especially if you are going on long trips in the intense heat of the sun.
Here are some areas to focus on, to help keep your car from breaking down out on the road.
• Oil
• Coolants and fluids
• Filters
• Air conditioner
• Wiper blades
• Tires
• Brakes
Oil
Getting your oil changed is something you don’t want to avoid before going on an extended trip. Long drives, plus hot weather, can equal your engine overheating. If your oil is dirty, the engine has to work that much harder and can result in a breakdown. An oil change will keep the engine running smoothly and maximize fuel economy.
Coolants and Fluids
Check all fluid levels to ensure they are were they should be. The coolants are extremely important to prevent overheating. Make sure there are no leaks or premature drainage.
Filters
Filters should also be checked before hitting the road. Check the Air Filter as well as the Cabin Air Filter. A dirty or clogged air filter decreases fuel efficiency, and has trouble blocking contaminants from getting into the engine. The cabin air filter helps keep the air inside the car clean, to prevent you and your passengers from breathing in harmful substances that cause respiratory problems. Have your filters changed regularly.
Air Conditioner
Get your air conditioning system checked to make sure there is an appropriate level of refrigerant or Freon, and that there are no leaks. Having the air conditioning looked at before the summer will allow for a cool and relaxed ride.
Wiper Blades
Windshield wiper blades should be replaced every six months or so, as they usually develop cracks and start to wear from extreme temperature and weather shifts. Faulty blades can impair vision when driving, reducing safety.
Tires
Changes in temperature can also result in changes in tire pressure. All four tires need to be at the same pressure level to prevent uneven wear and maintain fuel economy.
Brakes
If your brakes are emitting strange squealing sounds or are slow to respond, it may that your brake pads are worn. Having your brakes serviced increases safety for your passengers, and prevents hefty mechanic bills down the road.
Summer Car Care Service
Valvoline Express Care Brampton can offer a full inspection of your vehicle, and handle any type of maintenance and service your vehicle requires.
Most car owners think that rust proofing is only necessary in the winter months. This is not true. In fact, rust can form on your vehicle anytime the temperature is above zero degrees Celsius.
People tend to assume since there is no snow and ice in the summer, there is no risk of corrosion. It is true that the roads are not covered with salt and other road cleaners that can lead to corrosion. However, the summer months present ideal conditions for rust to form:
• Hot
• Humid
• Salty
Optimal conditions for rust and corrosion to develop is in hot and humid temperatures. When the weather is humid, it acts like a trigger to activate any salt that may be stuck in the cracks and crevasses of your vehicle.
Once the corrosion process has begun, high temperatures cause that corrosion to spread more quickly. If this process is not stopped, rust and corrosion will continue to eat away at your car. The longer you let it go, the more damage it will do.
Salt is not the only culprit that generates rust on your automobile. Anything that holds moisture and sticks to your car is a potential agent. For example, let’s say you like to take your vehicle off-roading in the summer. Clumps of mud will likely be attached to the bottom of your vehicle after such an excursion. These clusters of mud hold moisture that can damage the undercarriage of your vehicle in the form of rust and corrosion.
How can you protect your vehicle from rust and corrosion?
There are several steps you can take to safeguard your automobile against the caustic and corrosive properties of rust.
Here are some recommendations:
• Have rust proofing services dome by an automotive professional
• Avoid leaving your car in areas where it is exposed to moisture
• Keep gas tank full
• Wash the undercarriage and wheel wells of your car regularly
Rust Proofing Services Brampton
The most effective way to protect your vehicle from rust is by having rust proofing services performed by an automotive professional on a regular basis.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton has been providing exceptional rust proofing services at affordable prices for over 20 years. Their rust proofing specialists combine experience and knowledge, while using only the best rust proofing products and technology.
Valvoline’s rust proof services focus on treating and minimizing existing rust damage, while taking measures to prevent future corrosion.
Keep Your Vehicle Dry
Another good habit to get into to protect your vehicle from corrosion is to keep it as dry as possible. Park it in a garage when possible, and if that is not an option try to find a dry place to keep it. Covering your vehicle in the rain and winter months is another alternative.
Keep Your Gas Tank Full
Try to keep your gas tank as full as possible. An empty gas tank produces more condensation which can end up rusting the engine and other areas inside the vehicle.
Wash the Undercarriage and Wheel Wheels
After a rust coating has been applied to the undercarriage of your vehicle, you should be diligent about keeping those areas clean. Make sure there is no build up of mud, salt, or other caustic substances that can cause rust and corrosion. These types of materials tend to collect in the wheel wells and underneath the car because they are difficult to see and reach. Taking the time to check these areas regularly can really help protect against rust.
Drivers in Ontario must, by law, have their vehicles pass a regulated emissions test in order to operate that vehicle legally.
Pollution is a growing concern world wide, and the noxious emissions expelled by motor vehicles are a large contributor.
Emission laws in Ontario have been put in place to inhibit and reduce pollution on a global scale. Provincial emissions laws are based on national and international regulations and standards of a similar nature.
Car and engine manufacturers are also subject to certain restrictions at the design stage, to reduce the harmful emissions their vehicles will produce. However, not all manufacturers adhere to these specifications inspiring the need for regular emissions tests.
Emissions that Contribute to Air Pollution
All vehicles that run on gasoline will be contributing to air pollution. There are two main types of pollution produced by motor vehicles:
Primary – pollution that is expelled straight into the environment
Secondary – pollution that is formed from the chemical reactions of primary pollutants
There are many pollutants that fall under thesetwo categories, causing air pollution from automobile waste.
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons combine with nitrogen oxide to form smog. These pollutants can cause respiratory issues and decreased lung capacity.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is produced when fossil fuels like gasoline are burned for fuel. This poisonous gas has no color or smell, making it even more dangerous. It can prevent oxygen from getting to the brain and other organs.
Sulphur Dioxide
This is a pollutant typically derived from the burning of sulphur-based fuels like diesel. It can be especially harmful to those with fragile lungs like people with asthma and small children.
Nitrogen Oxides
Nitrogen oxides are a by-product of engine combustion. They are lung irritants, diminishing the body’s capacity to fight respiratory infection.
Types of Automobile Emissions
There are couple different types of emissions produced by motor vehicles that are categorized by when and how hey are produced. Exhaust emissions are caused directly by engine operation and fuel combustion. They produce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are emitted in the form of gases like carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. Evaporative Emissionscan be released when your vehicle is stationary an not even in operation. Evaporative emissions also involve the release of harmful VOCs into the atmosphere.
Emissions Test Exemptions
Some vehicles are exempt from emissions testing. They can be driven with impunity, with no Drive Clean test required. A few examples are:
Electric and (the majority of) hybrid-electric cars
Vehicles classed as “light-duty” with a model year before 1988
Vehicles that are considered to be “Historic” under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act
Motorcycles
Kit cars
Emissions Test Brampton
If you are in need of an emissions test for your vehicle in the Brampton area, Valvoline Express Care is certified by the Ontario Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to perform official emissions tests.
The professional automotive technicians at Valvoline Express Care have been performing emissions tests for years, refining the process to be as efficient as possible. Get your drive clean test done quickly and effectively, while earning rewards points for discounts on other Valvoline services.
If you have questions about what types of automotive services are available, and how they can benefit your vehicle, Valvoline Express Care Brampton is a great place to turn for answers.
Valvoline Express Care has been providing top quality service and products for the automotive industry for over 20 years. The professional and experienced technicians will be able to assess your vehicle and determine what maintenance is required to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
Here are some examples of frequently asked questions about automotive service.
Do I need regular oil changes for my vehicle?
Yes, routine oil changes are a part of good vehicle maintenance. Getting your oil changed consistently benefits your vehicle by:
Increasing engine performance
More efficient fuel economy
Prevents engine damage from build up of sludge and sediment
Cleaner emissions
Prolonged life of your vehicle
What causes a car battery to die?
The battery is a crucial component of your vehicle because it brings the engine the power needed to make it run. A dead battery can be caused by many factors, like:
Electrical components (like light or radio) left on while engine is not running
Corroded or loose connectors
Doors left ajar
Extreme temperatures
Weak battery – caused by improper care or limited engine use
End of battery’s life
The battery in your car will not last forever, so if you find you battery is no longer holding a charge effectively, you should take it in for servicing.
What is a Transmission Service?
Just like having your oil changed, transmission service is something you should have done toyour vehicle on a regular basis as a part of routine maintenance. It may be time to have your transmission flushed if you are noticing any of the following:
Delay in acceleration when you step on the gas
Grinding or clunking noises
Erratic or difficult gear shifting
Vehicle surges for no apparent reason
It is recommended to have your transmission flushed every 30,000 kilometers or so. Check the owner’s manual for specific instructions regarding your vehicle.
Is it a good idea to clean my care engine?
The answer to this question is a bit tricky. The answer is yes, if you know what you are doing. Otherwise, it is NOT recommended to just start hosing your engine down and cleaning it. There are several electrical components that could be damaged by excessive exposure to water.
To avoid causing any critical damage to your engine, have an automotive professional do the cleaning for you. It is suggested that you have your engine cleaned once or twice a year depending on frequency of use, environmental conditions, and type of vehicle.
An engine cleaning can help your vehicle by:
Increasing horsepower and fuel economy
Removing sludge and sediment from the engine
Enhancing performance
Maintaining value
Why should I use Valvoline Express Care Brampton for my automotive needs?
There are many excellent reasons to use Valvoline to service and maintain your vehicle. Here are a few of those:
Over 20 plus years experience in the automotive industry
