Seasonal Tire Swap

Seasonal Tire Swap

Engaging in regular seasonal tire swaps can do a lot to prolong the life of your vehicle, and keep it operating at peak efficiency.
Depending on the driving conditions you are exposed to on a seasonal basis, it can be a good idea to swap your tires in two different ways:

  1. Seasonal tire swap
  2. Tire rotation

Seasonal Tire Swap

Living in Canada, you are no doubt accustomed to wild weather swings, and extremely polarized driving conditions.
Going from the relentlessly hot and baking sun in the summer, to snow, ice, and salt in the winter, can wreak havoc on your vehicle without the proper care.
One highly recommended way to preserve the life of your tires, and enhance your vehicle safety at the same time, is to do a seasonal tire swap. Changing to winter tires before the winter season is wise for a couple of different reasons.
The first reason is that your tires will last much longer. By using the proper tires for the appropriate season, both sets will have much better longevity.
Winter tires are designed to thrive in winter driving conditions. The rubber compounds used to make winter tires are different than those used for summer, or all-season tires. The rubber compounds in winter tires actually perform better as it gets colder. The treads have more traction and better grip in lower temperatures.
Conversely, your summer (or all-season) tires do not function well at all in the cold. As temperatures drop off, the rubber compounds in summer tires harden up and begin to relinquish their traction and grip on the road. By the time you hit -15 degrees below, your all-season tires will be pretty much useless when it comes to gripping the pavement.
So, the magic temperature you should be targeting for an ideal time to change to your winter tires is around 7 degrees Celsius. When the days are starting to average a temperature of roughly 7 degrees C, that is good indicator it is time for a tire swap.

Tire Rotation

Aside from changing your tires to adhere to the current season and corresponding weather conditions, it is also a good practice to have your tires rotated consistently. Your tires should be rotated regularly to promote even wear, and to optimize the handling and responsiveness of your vehicle.
Tires that do not wear evenly will need to be replaced much sooner. Once one tire is worn out, you will need to replace the entire set. The tires on the front of your car will wear out at a faster rate than the back tires. This is mainly due to the way turns are experienced, and weight.
When you make a turn, the front wheels actively angle into the corner, while the back wheels just follow along. Also, there is much more weight in the front of your vehicle considering that is where the engine is located on most cars. This means he front tires will wear out sooner if not swapped.
Not only should you keep your tires well balanced through consistent rotation, but you should also make sure your tires are all equally inflated at all times. Uneven tire pressure, can lead to uneven wear and poor alignment.
When the tires on your car are inflated to imbalanced pressure levels, you may find your vehicle pulling to the right or to the left.
Tire rotation

Season Change Plus Rotation

The convenient thing about doing seasonal tire changes as well as tire rotation, is that they can be done at the same time. It actually works out perfectly, because it will ensure you are swapping your tires twice a year.
When you have your winter tires put on, you can rotate your tires to ensure they are not in the same position they were in last winter. Same goes for your all-season or summer tires.
This will ensure you getting maximum life out of both sets.

Valvoline Express Care Brampton

If you are looking for an excellent automotive service provider, that can assist you with all your tire swapping needs, Valvoline Express Care Brampton is an excellent choice.
The expert technicians at Valvoline are experienced and qualified to handle whatever type of vehicular maintenance you need done. They can ensure you are using the best tires for vehicle, and help with regular swaps and rotations.

Benefits of Tire Swap

There are numerous advantages to be gained through routine tire swapping, such as:

  • Extended tire life
  • Better performance
  • Even wear
  • Better handling and responsiveness
  • Better traction
  • Improved safety
  • Enhanced fuel economy
Rust Proofing your Car Can Save Money and the Environment

Rust Proofing your Car Can Save Money and the Environment

You’ve probably heard that rust proofing your vehicle is a good way to protect it from the elements. This is very true. However, rust proofing can provide other advantages to car owners and society in general.
First of all, let’s take a look at what rust proofing is and why it is helpful.

What is rust proofing?

Rust proofing is a service performed on your vehicle that helps prevent the rusting and corrosion of its metal parts. Rust is formed when a metal component on your car is exposed to oxygen and moisture for an extended period of time.

Why have your automobile rust proofed?

There are many strong arguments for having your car rust proofed on a regular basis. Every car should have rust proofing services performed for protection and safety.
Salt is an excellent conductor of the rusting process, so when salt is introduced into the mix, the whole process is accelerated. That is why it is very important to have rust proofing services carried out on your vehicle before the winter. A vehicle without rust proofing, heading into a Canadian winter, is much more exposed to rust causing agents, and is at a higher risk of corrosion.
But it’s not just the winter that can cause a car to rust. It is the extreme swings in temperature and conditions that cause the real issue. Canadian weather is all about extremes. That is why it is a good practice to rust proof your vehicle twice a year. Once before the winter and once after.
This is recommended because salt can hide away in the cracks and crevasses of your car until the warm weather hits. That’s when rust and corrosion begin to activate. Having your car thoroughly cleaned and rust proofed before winter, and then again after, has you covered on all sides.
But, rust proofing is not just to protect and optimize performance of your vehicle, it can also be useful in other ways.

Benefits of Rust Proofing You May Not Think Of

Aside from the obvious advantages, regular rust proofing can also be beneficial in other forms, such as:

  • Providing safety
  • Saving Money
  • Protecting the environment

Safety

Consistent rust proofing services can help contribute to the safety of you and your passengers. If your vehicle has never had any rust proofing done to it, it is at a higher much higher risk of corrosion in just a short time of ownership. After just a few years, even a brand-new vehicle can begin to rust without proper care.
The effects of cold, harsh winters filled with snow, ice, and salt, as well as the relentless, baking sun of hot, humid summers, can combine to cause serious damage to your auto.
Rust typically begins to show up in the weaker spots of the metal components like spot welds, cracks, chips, and creases. If left untreated, the rust will spread, destroying any metal it comes across.
This can compromise the structural integrity of your entire vehicle, making it unsafe to drive. Rust can also get into the mechanical parts of your car like the electrical system, brake lines, and the gas tank. This can lead to vehicle failure, and may end up leaving you on the side of the road in the dead of winter.
Save Money

Saving Money

The fewer cars you have to buy, the more money you save. This should come as no surprise, considering how much a car depreciates in value after just a few years.
So, imagine the money you would save if you could keep your vehicle twice as long?
That would be the difference between buying 1 car instead of 2, in the same period of time. I’m sure you can see the massive potential for savings there.
This approach is completely feasible. All it takes is a diligent approach to regularly scheduled maintenance.

Protecting the Environment

This is one benefit of rust proofing that most car owners fail to consider. If a vehicle is not properly cared for, it has a much shorter life span. Plus, if the metal parts of that vehicle are all rusted out, they are not recyclable. This means they go to a landfill with all the other poorly maintained vehicles.
Billions of dollars are spent per year dealing with this unnecessary waste.
Regular rust proofing means you keep a car much longer, and the parts are not all useless and corroded after you are done with it.

Valvoline Express Care Brampton

If you are looking for professional rust proofing service in the Brampton area, Valvoline Express Care is a perfect solution.
The rust proofing technicians at Valvoline ensure a top-quality job every time, protecting your vehicle against the severe elements.
 
 
 
 
 

Oil Change: Why Use Synthetic Oil?

Oil Change: Why Use Synthetic Oil?

A lot of car owners don’t think about different types of oil when going for an oil change. But, the truth is, various types of oil do different things for your engine.
One major distinction between oil types is: Regular oil vs. Synthetic oil.

What’s the difference?

The major difference between synthetic and regular oil is the enhanced protection and performance synthetic motor oil provides for your vehicle.
But, the differences don’t stop there. In fact, about the only thing the same about regular oil and synthetic oil, is that they both originate in the ground.
Beyond that, the two substances are vastly different.
Most people don’t think of high quality when they hear the word synthetic. Usually it means fake or low quality. However, this is not true when it comes to oil. When talking about oil, synthetic typically refers to a superior product.
The word synthetic means fabricated or manufactured, which is exactly what synthetic oil is.

How is synthetic oil made?

Manufacturing synthetic oil is a complex and intensive process. Synthetic oil is refined and broken down to a molecular level. Through a distillation process, the impurities in the oil are extracted and the molecules are then customized to meet the specific needs of today’s car engines.
When synthetic oil is tailored to particular engine needs like this, it helps afford a higher level of performance and also better protection for your engine.
Other useful additives are then combined with the oil to produce a synthetic blend.
Synthetic Oil

Benefits of Synthetic Motor Oil

There are plenty of advantages to be gained for your vehicle by using synthetic oil. Some of these benefits include:

  • Reduced engine wear
  • Cleaner engine
  • Better performance in extreme temperatures
  • Protection of engine components
  • Lasts longer

Reduced Engine Wear

The metal parts of your engine are in continual contact with one another. Without oil, the friction created by this contact would destroy your engine very quickly. So, it stands to reason, that higher quality oil would provide added lubrication.
Regular oils break down more quickly, leaving your engine exposed to damaged if not changed promptly when it is time for an oil change.
Synthetic oils provide longer lasting protection against engine wear.

Cleaner Engine

Synthetic oil also helps keep your engine cleaner and running more smoothly. Synthetic oils run at a higher level of efficiently, keeping your engine cleaner and your oil less contaminated with dirt and debris.
Conventional oils become polluted much more quickly, and can eventually start to form sludge if left unchanged for too long.
Synthetic oils begin with fewer impurities that combat debris build up and sludge formation.
A cleaner oil leads to a cleaner engine, which leads to improved fuel economy.

Extreme Temperatures

Synthetic motor oil performs better in very low temperatures, as well as very high temperatures.
Conventional oils do not adapt to polarizing weather conditions in the same way. Conventional oil takes longer to begin flowing through your engine. This is magnified in cold temperatures, meaning you must wait longer for adequate engine protection.
Synthetic oil also performs better in high temperatures. In the summer your engine can get very hot. Synthetic oil provides extra protection against your engine overheating.
Conventional oils will break down and evaporate more quickly in extreme heat.

Protects Engine Components

Synthetic oil provides better protection for your engines working components, like the pistons and other continually moving metal parts.
Cars being manufactured these days tend to have smaller engines to improve fuel economy. This involves adding a specialized turbo charger to increase engine power. These turbo chargers cause the engine to operate at higher temperatures.
Conventional oil is less effective for this type of engine because they break down faster due to high heat, and tend to leave behind deposits and debris.
This does not mean synthetic oil is not compatible with older vehicles, all engines can benefit from synthetic oil.

Lasts Longer

Not only is synthetic oil more effective and efficient, it also lasts longer. This means you will need to change it less frequently without having to worry about engine damage.

Valvoline Express Care Brampton

Valvoline Express Care is a professional automotive service provider in the Brampton area. Valvoline specializes in oil changes and can handle any other type of maintenance you may need for your automobile.
There are a variety of options to choose from when having your oil changed with Valvoline.
You will have a couple different selections of synthetic oils to choose from to keep your vehicle protected and performing at optimal efficiency.
 
 

Why Use a Professional Oil Changer?

Why Use a Professional Oil Changer?

Clean oil is essential for the optimal performance of your vehicle. If you think of your car as a person, the oil would represent the lifeblood that pumps though the system, making it operate. If this blood becomes contaminated and decayed, it can cause serious problems for the owner, right?
Well, an automobile is no different. Your car relies on clean and effective oil to keep it running without complication. For this reason, oil changes are an extremely important part of regular vehicle maintenance.
Oil changes should be done every 5,000 kilometers or so. The frequency will depend on the type of vehicle your drive, as well as the driving conditions you are exposed to on a daily basis. Consult the owner’s manual to determine the recommended oil change schedule.
As far as conditions go, if you drive in severe conditions on a regular basis, you should be getting your oil changed more often. Severe conditions can include:

  • A lot of stops and starts in hot weather
  • Short trips in freezing temperatures that do not allow enough time for your car to fully heat up
  • Carrying extra weight – for example, if you are pulling a trailer or have the trunk or the roof loaded up
  • Driving in harsh elements like snow, ice, sleet, salt, dirt or gravel roads
  • Driving at slow speeds for extended periods of time

Once you have established the frequency of oil changes that will be most beneficial to your vehicle, then the next thing to do is decide on the method. The two main options are to either do it yourself, or have it done by a professional oil changer.
Oil Change

Valvoline Express Care Brampton

Valvoline Express Care is a long established automotive service centre in the Brampton area. Specializing in oil changes, with a variety of product options to choose from, Valvoline is an ideal choice for regular oil changes and any other maintenance your vehicle may require.
With a selection of different types of oil to choose from, the expert technicians at Valvoline can help determine the best type of oil for your car.
Consistent oil changes are necessary to keep your engine lubricated, and to prevent deterioration of its components. When the oil gets dirty, it can start to build up with debris. Oil loses its lubricative properties over time as well.
So, to prevent your engine from overheating and possibly even seizing up, you should have routine oil changes done by a professional oil changer.

Why Use a Professional Oil Changer?

There are lots of advantages to be gained from employing the services of a professional, when it comes to changing your oil. Some of these benefits are:

  • Efficiency
  • Competency
  • Quality products
  • Minimal effort required
  • Warranty

Efficiency

Most car owners do want to have to worry about maintenance and things going wrong with their vehicle. However, maintenance is an unavoidable part of car ownership. Especially if you want your car to last a long time while preserving its value.
So, if you want your vehicle maintenance to be as quick and painless as possible, a professional auto service is the way to go.
Changing your oil yourself is an involved task, that takes the proper equipment and knowledge. You could end up spending hours trying to do it yourself, and then end up with subpar results.

Competency

Not only will a professional oil changer get the job done quickly, they will also get it done correctly. The automotive technicians at Valvoline have performed so many oil changes, that you can expect the same quality service every time.

Quality Products

Valvoline offers several different options when it comes to the oil you want your vehicle to run on. You can discuss these options with an oil expert to get informed and appropriate advice.
Some of the products you will have to choose from are:

  • Valvoline Premium Convention Motor Oil
  • Valvoline MaxLife Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
  • Valvoline SynPower Full Synthetic Motor Oil
  • Valvoline Full Synthetic with MaxLife Technology

Minimal Effort Required

Having your oil changed by a professional means you have to expend very little effort. You don’t even have to get your hands dirty! All you have to do is make sure to drive your vehicle over to Valvoline safely.

Warranty

With some vehicles, the warranty states that regular oil changes must be carried out by a professional in order for the warranty to remain valid. Check your warranty for details.

Stop By!

If you are in the market for an oil change, or any other type of vehicular maintenance, stop by Valvoline Express Care Brampton today. No appointment necessary.

Advantages of Rust Proofing Your Car

Advantages of Rust Proofing Your Car

A lot of car owners tend to overlook the importance of rust proofing a vehicle on a regular basis. Rust and corrosion are destructive forces that can ravage the metal components on your automobile. These undesirable forces should not be ignored, especially if you live in Ontario.
Ontario winters can be brutal, there is no question about that. Your vehicle will be exposed to all sorts of harsh elements and conditions like snow, ice, freezing rain, hail, sand, and salt.
Combine these conditions with the heat, humidity, and the baking sun in the summer and circumstances are ideal for the formation of rust.
An unprotected vehicle will be much more exposed to the environment that rust needs, to thrive and spread. Rust is formed when the metal parts on your car are subject to long periods of contact with moisture and oxygen. Throw salt into the mix, and it acts as an accelerant for rust and corrosion.
Driving in the winter without rust proofing, opens up the chance for salt and moisture to get stuck in all the cracks and crannies in your car.
Then summer comes along, and the temperatures begin to rise, which activates the salt and moisture to begin forming rust.
Aside from the salt that is used to make roads less slippery in the winter, sand and stones are sometimes used as well. A vehicle without rust proofing is more vulnerable to chips and cracks that can eventually rust.

How does rust proofing help prevent this damage caused by the elements?

Rust proofing involves a protection coating being applied to your vehicle. This coating establishes a strong bond with the metal components of your car. This coating is also fully applied to all the cracks, crevices, and seams that are susceptible to rust and corrosion.
This protective bond helps keep out moisture, salt, dirt, and debris, while guarding against chips and nicks.

Valvoline Express Care Brampton

Valvoline Express Care is a professional automotive service provider that specializes in rust proofing.
If you are looking for an experienced, affordable, and reliable rust proofing service in the Brampton area, Valvoline has you covered.
The rust proofing specialists at Valvoline Express Care use a special chemical compound that provides durable and lasting protection for your vehicle.
The rust proofing service will not only treat existing chips and cracks, but will also provide future protection against this type of damage.

Types of Rust Proofing

There are several types of rust proofing to choose from when looking to protect your car. Different approaches are available, depending on your specific requirements. Some of the options to consider are:

  • Dripless oil spray
  • Drip oil spray
  • Tar-based undercoating
  • Electronic

Dripless Oil Spray

This method involves using a colorless spray, that is waxy in texture and hardens once it is dry. This spray is applied to the entire automobile for protection.
Pros: The spray hardens upon drying, so there is no mess to clean up.
Cons: In order to cover the entire vehicle, holes must be drilled into the doors and fenders, so the spray can permeate throughout.
Also, this spray is quite viscous, making it difficult to penetrate smaller crevices and cracks.

Drip Oil Spray

This is the most popular type of rust proofing. Drip oil spray is a more fluid spray that can access hard to reach areas more easily.
Pros: More versatile than the dripless spray, can get into cracks and small opening without complication.
Cons: Holes must be drilled in doors and fenders with this type of spray as well, to ensure comprehensive protection.
Drip oil spray may continue to drip for as along as 48 hours after the initial application, which may leave stains and a bit of a mess behind.

Tar-based Undercoating

As suggested by the name, this method targets the undercarriage of the vehicle. A tar-based spray is used with this approach, and is applied to the underbody, wheel wells, and floor pans of your car.
Once this tar-based spray hardens, it provides a permanent guard against moisture, salt, and other damaging elements.
Pros: Provides very thorough protection, and if done right will last a long a time.
Cons: It does not cover the entire vehicle, does not treat existing rust and corrosion, and can be counter-productive if not done properly.

Electronic Rust Proofing

This is a fairly new development in the rust proofing game. It works by installing a small, electronic device in your car. This device stops rust from forming by sending an electronic current throughout the vehicle’s metal components. This current helps break up the charge between the metal and oxygen before rust can form.
Pros: Easy to install, and is a one-time purchase.
Cons: The effectiveness of this method is not widely documented, as it is still relatively new.