Purchasing a vehicle is a substantial investment. Especially if you are buying new, you want to do everything you can to help your automobile maintain its value. Rust proofing is an excellent way to help preserve the value of your investment. Rust and corrosion can eat away at the foundation of your vehicle, if not properly cared for. Rust and corrosion is a very serious concern for vehicle owners in Canada, the land of extreme weather conditions. Due to this wildly swinging fluctuation in temperature, as well as road conditions, your car is at a greater risk for rust damage. However, help and protection is available.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
A terrific resource for rust protection services can found at the Valvoline Express Care automotive centre in Brampton. For over 20 years, the expert technicians at Valvoline Express Care have been providing effective and efficient rust proofing services. A two-step Rust Check application process is employed to reduce and eradicate the harmful effects of rust and corrosion. Each Rust Check package is tailored to the specific design and requirements of your vehicle. It is a comprehensive process that focuses on protecting all the metal components of your automobile, from the undercarriage, to the wheel wells, to the paint job. Only the best and most advanced products and techniques will be used. A specialized chemical compound is used to provide lasting protection.
How Does Rust Proofing Help Protect your Vehicle?
Rust proofing helps protect your car from the elements and environmental hazards you encounter on a daily basis. Here are some of the advantages of undergoing regular rust proofing services:
Prevention and protection from chips and scratches
Repelling water
Sealant protection
Keep it consistent
Protect your investment
Chips and Scratches
Damage to your vehicle caused by chips and scratches can be difficult to avoid. Errant stones, pebbles, and other debris are constantly flying up off the road at your car. These stones can result in the chipping of paint, and scratches on the undercarriage of your vehicle. Not only are blemishes unsightly, these chips and scratches are breeding grounds for rust and corrosion. Prevent these calamities before they happen with rust proofing.
Repelling Water
For rusting and corrosion to take place, it needs 3 basic ingredients:
Metal
Oxygen
Water
Rust proofing helps remove this third element from the equation. By repelling water, oil-based rust proofing helps prevent rust before it has a chance to get started.
Sealant Protection
Rust proofing applies a layer of sealant to your vehicle that helps safeguard it against potential damage that could easily result in rust. Before having a sealant applied, it is important to make sure your vehicle is virtually rust free. Otherwise, you are just sealing the already initiated rust in, possibly accelerating the process. The experts at Valvoline Express Care will ensure your vehicle is completely ready, before applying rust proofing services.
Keep it Consistent
Once you have had an effective rust coating applied to your vehicle, it is essential to continue to have rust proofing done on a regular basis to ensure ongoing protection. Annual rust proofing is highly recommended. If you are extra diligent in your automotive maintenance, you could have your car rust proofed every 6 months. Once before winter, and once after.
Protect Your Investment
Failing to rust proof your vehicle could result in a number of complications. Not only can rust affect the car’s exterior, but also the brake lines and electrical system if left untreated. Preserve the value of your vehicle with consistent rust proofing.
In Ontario, certain vehicles must pass a Drive Clean emissions test before it can legally be driven on the road. By taking the Drive Clean test, you can determine if your vehicle is deemed road worthy by Ontario Emissions standards. Emissions tests are done to make sure vehicles are not discharging an unacceptable amount of hazardous waste into the environment.
How do you know if an emissions test is required for your automobile?
Most vehicle owners don’t think about servicing their vehicles until an engine light comes on, or a strange sound begins to persist. There is no specific indicator in your vehicle that will let you know when it is time for an emissions test, but there are some general guidelines to follow.
Older Vehicles
If you have recently purchased a new vehicle, an emissions test will not be required to get that vehicle on the road. It’s only after a car is about seven years old that emissions tests will start to become mandatory. Around this time, you will likely receive a notice in the mail or online that an emissions test is required for your vehicle. After receiving this message, you will not be able to renew your vehicle’s registration until an emissions test has been completed and passed.
Online Tools
There are several tools and features online that can help keep you updated and informed about any upcoming test requirements. Some of the tools available are:
Email reminders from Service Ontario
Vehicle search for mandatory tests
Vehicle search for Drive Clean history
Search to see if a used car you are thinking of purchasing is due for a test
Search to see if you are eligible for a free emissions test
Most of these searches can be done on the Drive Clean website, where you can find the information you are looking for.
Preparing your Vehicle for Emissions Testing
There are certain precautions and preparations that can be made before an emissions test is taken, to increase the chance of favorable results. Some things you can do in advance are:
Make sure your car is completely warmed up before taking the test
Have your brakes checked
Check front wheels to ensure proper alignment
Change air filters
Make sure all coolants and fluids are topped up and clean
Oil change (if needed)
Make sure check engine light is not on
Something you should definitely do before an emissions test, is make sure to run your vehicle so it is fully warmed up. Drive it for at least 20 minutes before testing. It is also recommended to have an overall tune up done before a test, to ensure there are no outstanding issues that you are not aware of. One thing is certain, if the check engine light comes on in your car during your emissions test, your vehicle will not pass inspection in Ontario.
Emissions Test Brampton
If you live in the Brampton area, and will be needing an emissions test for your vehicle in the near future, Valvoline Express Care Brampton is a perfect choice. The expert technicians at Valvoline can not only help you get your vehicle ready for inspection, they are also a licensed Drive Clean Test Station.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
Valvoline Express Care is an ideal selection for your Drive Clean emissions test for many reasons. Some of the benefits of a Valvoline emissions test are:
Fast and efficient
Pre-test to make sure your vehicle is ready
Professional and knowledgeable staff
Authorized by the Ontario Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
Earn reward points that can be used for other services by downloading the app
Are you thinking about trying to cut costs when it comes to oil changes? Taking shortcuts when it comes to car maintenance can end up costing you a lot more in the long run. Owning a vehicle can be an expensive and demanding endeavor. Regular upkeep and continual expenses are par for the course when you own an automobile. These facts are unavoidable. It can seem overwhelming with insurance payments, cost of fuel, repairs, and maintenance. However, if you are looking to reduce your automotive expenses, sacrificing regular maintenance is not the way to do it. In fact, skimping on maintenance costs will most likely have the opposite effect. Sure, skipping a scheduled oil change may save you a couple bucks, but when your engine needs to be replaced a few months down the road, you will have saved nothing. Instead, you will be looking at a massive mechanic bill. Consistent oil changes are critical for your vehicle’s performance and value.
Importance of Oil Changes
Changing your car’s oil on a regular basis is essential for many reasons. Routine oil changes help:
Keep the engine lubricated and running smoothly
Prevent overheating by removing heat from engine components to keep it cool
Reducing friction in piston ring and creating an enclosed seal between the cylinder liner and the piston
Keep the engine clean, old oil becomes dirty from a build up of debris
Prevent rusting and corrosion
Improve fuel efficiency
Preserve the value of the vehicle
As you can see, clean oil results in lots of positives for your vehicle’s performance. Fresh oil is essential for engine efficiency and preservation.
Oil Changing Experts
Now that it has been established that consistent oil changes are important, next we will explore why leaving oil changes to the experts is a highly recommended practice. Some reasons to have your oil changed by a professional are:
Save time and headaches
Get a check up while you get your oil changed
Quality service
Quality products
Saving Time and Headaches
Changing your own oil can be a very involved and challenging process. First, you need to make sure you have all the right equipment. Then you must have a good place to perform the oil change. Do you have a hydraulic lift to easily access the undercarriage of your vehicle? Also, you need to make sure you know where the oil pan is located and how to drain it properly. Another thing you want to avoid, is oil spills all over your driveway or garage. A professional will change your oil in a quick and efficient manner.
Routine Inspection
When having your oil changed by a professional, you can have a check up done at the same time to see if there are any other issues that need to be addressed.
Quality Service
An expert oil changing technician will have a lot of experience with oil changes, so you can expect the same high-quality service and efficiency every time.
Quality Products
Not all motor oils are the same. In fact, there is a huge variety of oils out there that will do different things for your vehicle. With a professional, you can discuss what type of oil is right for your car to achieve optimal performance. You will also have a selection of oils to choose from.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
If you are seeking a reputable and experienced automotive service in the Brampton area, then Valvoline Express Care is an ideal solution. With over 20 years experience in automotive care, you will be sure to experience top of the line service and products every time. Valvoline Express Care has a variety of oils on hand, to ensure you get the best oil for your vehicle.
Having your car rust checked by a professional, on a consistent basis, is necessary for regular vehicular maintenance. Now, when I say rust checking is necessary, that is mainly if you like your car and you want it to last a long time. Also, if you would like to get some money back for your vehicle when it comes time to sell it, professional rust checks can be hugely beneficial.
This is especially true if you live in Canada, with its extreme weather conditions. Reduce your vehicle’s vulnerability to snow, ice, salt, and intense sun through regular rust checks.
Unprotected autos will be left exposed to the harsh road conditions of Canadian winters. If your car has not been rust checked, it opens the potential for salt and moisture to get stuck in the crevasses of the metal on your vehicle.
This invasive salt and moisture will then sit in the nooks and crannies until the weather starts to warm up again. This heat then acts like a trigger, inciting the hidden salt to begin corroding and rusting the metal on your vehicle.
Rust and corrosion is not a reversible process. Once rust has eaten away the metal on your car, it is gone for good.
That is why preventative measures, in the form of scheduled rust checks, is so important.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
Valvoline Express Care, located in Brampton, is a professional automotive service center that can handle all your maintenance needs.
The rust check specialists at Valvoline Express Care are dedicated to the safety and protection of your vehicle. Using top of the line equipment and products, these specialists will ensure long-lasting from rust and corrosion.
Most vehicles are made up of primarily metal components. This provides an ideal opportunity for rust to develop and flourish. Any chip or scratch in the paint, or the undercarriage of your car, invites the possibility for rust to establish itself.
Rust Check services will be tailored to your specific vehicle, as all vehicle designs and contours are different.
Rust Check Services
The rust check services at Valvoline Express Care involves a two-step application technique:
Rust Check
Rust Check Coat and Protection
Step 1 – Rust Check
Every vehicle has various joints, hinges, seams, cracks, and creases. These are all ideal spots for rust to hide.
This first step involves dispensing a delicate, oil-based liquid that is designed to get into all these hidden crevasses, providing protection for these hard to reach spots in your car.
Step 2 – Rust Check Coat and Protection
This second step focuses on the undercarriage of your vehicle. This stage provides protection for all the exposed and potentially vulnerable areas underneath your vehicle.
A protective coat is applied to the undercarriage of your automobile, to lubricate and safeguard it against chips, cracks, and blemishes.
Benefits of Rust Check Regular Maintenance
There numerous advantages to be enjoyed from a regular rust check schedule. Some examples of these benefits are:
Extends vehicle life
Moisture protection
Lubrication to prevent seizure
Scratch and chip protection
Preserves value
Vehicle Life
Prolong the life of your car or truck regular rust checks. It helps protects the metal components of your vehicle from rust and corrosion, while preventing the electrical components from seizing up on you.
Keeping all the parts of your vehicle in good working order is one of the best way to ensure it has a long and prosperous existence.
Moisture Protection
Rust is formed when metal is exposed to moisture and oxygen for extended periods of time. Rust checks help prevent this from happening.
The rust check formula that is distributed into the hard to reach places in your car, actually bonds to the metal to keep moisture out of these problematic areas.
Rust check serves to repel any water that comes into contact with your vehicle, during any season.
Lubrication
Rust checking provides lubrication for the electrical components in your car, to help prevent them from seizing or malfunctioning. For example, it can stop door locks and power windows from jamming or freezing.
It is also lubricating for the various nuts and bolts found throughout your vehicle, preventing them from stripping or locking.
The lubrication afforded by rust checks also help eliminate any creaking, shaking, or squeaking from hinges or cables.
Basically, it tightens up the components of your vehicle, optimizing performance.
Preserves Value
All of these benefits add up to the preserved value of your vehicle. Keep it looking great and running smoothly, with regular rust checks.
Having effectively functional tires on your car is essential for the safety of you and your passengers. Tires wear down over time and eventually need to be replaced.
But when or how often should tires be replaced?
The frequency with which your tires will need to be changed depends a number of factors, such as:
Type of vehicle
Type of tires
Driving conditions
Driving approach
Tire care
Vehicle Type
The owner’s manual for your vehicle should provide you with the information needed about tire changes. It will recommend what type of tires should be used on your vehicle, as well as how often they should be changed.
The owner’s manual should also provide information about regularly scheduled maintenance, like consistent tire rotation.
Type of Tires
The type of tires you use will also play a role in how often they need to be changed. Tires made of softer rubber compounds may provide better traction and performance, but they will also wear out more quickly.
When you buy a new set of tires, the warranty should indicate how long the tires are expected to last. However, tires do not always last as long as they are projected to. Especially if the are not well cared for.
Driving Conditions
If you are driving in extreme or harsh conditions on a regular basis, your tires will need to be changed more frequently. Canada’s climate brings four seasons of extreme conditions, so owners will have to be more vigilant in providing adequate care.
Driving Approach
They way you drive your car, will also be a factor. Driving with a lot of stops and starts, cornering at high speeds, and breaking heavily can all serve to wear tires out before their due dates.
Driving responsibly and rotating your tires regularly will help optimize your tires’ lifespan.
Tire Care
This is a big one. Diligent tire care through regularly scheduled maintenance can really help stretch the longevity of your tires. It not only helps your tires wear more slowly, but also more evenly.
Even wear is crucial for a set of tires. If one tire wears out more quickly than the others, all the tires will have to be changed once that first one goes. It is also important to keep your tires properly pressurized and evenly proportioned to promote balanced wear.
Good tire care involves having yourtires service
d by a professional for regular rotation and inspection.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
Valvoline Express Care is an exceptional automotive service in the Brampton area, that specializes in tire care and maintenance.
The general rule is that tires should be rotated somewhere between 3000 kms and 5000 kms of use. The expert technicians at Valvoline make tire rotation a breeze, at the same time providing a check up for your vehicle to ensure you are getting optimal performance.
If you are changing your tires for the winter season, it is a perfect time to have them rotated. It is good practice to have your tires rotated twice a year, which can coincide with changing your tires for the season, with good planning.
How do you know when your tires need to be changed or replaced?
There are several telltale signs to look for, that can help you recognize when your tires should be changed. The main function of the treads on your tires is to provide traction on the road, while redirecting water from underneath the tire to avoid sliding or hydroplaning.
If your tires are completely worn, it poses a safety risk, and should be replaced as soon as possible.
Here are some warning signs to look out for:
Tread wear
Structural damage
Poor alignment
Tread Wear
This is the most obvious and easy to identify problem when it comes to your tires. Worn treads will leave you with less traction and responsiveness on the road.
One way to check to see if your tires are worn, is by using the penny test. The penny test involves taking a penny and placing it head down into the grooves on your tires. If you can see the entire head on the back of the coin, then your tires are worn and need to be replaced.
Most tires also have something called tread wear bars. These bars are located in the grooves of your tires. When the tread becomes even with the tread wears bars, it is time for a tire change.
Structural Damage
Structural damage to your tires can spell danger as well. Structural damage can be found in the form of bubbling or bulging on the sidewalls. If you see this happening to your tires, take your car in immediately. Once the structural integrity has been compromised, the risk of disaster increases greatly.
Poor Alignment
If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side, or the steering shakes and vibrates while you are driving, it is likely a problem with the alignment. This can be caused by uneven wear or uneven tire pressure.
Take your vehicle in for servicing when experiencing these circumstances.
