Fluid Maintenance for Your Vehicle

Fluid Maintenance for Your Vehicle

by | Jan 18, 2019 | oil change brampton

Every car owner is aware of the need for regular oil changes to prevent engine damage, and to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
There are many other important fluids in your vehicle as well, that also require regular attention. These fluids should be checked on a consistent basis to make sure they are at the collect level, and not filthy.

Fluid Maintenance Brampton

Take care of all your automotive fluid needs at Valvoline Express Care in Brampton. Come in a get a full tune up, no appointment necessary.
A few of the fluids to keep an eye on are:

  • Oil
  • Brake fluid
  • Wiper fluid
  • Transmission fluid
  • Power steering fluid
  • Coolants/antifreeze/rad fluid
  • Air conditioning fluid

Oil

This is obviously the most widely recognized automotive fluid that requires routine maintenance. It is also the most essential for your vehicle’s performance.
Oil is necessary for lubricating the parts of the engine to reduce friction, wear and tear, and over-heating. The longer your oil goes unchanged, the dirtier it becomes. The dirtier is gets, the thicker it gets, and the less lubrication it provides for the engine.

Brake Fluid

When pressure is applied to the brakes in your car, brake fluid is essential to ensure your car stops in a timely fashion. Putting your foot on the brake pedal triggers the brake fluid to move through the brake system to cause your vehicle to slow down and eventually stop. Overtime the brake fluid takes in moisture, causing it to be less effective. Brake fluid should be checked as part of routine maintenance.

Wiper Fluid

Wiper fluid is an example of a fluid that gets used up and will need to be replaced. How often wiper fluid needs to be refilled will depend on how much you drive, and the driving conditions you are exposed to.
Keeping your wiper fluid topped up provides peace of mind, knowing you can maintain optimal visibility through your windshield.

Transmission Fluid

If you don’t take of your car’s transmission, it can be an absolute nightmare to fix. An expensive nightmare at that.
Transmission fluid drives the transmission system and helps keep it lubricated. The power generated by the engine is carried to the wheels through the transmission system to get your car moving.
If transmission fluid is not changed it begins to accumulate dirt and grime that can inhibit function and eventually cause seizure.

Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid is required to facilitate turning a corner in your vehicle. If your power steering fluid runs out, it will be pretty easy to tell. You will likely feel like you need to start lifting weights just to make a turn in your car.
Power steering fluid should be changed every two years or so, to keep the system lubricated and working efficiently.

Coolants

Coolants are necessary to help regulate the temperature of your vehicle. For example, rad fluid is needed to prevent the engine from overheating. If you live in area that experiences colder temperatures, antifreeze will be required as well. This can be achieved with one fluid that has both antifreeze and cooling capabilities.

Air Conditioning Fluid

In preparation for the summer season, it is a good idea to have your air conditioner fluid checked. This fluid is responsible for operating the air conditioning unit in your car, and is also known as refrigerant or freon. It should be topped up to allow for optimal performance.

5 Reasons Not to Neglect Oil Changes

5 Reasons Not to Neglect Oil Changes

by | Jan 7, 2019 | oil change

Getting regular oil changes for your vehicle may seem like a hassle, but neglecting to have your oil changed can cause serious long-term problems for your car.
Clean oil is necessary to keep your car operating efficiently and safely. Skipping oil changes may not only be bad for your vehicle, but you and your passengers as well.
If you keep putting off oil changes, again and again, it could eventually lead to engine seizure when you are out on the road.
For instance, you may be driving home with your kids in the car and the engine decides to quit on you. Depending on where this seizure occurs, you may be stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Then, there is not only the issue of getting your car towed to a mechanic, but also the massive cost of repairing or replacing the engine.
Regular oil changes can help give you peace of mind, while also preserving the value of your vehicle.

Where can I do dependable and affordable oil change services?

Oil Change Brampton

If your are looking for a reliable automotive service provider for oil changes and vehicle maintenance in Brampton, or the surrounding GTA, then Valvoline Express Care is an enlightened choice.
With well over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, you can anticipate the same excellent and efficient service each time you visit.
You can even access a free coupon for a discount on your next oil change here.
This kind of experience indicates streamlined processes and outstanding results to have you in and out in no time with the great results you are looking for.
One of the areas of specialization at Valvoline Express Care is oil changes. Skipping routine oil changes is not a good idea for many reasons.

5 Reasons Not to Miss Regular Oil Changes

There are all kinds of reasons not to neglect oil changes, some are more compelling than others.
Here are 5 of the most important reasons not to skip an oil change:

  • Oil goes bad
  • Engine damage
  • Poor gas mileage
  • Regular maintenance is necessary
  • Hefty mechanic bills

Oil Goes Bad

Just like milk goes bad when it’s left in the fridge too long, oil also goes bad when it’s left in the tank too long.
The quality and viscosity of the oil in your car will deteriorate over time. When this happens, the oil no longer has the lubricating properties needed to prevent friction in the engine.
As this friction increases, so does damage to your engine.

Engine Damage

Friction caused by metal scraping against metal is a serious concern for an engine that is not properly lubricated.
Increased friction can even cause the engine to overheat and seize up entirely.

Poor Gas Mileage

Neglecting oil changes can eventually compromise the overall performance of your vehicle. If the oil in your engine is old and dirty, your engine has to work that much harder.
A harder working engine means you are spending more money on fuel to make it run.

Part of Regular Maintenance

Oil changes are part of routine maintenance that is required to keep your car running at an optimal level.
You may think you are saving money by avoiding paying for routine maintenance. This may be true in the short-term, but eventually it will end up costing you so much more.

Hefty Mechanic Bills

Do you have any idea how much it costs to replace a car engine? A lot. Of course, it depends on the make and model of your vehicle, but I can guarantee you it will not be cheap.
Why not avoid the nightmare of serious engine damage by keeping up with routine oil changes?

Why is an Emissions Test Necessary?

Why is an Emissions Test Necessary?

by | Dec 21, 2018 | Emission Test

An emissions test can be beneficial to provide more information on the overall state of your vehicle. In some cases, an emissions test is a mandatory legal requirement to operate your vehicle on the road.

What does an emissions test measure?

An emissions test is performed to assess the amount of hazardous materials your car is releasing into the air.
Emissions tests are a provincial requirement that help to limit the levels of pollution that are being emitted by vehicles. This helps to improve the air quality for everyone in the province.

Reduce your Carbon Footprint

Controlling the emissions produced by your vehicle is a responsible way to limit your contribution to air pollution.
Making sure your car is not producing excess pollutants also helps to improve the efficiency of your vehicle’s performance.
Passing an emissions test is not only good for the environment, but also your automobile.

Where can I get an official emissions test in Ontario?

If you are looking to have a certified emissions test done in Ontario, an excellent choice is Valvoline Express Care Brampton.

Emissions Test Brampton

Car owners in Brampton, and throughout the GTA, can get an authorized emissions test at Valvoline Express Care.
Valvoline Express Care offers an authorized Ontario emissions test that has been certified by the Ontario Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
The quick and convenient emissions test at Valvoline Express Care is a stream-lined process to get your car tested and you back on the road in a timely manner.

What does the emissions test consist of?

When you bring your car in for an emissions test at Valvoline, you can expect a thorough and efficient inspection of your vehicle.
The process includes:

  • Visual inspection of the vehicle
  • Examining the catalytic converter to ensure there are no issues (and that one exists on your vehicle)
  • Making sure there are no missing gas caps or other components
  • Checking for defects in the fuel system
  • Looking for smoke emitting from the tail pipe or other places on your car
  • Inspection of the onboard computer
  • Any visually obvious issues that would contribute to hazardous emissions

What should you know about harmful emissions?

It seems that there are no imminent changes coming to prevent the use of gasoline to operate motor vehicles. This means that automobiles will continue to emit pollutants for the foreseeable future.
There are two main types of emissions:

  • Exhaust emissions
  • Evaporative emissions

Exhaust Emissions

These emissions occur when the engine is running, and exhaust is being emitted from burned fuel. This includes the release of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).
VOCs include harmful waste products like:

  • Hydrocarbons
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Nitrogen oxides

Excessive amounts of these by-products being released into the air can lead to the increased production of green house gases.

Evaporative Emissions

These types of emissions occur when the car is stationary or not in operation. These typically include vapors that escape into the air from the fuel system.

Benefits of an Emissions Test Brampton

There are many good reasons to have an emissions test done on your vehicle to make sure you are not discharging excess pollution.
The main advantages include:

  • Environmental responsibility
  • Driving legally
  • Vehicle care

Environmental Responsibility

Pollutants emitting from your exhaust can cause numerous problems for your surrounding environment.
Harmful exhaust emissions can be detrimental for:

  • People around you
  • Wildlife
  • Damaged soil
  • Polluted lakes and streams
  • Contamination of the local water supply

Driving Legally

Find out if you meet the emission requirements to legally operate your vehicle in Ontario. Vehicles that produce excess intoxicants are deemed to be unroadworthy.

Vehicle Care

Aside from being good for the environment, an emissions test can also be good for your vehicle. Keeping your vehicle operating at an optimal level will preserve the value, increase performance, and keep you and your passengers safe.
 

6 Advantages of Routine Oil Changes

6 Advantages of Routine Oil Changes

by | Dec 6, 2018 | oil change brampton

Making oil changes a part of your routine vehicle maintenance should be top priority for vehicle owners.
Especially for drivers in Ontario, keeping your car operating at a high level can be the difference between easy travel, and getting stranded on the side of the road in the dead of winter.
It is somewhat shocking to hear about the large number of drivers that feel like routine oil changes are more of a suggestion than a mandatory activity.
I suppose in a manner of speaking oil changes are not mandatory, if you don’t mind jeopardizing the safety of your vehicle, your passengers, yourself, and other drivers on the road.
Clean oil plays a huge role in the performance of your vehicle. Oil becomes less effective as time wears on. Oil that has been left unchanged for an extended period can cause severe damage to your engine, and can even result in the engine ceasing to function altogether.
Once this happens you can expect to pay for a tow truck, and alternative ride home, and massive mechanic bills.

Oil Change Brampton

A superb option for drivers in the Brampton and GTA area is Valvoline Express Care.
Valvoline Express Care is a professional automotive service provider that focuses on getting your car into the best shape possible to optimize performance and retain value.
To achieve this optimal form, regular maintenance is required.
This maintenance includes everything from oil changes to rust proofing, and should not be neglected in an attempt to save money. Believe me, you will end up paying way more in the long run.
Oil changes are absolutely crucial though, and here’s why.

6 Advantages of Regular Oil Changes

There are many benefits to having consistent oil changes done by a professional.
6 of the best advantages are:

  • Performance
  • Fuel economy
  • Engine life
  • Maintenance checks
  • Preserving value
  • Maintaining warranty

Performance

This is one of the biggest pluses of routine oil changes. The more frequently you change the oil in your car, the better it runs.
Old oil becomes dirty and inefficient over time, which compromises vehicle performance and engine protection.
Clean oil is required to provide lubrication for the engine’s metal components that are constantly rubbing against each other.
Without lubrication, the engine can overheat and suffer irreparable damage.

Fuel Economy

Clean oil allows the engine to operate more efficiently because it doesn’t have to work as hard.
Increased engine efficiency equals improved fuel economy.

Engine Life

This is a serious factor for car owners that are not interested in dishing out thousands of dollars for an engine replacement.
You are probably hoping that the engine lasts as long as your vehicle does. In order to make this happen, you must take good care of the engine by replacing the oil on a consistent basis.

Maintenance Checks

When you get your oil changed, it is a prime opportunity to have a routine check up done on your entire vehicle.
Preventative measures are extremely important with automobiles, don’t wait until it is too late and you have to spend obscene amounts of money for repairs.
Also, a good automotive technician can look at your used oil and see if there is any indication of other issues.
For example, if there are metal shavings present in your used oil, it is a strong sign that there are further engine problems.

Preserving Value

A well cared for vehicle will fetch a much higher price when it comes time to sell than a neglected one.
All the money you put into your vehicle for regular maintenance will come back to you in the end.

Warranty

A lot of warranties become void if the vehicle owner doesn’t keep up with mandatory routine maintenance.
Check the details of your warranty to see if it applies.

Winter Rust Proofing Can Help Extend the Life of Your Vehicle

Winter Rust Proofing Can Help Extend the Life of Your Vehicle

by | Nov 23, 2018 | rust proofing

For drivers across Canada, and especially in the province of Ontario, it is strongly recommended to take some preventative action to protect your vehicle before the winter even starts.

How?

One effective way to do this is by having your car rust proofed by a professional.
The amount of salt on the roads in Ontario once the winter begins is hazardous to the health of your vehicle. Don’t get me wrong, road salt is a necessary precaution for driver safety, but it can do serious damage to cherished auto without proper planning.

Why?

When it comes to majority of drivers out there, buying a car is a significant purchase. A considerable amount of time and money will go into keeping running smoothly and efficiently.
Regular maintenance is important, not only to keep your car operational, but also to help preserve its value.
The average cover owner in Canada, typically holds on to a car for about 5 or 6 years before giving it up for a new one. That being the case, it is essential to have regular professional maintenance done to keep resale values as high as possible.
If you are trying to sell a car covered in rust, good luck getting a reasonable price for it. Appearance is a huge factor for potential car buyers, and a rust bucket is not attractive to anyone.
Regular rust protection is an excellent preventative measure. Now is the perfect time to do it before the severe weather begins to set in.

Where?

Rust Proofing Brampton

For exemplary rust proofing services in the Brampton and GTA, a fantastic option for ultimate vehicle protection resides at Valvoline Express Care.
Valvoline Express Care is an experienced automotive service provider located in Brampton.
For the best rust proofing in Brampton, you can stop into Valvoline Express Care with no appointment necessary.
Valvoline Express Care offers a team of rust proofing specialists that provide your vehicle with optimal protection against turbulent Canadian winters.
A specialized chemical compound is applied to your vehicle, providing lasting protection to all its metal components the are susceptible to rust.

How is rust formed?

Rust is formed when metal is exposed to moisture and oxygen for a lengthy time period. If left untreated this rust quickly spreads throughout your vehicle, and can cause irreparable damage. Once a metal component of your car has been eaten away by rust, there is no reversing that process.

Rust Proofing Options Brampton

There are several options for rust protection offered at Valvoline Express Care.
Some of the delivery methods you can choose from are:

  • Drip oil spray
  • Dripless oil spray
  • Tar based spray
  • Electronic protection

Drip Oil Spray

Drip oil spray is one of the most popular choices for rust proofing because it is fairly easy to apply and provides comprehensive protection.
Drip oil spray has a runny consistency, allowing for accessible application to all the crevasses and hard to reach spots on your vehicle.
One slightly invasive feature of drip oil spray is that holes must be drilled inside the car doors and bumpers so the whole car can be treated.
Also, oil may drip onto your driveway with this type of rust proofing.

Dripless Oil Spay

The dripless spray works in much the same way as the drip spray, except this product is more viscous and hardens quickly when it dries.
Holes will still need to be drilled to get at all enclosed areas, but it is not as versatile as the drip spray.

Tar Based Spray

Tar based sprays are typically applied to the undercarriage of a vehicle, including the wheel wells and floor pans. Once it dries, it hardens to provide extra protective layer against the elements.
It is essential that the undercarriage is completely clean before administration.

Electronic Protection

This is the latest technology in rust proofing, and it works with the installation of a tiny electric module in your car. This module emits electric currents to break up the formation of rust.