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.

Valvoline Oil Change Brampton for the Love of Your Vehicle

Valvoline Oil Change Brampton for the Love of Your Vehicle

by | Nov 5, 2018 | oil change brampton

Do you care about the condition of your vehicle and want it to last as long as possible?
If the answer is yes, then you can start with regularly scheduled oil changes. Changing the oil in your engine on a consistent basis is one of the most important things you can do for your car.
For drivers in Brampton, and cities in the area like Mississauga, Toronto, Vaughan, Caledon, and Georgetown, there is a great option for handling all your automotive maintenance and repair needs.
Where can I find a reliable oil change near me?

Valvoline Express Care Brampton

Valvoline Express Care has a long history of providing excellent automotive services and products to vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
Come in for an oil change and get a full check up for your car. It is crucial to stay on top of any problems that may arise, and deal with them as quickly as possible to prevent issues from spreading and intensifying.
You can even take advantage of oil change coupons for discounts on your next oil change by downloading the app.

What can Valvoline Express Care do for you and your vehicle?

There are all kinds of benefits to taking your car into Valvoline Express Care.
Some of the most impressive advantages include:

  • Keeping your engine clean
  • Engine protection
  • Engine longevity
  • Pass vehicle emissions test
  • Enhance performance
  • Improve fuel economy
  • Retain value

Keep Your Engine Clean

Keeping a clean engine is essential for optimizing function and production.
Oil flows throughout your vehicle and when it comes into the engine, a small amount of dirt and debris enters the engine with it. Over time this dirt and debris begins to accumulate.
If the oil is not changed at the appropriate time, a sludge will start to develop inside the engine. The sludge will obviously have a negative impact on the engine’s performance.

Engine Protection

Clean oil offers good protection for your engine and all of its interconnected, moving parts. Clean oil provides the proper lubrication required to prevent friction caused by steel grinding on steel.
Without adequate lubrication, engine components will be damaged, and the engine will over heat.

Engine Longevity

If you keep your engine clean and well protected by changing the oil on a consistent basis, then the engine will not only run better, but also last longer.
Engines are certainly not cheap to replace, or even repair, so it is your best interest to keep it tidy and safeguarded against outside contaminants.
The longer the engine lasts, the longer your vehicle lasts.

Emissions Test

In Ontario, vehicle owners are required by law to pass an emissions test in order to legally operate that vehicle on the road.
Valvoline Express Care is a certified Drive Clean Test station, that has been authorized by the Ontario Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to administer emissions tests.
Clean oil keeps your engine in good working order to pass the emissions test, as well as doing less environmental damage.

Enhance Performance

Clean oil is what your engine needs to optimize performance. Dirty oil makes the engine slower and hotter, causing it to work much harder than it should.
Old, dirty oil inhibits flow that is needed to reach all the various parts of the engine.
Clean oil improves both horsepower and gas mileage.

Improved Fuel Economy

Regularly scheduled oil changes offer drivers better fuel economy.
Contaminated oil increases engine friction, thereby reducing performance.
Consistent oil changes not only save money on gas, but also mechanic repair bills.

Retaining Value

All of the above factors play a role in preserving the value of your vehicle.
Want to get the best price when it comes time to sell your vehicle? Regular oil changes are a good place to start.

Essential Information About Oil Changes

Essential Information About Oil Changes

by | Oct 22, 2018 | oil change

If you own a vehicle you are no doubt aware of the importance of oil changes and other types of regular maintenance that is necessary to keep your car operating effectively.
After all, without oil your car will not run. As time passes, the longer you leave the oil unchanged, the dirtier it gets. The grimier your oil gets, the less effective it becomes. If left long enough it can do serious damage to your engine. In many instances that get that far, the engine damage is irreparable. Purchasing a new engine is not a cheap venture, so keeping with consistent oil changes is key to avoiding huge repair bills.
An oil change is likely the most widely recognized and accepted aspect of regular maintenance that car owners are aware of and practice regularly.
But, there are many little-known facts about oil changes that the average car owner may not know about.

Additional Oil Facts

Most drivers are aware of the basic function of oil in a car engine. The oil is there to lubricate the metal components of the engine, to prevent them from grinding and causing excessive friction. Old, contaminated oil does not offer sufficient lubrication, which can result in over heating and engine deterioration.
Some other useful information about oil changes might involve:

  • Oil filters
  • Disposing of old oil
  • Extras
  • Owner’s manual
  • Oil level checks
  • Time required

Oil Filters

When you have your oil changed by a professional automotive technician, you should also have the oil filter changed as well. This may or may not be included in a basic oil change.
Inquire with your automotive service representative for more details.
Also, the drainplug on the oil pan will likely need to be changed from time to time as eventually the threads on the plug will wear down or become stripped over time.

Disposing of Used Oil

If you always have your oil changed at an auto centre, then you may not be aware of what happens to your used oil.
You obviously can’t just pour it on the ground or down a drain because it will mix in with the local water supply. Your old, used oil needs to be disposed of in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
That is one definite perk of having your oil changed by a professional, rather than doing it on your own.

Extras

Another advantage of enlisting the services of automotive experts is all the extras that can be added to a routine oil change.
For example, when you go in for an oil change you can also have:

  • Fluids checked
  • Tires checked for pressure and wear
  • Brakes checked
  • Rust check
  • Emissions test
  • Battery check
  • Wiper check
  • Windshield check
  • Fuel system check
  • And more…..

Owner’s Manual

The owner’s manual for your vehicle can be used as a very useful guide for regularly scheduled maintenance.
The owner’s manual will provide helpful suggestions and recommendations about how often things like oil changes, and other services, should be carried out.

 Oil Level Checks

You can perform routine checks on your own to make sure the oil in your engine is at an appropriate level.
Most experts recommend that oil changes should be done every 3000 – 5000 kms. However, driving conditions and other factors may affect those numbers.
Checking the oil level in your engine with the dipstick provided will give a good indication if the oil level is adequate.
It is recommended to do this check before starting your car, or at least 10 minutes after turning it off.

Time Required

A typical oil change done by a professional will take somewhere between 30 and 90 minutes. It will take much longer if you do it yourself.

Valvoline Express Care Brampton

For outstanding oil change services in Brampton, and the surrounding area, stop in at Valvoline Express Care.
Valvoline Express Care has been providing quality automotive service for over 20 years.