Time for an Oil Change? Why Not Get a Check-Up Too?

Time for an Oil Change? Why Not Get a Check-Up Too?

by | Feb 22, 2019 | oil change, Uncategorized

Every vehicle owner knows, or at least should know, about the importance of regular maintenance for their automobiles.
It is a simple fact that well-maintained vehicles last longer, require less time and money at the mechanic, and preserve more value.
Oil changes are one of the most common types of upkeep needed to keep a car running well. Most car owners get their oil changed fairly consistently, at a bare minimum.
But there are other practices you could be treating your automobile to that will make things better and safer for the driver as well as the vehicle itself.

Other Services to Consider

When bringing your car in for an oil change, there are several other services and checks that should be carried out to make sure your car is in good working order.
Some of the things to keep an eye on are:

  • Change the oil filter
  • Change the air filter
  • Check the fluids
  • Check the engine
  • Tire rotation
  • Check the brakes
  • Check the wipers
  • Rust check

Change the Oil Filter

It is a good practice to get into to have your oil filter changed every time you go in for an oil change. It is acceptable to change the filter every other time, but for optimal results it is recommended to change the filter with every oil change.

Change the Air Filter

Changing the air filter in your engine should be done about once a year. If you do not change the air filter in your vehicle regularly, it just means that your engine has to work that much harder. This can lead to other, bigger problems if left too long.

Check the Fluids

Aside from the oil, there are several other fluids in your car that need regular attention.
Examples of fluids that need to beconsistently changed or topped up are:

  • Radiator fluid
  • Air conditioner fluid
  • Brake fluid
  • Power steering fluid
  • Transmission fluid
  • Wiper fluid

Consult your driver’s manual to get a better idea of the timeline for how often each fluid should be checked and maintained.

Check the Engine

The engine is obviously a tremendously important part of your vehicle. Without it, you wouldn’t be going anywhere. That is why it is a good idea to have your engine checked by a professional every so often for punctures or other irregularities.
It is much more practical to get a jump on any engine issues before they get out of hand.

Tire Rotation

Tires should be taken care of somewhere between every 3000 and 5000 kms. You can check the owner’s manual to see what is suggested for your particular vehicle.
Consistent tire rotation is important to make sure all tires wear at an even rate, so you get the most out of your tire set.

Check the Brakes

Depending on how much you drive, driving conditions, and the age of your car, you should have your brakes looked at every six months to a year.
Properly functioning brakes are crucial to keeping you and your passengers safe, as well as other drivers on the road.

Check Wipers

Another component of your car that can compromise the safety of you and your passengers is the windshield wipers. Damaged wipers can cause serious vision impairment while driving, leading to accidents and potential injury.

Rust Check

Getting your car inspected for signs of rust is essential to prolonging the life of your vehicle and keeping it running smoothly.
Rust can spread very quickly and do irreversible damage. It is critical to nip it in the bud.

Valvoline Express Care Brampton

For oil changes, check ups, and everything you need to keep your car performing at an optimal level, Valvoline Express Care in Brampton is a perfect one stop solution.
 
 

What You Should Know About Rust Proofing

What You Should Know About Rust Proofing

by | Jul 30, 2018 | rust proofing, Uncategorized

Rust protection has seen considerable advancements in the last few decades. Rust proofing services are an ideal way to provide full protection for your vehicle from environmental elements.
What are the most effective rust protection solutions for the current generation of car owners?

Valvoline Express Care Brampton

An excellent choice for rust proofing in the Brampton area can be found at Valvoline Express Care.
The combination of training and experience make the rust proofing technicians at Valvoline an exceptional resource for protecting your vehicle from rust and corrosion.

What are the basic steps for effective rust proofing?

There are three main steps that need to be taken to ensure your vehicle is protected from damaging rust. Not only is rust unattractive, it is also harmful and dangerous to your vehicle. If it is left unchecked too long it can cause serious issues for your vehicle and your bank account.
Three steps that are essential in rust protection are:

  1. Find the source of the rust
  2. Prevent the rust from spreading throughout the vehicle
  3. Take care of the problem swiftly and efficiently

Knowing how the oxidation process works is key to predicting where rust will occur. Rust is formed when metal comes into contact with oxygen and moisture for an extended period.
It is important to educate yourself about rust, so you don’t have to take the word of others trying to make a buck.

Brampton Rust Proofing

For the most effective rust proofing Brampton has to offer, Valvoline Express Care is your solution. Any bit of exposed metal on your vehicle is vulnerable to rust. For example, all it takes is a tiny stone flying up off the road to expose a piece of unprotected metal. From there, the rusting process can accelerate quickly.
The risk areas on your car include:

  • Fenders
  • Corners and joints
  • Wheel wells
  • Undercarriage
  • Front grill
  • External flooring
  • Under the seats
  • Alongside the engine compartment

These are a few areas that pose the highest risk, but any metal component on your car is susceptible to rust.
Brampton rust protection can help prevent rust before it even starts. When it comes to rust protection, prevention is certainly the most effective method.
Chips in the paint job are also a likely area for rust to appear. It is possible to remedy this type of problem with touch ups or light sanding, but it is important to know what you are doing, or your will just end up causing more damage.

Keeping it Clean

Keeping your car clean on a regular basis can also help prevent rust. Dirt can collect in the cracks and underbelly of your car. This can lead to release of moisture that comes into contact with metal. From here rust can spread aggressively, especially because these areas are not typically seen and can easily go unnoticed.
Salt is another accelerant for rust. The winter season means your car will be exposed to heavy doses of road salt. This salt can also get stuck in small crevasses, and lie dormant until the weather heats up.

New Vehicles

If you are buying a new vehicle, car dealers will usually caution against paying for rust protection. The argument being that cars today have more galvanised steel which is resistant to rust.
However, if you want to provide thorough and comprehensive rust protection for your vehicle, then Valvoline Express Care Brampton the recommended answer.

Brake repair Brampton: Do you need to change your brake fluid?

Brake repair Brampton: Do you need to change your brake fluid?

by | Mar 22, 2017 | Blog, brake fluid, Uncategorized

Is the fluid in your brake master cylinder reservoir too low? Did you know that moisture makes brake fluid deteriorate and cause your brakes not to work at all?
There are many reasons why your car or truck may be pulling to one side as you drive. If it’s because of a brake fluid leak, that would mean the remaining fluid is contaminated. This is a problem that shouldn’t go ignored. If you’re not changing brake fluid when recommended, you risk brake failure due to contamination, which leads to deterioration. If you can’t do the complete brake fluid flush yourself, you can do the next best thing – a fluid swap at Valvoline Express Care Brampton.
Brakes repair Brampton: do I need to change my brake fluid?
Good question. It all starts when the driver press on the brake pedal. If your brakes are hard to push, you have a problem. This means the brake fluid creates pressure which act against the rotors, bringing them in contact with the wheels. In doing so, it makes the car slow down and stop completely. As you well know, stopping a car produces a large amount of friction, so brake fluid delivers lubrication to all of the braking components as well. Because it works at high temperatures, your brake fluid will pick up contaminates (moisture, air and sludge) that reduce braking efficiency overtime. If there is not enough fluid in the system, then this will not happen.
You’re in safe hands with brakes repair Brampton. Our automotive specialists are here to reassure you that flushing the brake fluid out and bleeding the system so no air is locked is a pretty easy job. And one that can be done as part of your regular maintenance on your car.
Brakes repair Brampton – our recommendation
At brakes repair Brampton, we understand that if you don’t know anything about brake fluid, it can be a little bit intimidating. All you need to do is check your vehicles owner’s handbook. That being said, always use a fluid recommended that is listed (do not use silicone based brake fluids if your car needs regular brake fluid) in the owners’ manual.
Get your brakes flushed every 2 years at brakes repair Brampton
This includes a visual inspection of your brake fluid and a complete overview of the whole vehicle. Our technicians will remove the existing fluid, reduce moisture, and replace it with new, clean fluid. Better yet, we ensure brakes are at correct level and protect the brake fluid system from moisture and other debris.
Like all brake fluid, it needs to be clear or translucent. If the fluid is black or has a burnt smell, the vehicle may have internal damage. If you are experiencing issues with your brakes, come by brakes repair Brampton. We will be happy to assist you on your vehicle’s specific needs.
Be proactive with brakes repair Brampton                           
As your car’s most important safety feature, your brake system should never be neglected. A spongy or dropping brake pedal is a sure sign of a problem in the hydraulic system. The worst case scenario? If your brakes don’t work, it can reduce your ability to stop on the road (possibly leading to an accident).
Don’t let low brake fluid problems grow into something much bigger, and more serious. Replacing your brake fluid at brakes repair Brampton is the best way to keep your vehicle running great so you can remain safe while driving.