Tips for Extending the Life of Your Vehicle from Your Mechanics in Edmonton The most important guideline for avoiding costly auto repairs is to always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule found in your owner’s manual. Here are a few more tips and hints to keep your vehicle running longer. Tires Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure levels, are balanced correctly, and the wheels are properly aligned. Not only does this promote safety, it will also save you money by extending the life of your tires. Learn more about your tires and brakes on our Tires page. We can also get you prepared for winter with winter tires! Plugs, Wires and Distributor Cap Exposure to grease, dirt, moisture and other contaminants – as well as engine temperatures that can reach as much as 700 degrees – can cause spark plugs, plug wires, distributor caps and rotors to fail or malfunction. Worn spark plugs cause electrical resistance, which requires ignition and coil components to produce more voltage and increases temperature. This can cause a weakening in transistors and electrical insulation, resulting in intermittent or premature failure. Worn plugs, wires and distributor caps can cause a number of problems for your vehicle, some of which are difficult to diagnose and expensive to remedy. If your vehicle has passed the 90,000 kilometre mark and you haven’t yet replaced the spark plugs, wires and distributor cap, you have no time to lose. Have them checked right away by a qualified technician. Anti-Freeze / Coolant Check your owner’s manual to learn how often engine coolant should be flushed. Typically, this operation should be performed every two years or 45,000 kilometres. The best time to perform it is in spring or fall when extreme temperatures are absent. Steering If you notice a change in the way your vehicle steers, it is nearly always an indication of a problem. That problem could be as simple as under-inflated tires, or as serious as front-end damage. Don’t put off having it checked out by an auto repair professional. Routine Maintenance Regular maintenance on your vehicle is key. Here are some quick reminders of when you should go and see your mechanic for an inspection:
Oil, lube and filter should be changed every 3 months or 5000 kilometres
Air filter should be inspected regularly and changed as necessary
Fuel injection system should be serviced every 24,000 kilometres
If you’re still unsure about how you can extend the life of your vehicle, contact AutoRx Repair Centres today. We’re happy to answer any mechanic-related questions you may have.
