FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It depends on how you drive. If your engine still produces (or almost always produces) a charge, and you do not drive too fast and you maintain the lower engine speed, the manufacturer’s recommendation is probably quite high. However, if you are driving at high speeds, then you may want to change the oil more often, possibly at intervals of 3,000 kilometers (given that most manufacturers specify intervals of 6000 km.) If you do not drive much (about 10 000 km per year), it is advised to change the oil every six months. If you keep your car inside during the winter, it is recommended to change the oil when you go out in the spring or summer.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES can your new vehicle warranty be applied to any independent automotive store. We often hear horror stories about dealers. Why waste your time and money? We are qualified and trained technicians who listen to you and, above all, ensure a professional job done right the first time.

Most cars need a regular tune-up each year and require significant maintenance every 60 000 km.

This technique is recommended for some cars, but not for others. Several factors can indicate whether tire rotation is necessary, such as independent suspension. To be certain, ask your automotive professional.

Most likely, a pinging noise coming from your engine indicates timing problems. Sometimes the noise is caused by poor quality gasoline or gasoline with low octane. This can cause damage. We strongly advise you to have your vehicle inspected by a professional.

The car should be checked out externally. Not having a car checked out by a professional before buying can cost you dearly. The cost of the check-up is comparatively low, and always gives more ammunition buyer to negotiate the vehicle price when buying. Money spent to check out a used car is money well spent.

Most manufacturers recommend replacing belts and conduction systems every four years. V-belts must be replaced every three years or every 60 000 km. Wear increases sharply after the fourth year for conduction systems and the third year for belts. The typical lifespan of the serpentine belt is about five years or 75 000 km. Serpentine belts are thinner and more flexible than V-belts. They run cooler and last longer, but are around twice as expensive to replace.

A full check of the braking system is done to restore performance to its original state. Which brake components will be replaced obviously depends on their life expectancy, mileage and wear. A complete brake job should begin with a thorough inspection of the braking system: drums, discs and pads, calipers and wheel cylinders, brake components, hoses, brake lines and master cylinder.

Overheating can be caused by loss of coolant, which prevents the cooling system from evacuating the heat, or causes excess heat in the engine itself:

• Coolant leaks (water pump, radiator, heating radiator, pipes, freezing, cylinder head gasket, internal engine).
• Clogged cooling system (build-up of deposits in the radiator or engine due to lack of maintenance or the use of hard water). Use a cleanser, then reverse the evacuation system to clean. A very clogged radiator should possibly be replaced.
• Weak radiator cap (does not hold the nominal pressure and causes overheating of the coolant). Pressure should be checked.
• Stuck thermostat (to be replaced).
• Electric cooling fan failed (check the fan motor, relay and temperature switch for optimal operation).
• Fan clutch (replace if slippery, leaking or loose).
• Missing fan deflector (reduces cooling fan efficiency).
• Fan belt slipping (tighten or replace).
• Antifreeze concentration too low or too high (should be 50/50 for optimum cooling).
• Water pump turbine eroded (replace pump).
• Debris in the radiator (remove insects and dirt).
• Collapsed radiator pipe (check the inside of the hose).
• Late ignition timing (reset as specified).
• Restricted exhaust system (check the signs of depression /admission and inspect the catalytic converter, muffler and pipes).
• Radiator too big for the fan (increase cooling capacity by installing more power and/or the auxiliary cooling fan).