At A Plus Automotive we have a list of 10 service items that are often overlooked. They’re all very important for Kelowna drivers and need appropriate attention. So here we go, in no particular order.
1. Power Steering Service
Be honest, have you ever thought of this on your own? Your power steering fluid gets dirty and builds-up moisture over time. Cleaning out your power steering system means that dirt and gum are removed and your power steering parts are protected from corrosion. Ask your A Plus Automotive service advisor if it’s time for a power steering check-up.
2. Wheel Alignment
When your wheels are out of alignment your vehicle pulls to one side. It’s pretty annoying, but it’s also dangerous. And it causes your tires to wear out really fast, which is expensive! Most owner’s manuals suggest that drivers get their alignment checked once or twice a year.
3. Differential Service
Okay, did you even know you had a differential? Well you do. One, two or three in fact. Differentials are often called gear boxes and they’re part of the drive train that transfers power from the engine to your wheels. They don’t need service that often, but drivers can’t just ignore them. Check with your service advisor.
4. Cabin Air Filter More and more cars these days have cabin air filters to clean the air in the passenger area where Kelowna drivers sit. They filter out dust and pollen. When they’re clogged up, they can get smelly. Change your cabin air filter on schedule to enjoy fresh, clean air, which can also help with allergies.
5. Timing Belt Replacement
Most cars and some vans and trucks have timing belts. Without going into a lot of detail, let’s just say that your vehicle won’t run without it , period. And if it breaks while you’re driving it can do thousands of dollars worth of engine damage. Check your owners’ manual or with your A Plus Automotive service advisor. If you’re approaching 100,000 kilometres absolutely look into it right away.
6. Transmission Service
Transmission service is very basic, but it’s often forgotten by Kelowna drivers. Your transmission needs clean fluid from time to time to keep running efficiently and avoid costly repairs. And it can improve fuel economy too.
7. Air Conditioning Service
Most of us Kelowna drivers don’t think about our air conditioning until it doesn’t work. Then if you’re lucky, you just need to add refrigerant. If you’re not, some of the components may have been ruined. Those components are not cheap. Regular air conditioning service adds clean refrigerant which cools and lubricates your air conditioner and conditions the seals.
8. Brake Service
No we’re not talking about squealing, grinding brakes here. We’re talking brake fluid. Over time the fluid gets a lot of water in it. Because water compresses differently than the brake fluid, your brakes won’t work as well. It may even get dangerous. The water can also rust out brake system components and then your brakes can fail altogether. Check with your A Plus Automotive service advisor for recommendations.
9. Coolant System
Another thing that’s so easy for drivers to forget about. When you don’t change your antifreeze on schedule it becomes corrosive. Fresh coolant contains additives that maintain the pH balance in the coolant. These additives wear out and the fluid in the radiator can actually eat holes in the radiator or hoses. Then you’re stranded.
10. Fuel System Cleaning
In times of high fuel prices in BC, fuel system cleaning is so important. Fuel gums up a bunch of parts as it moves from the fuel tank and through the engine. A thorough fuel system cleaning will keep clean fuel flowing into the engine. Your fuel injectors get gunked up over time and need to be cleaned. Having your fuel system cleaned on schedule will really help your fuel economy.
And there we have it – 10 services that are often overlooked by Kelowna drivers. Did you know that a recent survey showed that 90% of vehicles on the road have at least one scheduled maintenance service that hasn’t been performed? Based on our busy lives here in BC, we’re not surprised.
At A Plus Automotive we install quality NAPA replacement parts