Auto Advice For Calgary Consumers
How Can Calgary Drivers Know If They Have Transmission Problems?
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(Posted on Mar 31, 2021 at 08:02PM by Josh Lew)
Transmission problems are among the most expensive and stressful vehicle issues. They can also be dangerous since a failure can cause unexpected stopping or loss of control on the road. If you want to avoid these situations, here are three common symptoms to look for:
Leaking
If you notice a red fluid with a sweet smell under your vehicle, you most likely have a transmission leak. You will need to take your auto to a Calgary service centre for an inspection.
Noises or Shaking
Noises are also a common indicator of transmission problems. If you hear or feel shaking or grinding, or if the gears are completely unresponsive when you try to change them, you should likewise seek the help of a professional.
A Burning Smell
A burning smell during driving, especially if you have a low engine temperature, often indicates ineffective transmission fluid and the need for a system flush.Â
If you suspect any of these issues, contact our Calgary service centre for an appointment today.
When Do You Need to Change your Brake Fluid in Calgary, AB?
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(Posted on Mar 30, 2021 at 09:00PM by Josh Lew)
Dirty or diminished brake fluid will reduce stopping efficiency, which could lead to dangerous situations on the road. How does this issue arise? The heat from the pads can cause the liquid to lose its lubricative properties, or debris can contaminate it, leading to abrasions or corrosion.Â
Changing the brake fluid and cleaning the system can ensure that your car will retain its stopping capabilities. When should you ask your service centre technician to check for an issue? First, your owner’s manual will offer maintenance recommendations for flushing and replacing the lubricant. Different makes and models have suggested schedules, ranging from two to five years or 30,000 to 40,000 km.Â
A more efficient option is to check the brake system during regularly scheduled maintenance at your favourite Calgary service centre. The advantage of this approach is that the technician can usually spot low or contaminated fluid before it causes a problem.Â
If you would like to learn more about our services for Calgary vehicle owners, contact us today.Â
How Does an Axle Disconnect Feature Improve Fuel Efficiency?
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(Posted on Mar 26, 2021 at 08:00PM by Josh Lew)
4x4 vehicles are a necessity for many motorists in Calgary. Whether traveling during winter or off the pavement, AWD can provide the right amount of grip and traction. When conditions are good, however, front or rear-wheel drive is sufficient. Some AWD cars and trucks have a transfer case that disconnects the front or rear axle when 4x4 mode is unnecessary. These autos either allow the driver to switch manually or change automatically if the vehicle's sensors detect stable surface conditions.Â
For example, the AWD Chrysler 300 disconnects the front axle so that drivers can enjoy performance-oriented RWD if they choose. The Jeep Cherokee, on the other hand, disengages the rear wheels to offer FWD.Â
In addition to giving drivers more options, these systems help increase fuel efficiency. For instance, the Chrysler 300's V6 gets a class-leading 7.8 L/100 km on the highway when it's in RWD mode.Â
To learn more about the available AWD systems near you, contact our Calgary dealership today.
Can Calgary Drivers Benefit from a Continuous Variable Transmission?
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(Posted on Mar 16, 2021 at 09:53PM by Josh Lew)
A continuous variable transmission (CVT) is different from standard automatic and manual units, which have a fixed number of gears. Instead, it uses a pulley-like system connected to flexible composite belts. What are the benefits of this type of setup?
Since there is no shifting with a CVT, a vehicle can technically have an unlimited number of gears. The engine can always operate near peak efficiency because it can get the best possible ratio at any speed. Also, the system has fewer components, so it is much lighter than a standard transmission. This can lead to lower gas usage.Â
When it comes to performance, a CVT offers smoother operation and steadier acceleration with no pauses for gear changes. At the same time, the components are more challenging to repair, and they do not work on autos that have powerful engines. Some hybrid vehicles, such as the Chrysler Pacifica, have an electromagnetic continuous variable transmission (EVT).Â
To see which cars near you have a continuous variable transmission, contact our Calgary dealership today.
What Is Electric Power Steering and How Does it Work in Calgary, AB?
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(Posted on Mar 10, 2021 at 09:03PM by Josh Lew)
Electric power steering (EPS) uses energy from the vehicle's battery to reduce the effort required to turn the wheel. Most new cars and many trucks have this system, though a few still rely on a hydraulic design. The EPS components include a brushless motor, sensors, and an electronic controller. The entire package usually sits inside the steering column.Â
The system is very efficient. It conserves fuel and electricity since it remains in standby mode unless needed. Also, because of the design and components, it is easy for automakers to pair EPS with active safety tools such as lane-keeping assist and automated parking.Â
The main drawback of this type of power steering is that any wiring, fuse, or battery failure can affect the functionality. These issues are rare in modern cars. Furthermore, though it could be hard to turn, the wheel will still function without electrical assistance.Â
To learn more about this feature, contact our Calgary dealership today.
How Does Adaptive Cruise Control Work in Calgary, AB?
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(Posted on Mar 9, 2021 at 07:30PM by Josh Lew)
Adaptive cruise control (ACC), available on autos such as the Jeep Cherokee, enables your vehicle to maintain a set speed on the highway. It also relies on sensors to adjust the pace to ensure a safe following distance. Some cars even have a stop-and-go feature that works in heavier traffic. An ACC system relies on cameras, radar, or lasers to locate vehicles near yours as you drive down the highway. These sensors can measure distance and velocity and adjust the engine as needed to keep an appropriate gap. When the road is clear, the vehicle returns to its pre-set speed.Â
You typically activate cruise control with buttons or knobs on the steering wheel or column. First, you engage the system and then accelerate to your desired speed. Most units require you to press a SET switch before removing your foot from the pedal.Â
Additional controls allow you to increase or decrease the pace incrementally (1-2 km/h at a time).Â
To see which vehicles have adaptive cruise control near you, contact our Calgary dealership today.
What Advantages Can a Diesel Engine Bring to Calgary, AB Drivers?
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(Posted on Mar 5, 2021 at 11:01PM by Josh Lew)
Diesel engines have come a long way since the 1980’s. Today’s models avoid problems like noise and excessive emissions. Also, they have enhanced some of the advantages that make them a great option for specific tasks. What does diesel bring to Calgary drivers? First of all, the motors are more efficient than their gas counterparts.
The reason for this is their higher compression ratio. Diesel units use hot, dense air to ignite the fuel (instead of spark plugs). In addition to this attribute, the engine design has fewer components. The limited number of moving parts lowers the maintenance requirements.Â
Another advantage of these units is that they provide more torque. The extra power may not be useful to some, but it comes in handy for towing, hauling, or acceleration. This is why pickup trucks, such as the Ram 3500, come with a diesel option.Â
To check the availability of diesel-power vehicles near you, contact our Calgary dealership today.
What are Paddle Shifters and How Do Calgary Drivers Use Them?
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(Posted on Mar 3, 2021 at 11:01PM by Josh Lew)
Paddle shifters help the driver switch manually between gears when operating a vehicle with an automatic transmission. This feature sits behind the steering wheel on both the right and left sides. You can typically find it on performance-oriented autos like the Dodge Charger. Paddle shifters (initially produced for racing) provide a hand-operated option for consumer vehicles. You typically have to choose the manual setting to activate the feature. Also, you cannot select Drive, Reverse, or Park with this component, so you must move the car into D using the regular stick before the mode becomes operational.
Usually, the right paddle is for traveling up through the gears, while the left is for downshifting. Â This feature can decrease brake wear because it naturally slows the car as you decelerate. At the same time, the components are electronic, so they do not cause damage to the transmission, even if you use them incorrectly.Â
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Contact our Calgary dealership to inquire about the availability of vehicles with paddle shifters.
What is Engine Start-Stop (ESS) and How Does It Improve Fuel Efficiency in Calgary, AB?
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(Posted on Mar 2, 2021 at 11:01PM by Josh Lew)
An Engine Start-Stop (ESS) system, available on autos such as the Jeep Cherokee, helps improve fuel efficiency by cutting the power when the vehicle is not in motion. This component uses sensors to monitor the speed of the car. When the driver applies continuous pressure on the brake, the unit interprets the action as an intent to stop, and it shuts off the motor, which remains dormant until the pedal gets released.Â
This feature is meant to improve fuel economy. The stop-start cycle is usually measured in hundredths of a second, so it does not hinder performance. The ESS uses electronics, but it is wired separately from the HVAC, lights, and media centre. Therefore, it doesn't affect the functionality of these other components.Â
Does Engine Start-Stop work? It can increase fuel efficiency by up to 10%, but it is most effective in city driving and during stop-and-go rush-hour commutes. It offers little benefit for those who usually ride on the highway.Â
To see which vehicles have ESS, contact our Calgary dealership today.
What Pickup Bed Features Are Available in Calgary, AB?
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(Posted on Feb 24, 2021 at 10:00PM by Josh Lew)
Truck beds allow you to carry materials, transport equipment, and store tools while you are at a work site. These vehicles often come with different components to help in securing items. Here are the options that owners should be aware of. Most pickups have tie-down loops, which aid in fastening things that would otherwise roll around the back. This feature is essential for security since it lets you fasten items so that nothing flies off on the road.Â
Ram 1500 trucks have an available Tonneau cover. It retracts in sections and serves to secure and protect tools and materials from outside conditions. The drawback of this option is that oversized items won't fit underneath.Â
Ram also has a cargo management system consisting of a lockable box that takes up a portion of the bed. It is useful for storing valuable equipment that needs to be out of the elements or could be a target for thieves.
To inquire about available pickup bed features, contact our Calgary dealership today.
