Your suspension system affects ride quality for passengers and steering and handling for the driver. Vehicle owners can take several simple steps to ensure that these components remain in good condition.
The first step is to measure your tire pressure every 1,500-2,000 km. The readings should match the recommended PSI in your vehicle's owner manual. You can also have the technician check tread depth when you go for your regular oil changes.Â
Also, when you go for scheduled maintenance, have your mechanic check and top off the power steering fluid.Â
Once per year (or after 15,000-20,000 km), you can consider rotating your tires so that they wear evenly. Meanwhile, wheel alignment is a necessary step every 25,000-40,000 km.Â
If the vehicle pulls to one side when driving, you should contact our Penticton, BC service centre to schedule an appointment immediately. We can also help you plan your regular maintenance calendar so that your car remains in perfect working order.Â
A turbocharged engine offers benefits such as more torque and greater efficiency. However, the maintenance issues for these vehicles are slightly different than those of a car with a standard powertrain.Â
If you notice these issues, you can visit our service centre to have a skilled technician inspect your turbo engine and correct any problems - before they potentially compromise your car's performance.
Low Oil Levels
Low oil levels can cause several issues for turbo vehicles. One of the primary problems is that this deficiency can reduce the overall pressure, making it hard for the lubricant to reach every part of the engine.
Failing Oil Seals
Oil seals may fail if you drive a high-mileage vehicle. When they do, they leave gaps in the engine, and lubricant may get into the intake and exhaust. If these components get clogged, the motor needs to crank up the RPMs to compensate. Blue-tinted tailpipe emissions can be a signal of this problem.
Low Air Pressure
Leaking air systems can dramatically drop the pressure in the engine. Since the turbocharger needs this extra force to operate correctly, drivers may experience poor efficiency and lagging acceleration response.Â
If you suspect these problems with your turbocharged engine, contact our service centre today to schedule an appointment.
Your car battery is a crucial component of your vehicle. Though the average unit lasts between two and five years, you can extend the life and ensure proper performance by taking a few simple steps.
Don't Let Your Car Sit for Too Long
The battery on a vehicle charges while you drive. If your car sits idle, the unit will eventually drain and require a jump start. Therefore, if you have multiple autos, be sure to alternate them to avoid this issue.Â
Keep your Battery Connections Tight
Loose terminals make it easier for the battery to vibrate, which can cause a short circuit and damage the unit. Ensure proper mounting and check the connections after traveling off-road or on a bumpy surface.Â
Test your Battery Regularly
You can invest in a car battery tester to assess the output voltage. Alternatively, when you come to a service centre for maintenance, you can ask your technician to perform an assessment. They can tell you if it is time for a replacement.Â
If you suspect that you have battery issues, contact our BC, Canada service centre to schedule an appointment today.
Your car’s suspension system ensures reliable control, responsive steering, and traction. It also keeps the ride smooth on bumpy roads.Â
If the ride doesn't seem right, it may be because of one of the following suspension issues. These problems generally require a trip to a service centre for assessment and repair.Â
Bad shocks/struts
Shocks and struts smooth out bumps and ensure your tires always contact the road. A fluid leak or general wear and tear can cause them to break down.
Pool wheel alignment
Poor wheel alignment can damage your suspension system and your tires. You will notice the vehicle pulling to one side if this is an issue.Â
Damaged springs and ball joints
Springs are responsible for holding your vehicle up and absorbing vibrations. Ball joints likewise limit shock and help with steering. If you notice creaking sounds when turning, damage to this component could be the cause.
Ford has new vehicles that offer excellent suspension systems. The 2021 Explorer, currently available with 1.99% APR financing for qualified buyers, and F-150 (0.99% APR over 72 months) are examples of autos with robust and reliable drivetrains.Â
To learn more about these deals or to check the suspension on your current auto, contact our BC, Canada dealership and service centre today.
Your braking system is vital for the safe operation of your vehicle. Proper maintenance reduces the potential costs of repair, and it enhances your ability to drive safely in all types of conditions.
You can find your car’s recommended brake maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should check components after you have driven a specific number of kilometres.
You should inspect your brake pads every 20,000 km. Be sure to replace them if the thickness is less than 3.1 mm.Â
You should change your brake fluid every 40,000 kilometres.Â
Every 96,000 km, you should inspect and replace or resurface the rotors, if necessary.Â
The schedule above is tentative. There are special situations in which you should go to a service centre for an immediate inspection. For example, if the stopping distance of your vehicle increases drastically or you smell a burning odour when braking, you should have your pads checked by an expert.Â
If you need routine or unscheduled maintenance on your brakes, contact our BC, Canada service centre today.
A cracked windshield causes a lot more than aesthetic damage to your vehicle. This glass protects you from debris on the road and ensures adequate vision. If the structure is compromised, it can lead to serious issues. You should visit a service centre to deal with cracks quickly. Â
Here is how to care for your windshield.
Don't park under trees or in direct sunlight
When you park under trees, you put your vehicle in the path of potentially loose branches that can fall and damage the windshield. On the other hand, staying in direct sunlight exposes the glass to extreme temperatures, which can cause stress cracks.Â
Don't slam your doors
Slamming doors can cause vibrations that might damage your windshield and side windows. It won't happen all at once, but the minor cracks will get deeper and longer over time, eventually leading to visible deterioration.Â
Replace your windshield wipers regularly
Windshield wipers have a metal structure coated with rubber. Over time, the soft outer layers wear out, exposing the hard element underneath. If you don't replace them right away, they will scratch the glass.Â
If you have a windshield issue, contact our BC, Canada service centre today.
Some new vehicles use a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This system does not have traditional gear-shifting. Instead, it relies on a two-pulley design that constantly adjusts to get into the proper ratio.Â
Some drivers like the smooth experience of always being in the correct gear. However, traditional automatic transmissions still have important advantages over CVTs.
Automatic transmissions are cheaper to maintain
Maintaining a CVT is both complicated and expensive because they need special parts and fluids. Also, every service centre has technicians experienced in repairing automatic transmissions, but some mechanics have limited skill when it comes to continuously variable systems.
Automatic transmissions are more durable and reliable
Many drivers complain of sudden overheating, loss of acceleration, or transmission failure in CVTs. The belts also stretch and wear out easily. These issues are not common in automatic vehicles.
If you need to repair your transmission, contact our BC, Canada service centre today to schedule an appointment.
The first vehicle with keyless entry hit the market in 1980, but the system has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. If your auto has this option, you get to enjoy several important advantages.
Improved Accessibility
Imagine trying to reach for your key when your hands are full of groceries or having to rummage for it in your pocket or purse in a parking lot late at night. With a proximity sensor, all you have to do is touch the handle or door, and the vehicle unlocks.Â
Automatic Locking
Have you ever walked away from your car, only to stop and turn back because you weren’t sure you locked it? With remote keyless entry, your vehicle’s doors will automatically secure as soon as you’re out of the predefined range.
Personalised SettingsÂ
Certain kinds of keyless cars let you set preferences for some things, such as which channel should come on on the radio and how far back your seat should be.
If you want to add a keyless system to your vehicle, contact our service centre in BC, Canada.
Finding the right tires for your car is necessary for optimal performance. While there are many factors to consider when thinking about the details, the first step is always to choose the type of tread you need. Here are the three main options you will find at a service centre.Â
All-Season Tires
This is the most popular product because it can perform in regular weather. That said, these wheels won’t match winter tires during harsh conditions, and they won't grip pavement as well as specialized summer rubber.
Summer Tires
Summer tires are best suited for dry pavement because they offer exceptional grip. They do well at high speeds and in hot temperatures, but they are not useful if it drops below 4 degrees Celsius.
Winter Tires
Winter tires excel in especially cold conditions and on snowy and icy roads. If you go with this option, you must have an extra set of all-season or summer units for when the weather clears up.
Contact our BC, Canada service centre to find the best tires for your vehicle.Â
All of your vehicle’s wheels need to be in a straight line. This statement sounds obvious, but they can point in slightly different directions after a lot of use or if the suspension system cannot absorb the regular bumps and cracks of the road.Â
When wheels are poorly aligned, your vehicle won’t handle precisely. You will notice it pulling in one direction or the other as you are moving forward. The strain could be more pronounced during turning.Â
The misaligned wheels will also cause uneven wear on your tires, which can impact your safety and increase maintenance costs in the long run. In fact, one of the telltale signs that your vehicle might need this type of service is irregular tread depth.Â
If you notice any of these signs, you should contact our service centre for a wheel alignment. You can also make this form of maintenance a regular part of your scheduled tune-ups. Most technicians recommend doing it once per year.