All Wheel Drive Systems
Lured by the benefits of greater traction,
more and more Sea to Sky residents and visitors are buying
all-wheel drive vehicles. Yet they often fail to heed this
bit of important safety advice: greater traction may make
it easier to accelerate in winter conditions, but it’ll
do nothing for your stopping capabilities. In fact, on icy
roads, all-wheel drives don’t stop any better than two-wheel
drives. All-wheel drives need special winter tires, and because
they have twice as many drivetrain components, they require
particular maintenance attention. Local
Automotive understands the special
maintenance needs of these vehicles and can help you stay
safe on the road.
Batteries
Usually, the only time we think
of car batteries is when they fail us in the dead cold of
a Whistler winter (interestingly, there are as many battery
failures during intense summer heat). It’s a good idea
to have your battery checked during your fall service. Today,
most batteries are sealed and deliver years of good service.
If you are worried about your battery come into Local
Automotive and we can perform
a charging system analysis. If you need new battery our technicians
will recommend one that’s sure to see you through Mother
Nature’s harshest days.
Alignment
Proper wheel alignment is essential to proper road handling
– that’s a given. What’s more, alignment
increases the lifespan of your tires by preventing premature
wear and tear. Even if you don’t notice any “pull”
while driving, you should get your alignment checked annually
or every 24,000 kilometres. Local
Automotive’s technicians can measure and adjust
to manufactuer’s specifications. This often neglected
service.
Brakes
What could be more important than brakes! They’ve been
Local Automotive’s
specialty since its very inception thanks to Whistler’s
environment. Over the years, braking systems have evolved
drastically, including, among others advancements, the introduction
of electronic anti-skid controls (ABS). Make sure your brakes
are visually inspected on a regular basis (a good opportunity
is when your tires are rotated). Hydraulic brake fluid is
extremely important, as it must sustain large variations in
temperature and humidity. It is usually advisable to replace
your brake fluid every two years or 48,000 kilometres. A simple
inspection of your brake master cylinder will determine if
you require this service.
Computer Systems
So many systems in your vehicle are computer regulated, from
the interior lighting system, to the intermittent wipers,
to the chips regulating your engine’s functional parameters,
to the dashboard messages, such as "service engine soon”
or “service brakes soon”. When one of these computer
systems fails, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment is needed
to pinpoint the problem areas. Bring your vehicle to your
Local Automotive and we’ll
quickly identify the source of the problem and tell you about
the appropriate repairs.
Fluids & Filters
Most people know that a vehicle’s oil must be changed
every 4,800 to 12,000 kilometres, depending on the particular
manufacturer. However, a punctual replacement and inspection
of various other fluids and filters are among the most important
aspects of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. You
must use the stipulated lubricant formulas, antifreeze and
hydraulic fluids to ensure that your warranties remain effective
(original or extended). Engine air and oil filters, cabin
air filters, fuel filters and transmission filters, all of
them remove contaminants that could cause damages. Local
Automotive will recommend the filter and fluid maintenance
calendar appropriate to your vehicle and usage so come and
see us soon. We are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to
6 p.m.
Fuel Injection Systems
Most vehicles on the road today are equipped with sophisticated
fuel injection systems. More accurate and less polluting than
carburetors, these systems adjust fuel injection to accommodate
external conditions, your driving style, outside temperature
and atmospheric pressure. Even with such sophistication, maintenance
is a must. Without proper maintenance, combustion residue
and deposits will gradually build up and reduce fuel injection
performance. Maintenance involves a thorough cleaning of the
injectors and the fuel inlet system. You’ll notice the
difference right away, both in engine performance and during
Whistler’s cold starts. Check with Local
Automotive about the frequency at which you, depending
on your driving habits, should have your fuel injection system
cleaned.
Heating & Cooling
The system that gives you heat on the coldest of Whistler’s
winter days is the same system that keeps your engine running
at the correct temperature. Antifreeze should be checked at
least once a year prior to winter. Don’t add water without
consulting your Local Automotive
technician. Depending on the antifreeze formula used in your
vehicle, the original manufacturer may recommend cooling system
fluid replacement every two years or every 48,000 kilometres.
Some new antifreeze formulas can last up to 160,000 kilometres
or more so check with us to make sure your heating and cooling
system is working to perfection. We recycle all anitfreeze.
Spark Plugs
Responsible for igniting the gas-air mixture in your engine,
your spark plugs and wires affect the cleanliness of your
vehicle’s exhaust and its fuel consumption. They can
also be responsible for lack of power and performance and
may make your car buck intermittently. Local
Automotive will gladly inspect your plugs and wires
and tell you when new ones should be installed and it is generally
an inexpensive solution.
Suspension &
Steering
Your steering and suspension components ensure proper road
handling and the comfort of your ride on the Sea to Sky highway
and beyond. But what’s more, they’re responsible
for making sure your tires remain in contact with the road.
An annual inspection by a Local
Automotive technician will give you the comfort and
safety you want.
Transmissions
Whether manual or automatic, your transmission works hard,
as it constantly transfers power to the road. Yet, transmission
maintenance is one of the most neglected maintenance services
in the industry. Some manufacturers recommend that automatic
transmission fluid be replaced every year or 24,000 kilometres!
Some transmissions are highly sophisticated and can even adjust
electronically to your driving style; they may require special
adjustments or to have their computers “reset”
at the time of service. To avoid costly transmission damage,
adhere fully to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Local Automotive can provide
you with dealer service intervals upon request.
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