by silsautocom on January 11, 2012
If you don’t control your money, your money will control you. Today let’s focus on getting control over the cost of auto repair and maintenance.
The Cost of Owning a Car
Here’s a look at all the budget categories you may want consider when attempting to nail down your auto expenses:
- Purchase price – payment (cash and/or financing and interest) to acquire the vehicle
- Taxes - paid when you buy or sell the vehicle
- Fuel - the gasoline/fuel you need to make the vehicle run
- Insurance – all levels auto insurance including personal liability, collision, comprehensive, roadside assistance, etc.
- Tags and registration – state vehicle registration, license plates, and renewal tags
- Repair and maintenance - tires, oil changes, and all other repairs and maintenance necessary to keep your vehicle operational
Benefits of Controlling These Costs
Many of the benefits of controlling your auto maintenance costs are similar to those you experience when gaining control over any area of your money, so let’s focus on those that are specific to the topic. Proper budgeting for auto repair and maintenance will allow you to:
- Have a better relationship and better communication with your auto mechanic
- Prepare/plan better so you don’t have to race to get oil changes before your next trip
- Reduce your maintenance expenses going forward
- Relax in the knowledge that you’re prepared
You can achieve all of these things simply by setting aside enough money to cover your expenses. That way you won’t have to stress or worry about where the money is coming from – if it can be found at all.
by silsautocom on October 28, 2011
Some insurance companies are offering discounts for using Winter Tires.
Sil’s Complete Auto Care Centre offers these great services:
The Benefits of Winter Tires
The facts about winter tires and why all-season tires just won’t do.
Ever since the introduction of the all-season tire, Canadian drivers have slid and spun their tires through the coldest months of the year. Here’s the kicker: it doesn’t seem to matter whether there’s snow on the ground or not.
Unlike all-season tires, severe-condition winter tires (identified by mountain and snowflake symbols on their sides) have tread patterns and rubber that are tailored for colder conditions. And that helps them perform better than all-season tires once temperatures plummet, whether or not they have to dig through the white stuff.
In contrast, all-season tires can turn into four round black rocks when the cold hits. Even on dry pavement, at a balmy 5 degrees C, a severe snow-rated tire outperforms an all-season tire. And a study conducted by the Quebec Ministry of Transport showed that a proper winter tire can improve braking by up to 25 percent over an all-season radial and CAN IMPROVE COLLISION AVOIDANCE BY ABOUT 38 PERCENT!
Drivers should also not be tempted to skimp and buy only two tires. Do you want to slide off the road forward or backward? Four winter tires are necessary to maintain proper handling and balance.
Regardless of where you drive, you need to keep a close eye on the condition of your tires. Ensure that your tires still have deep treads to help with snow traction. And pay attention to their inflation. In winter, temperatures can drop rapidly. Tire pressure varies by approximately 1 p.s.i. (pounds per square inch) for each 5 degrees C rise or fall in air temperature.
In winter the temperature can easily slide from 5 degrees to -15 degrees overnight, dropping tire pressure as much as 4 p.s.i. In an already under-inflated tire, that could put you into the danger zone. Tires, therefore, should be checked monthly. If you’re not up to keeping track of the pressure of your tires when winter’s chill sets in, consider stopping by Sil’s Complete Auto Care Centre.
by silsautocom on October 17, 2011
Here’s How!
- Aligned wheels reduce rolling resistance. Rolling resistance increase fuel consumption and tread life. This is why car owners from all over the country prefer wheel alignment to maintain the smooth functionality of their vehicle. With such maintenance, you will spend less money on your car’s fuel and it will run perfectly without affecting the environment.
- Minor alignment problems can be dangerous for the tires of your vehicle. If the tires of your car have excess or reduced toe-in, your tires will wear faster than the usual time required. This in turn, will force you to change your tires prematurely. Wheel alignments will provide longer tread wear and help your car move smoothly along. With the cost of todays performance tires being equipped on economy cars and family sedans getting the most of the tires is critical.
- Do you think, tires that come with warranties is the best way to replace them once they have been damaged? Think again! Tire manufacturers provide warranties only for poor quality products, they are not going to replace your tires or pay you back for the damage that has been made because of improper wheel alignments or your reckless driving. Failing to maintain your tires is your responsibility and if ignored for long, it will cost you a lot in the long run.
- Wheel alignment is the best way to reduce wear and tear on other parts of your car. Improper alignment of your tires can be stressful for the other parts of your vehicle. For instance, you have to force your steering wheel to keep your car straight and applying brakes will become more risky. Regular maintenance of your tires will help you drive it easily with peace of mind.
How do I know if I need an alignment?
Test #1:
Hold the steering wheel straight, manufacturer emblem in steering wheel level.
Does the car pull to one side? If yes, alignment is possibly out.
Test #2:
Dive on an even flat road, at a moderate speed lightly let your hands off
the steering wheel does the vehicle tend to drift to one side soon after?
If it goes left or right, possibly alignment required.
Test #3:
You have driven over 60,000kms and it has not been done. Suspension bushings wear,
and loosen, possibly mechanical issues move thus causing the alignment to be out of spec.
Driving over potholes, speed bumps, rough roads all are responsible for this.
by silsautocom on October 3, 2011
Seasonal Maintenance Package PLUS Winter Tire Installation Special!
These offers are only available for a few days so please act now.
*Some restrictions apply. Tire Balancing, weights and environmental charges extra. Includes 4.5L oil, some vehicles additional costs. Book by 10/07/11 for service by 10/14/11.
Must book appointment by Friday, October 7th for service scheduled anytime by Friday, October 14th, 2011.
by silsautocom on September 12, 2011
Properly maintained headlight lenses and aimed headlights reduce driver fatigue and increase safety.
Light is the life of our visual capability!
Without light, our eyes are useless. Most drivers have experienced taking on the wheel during low visibility periods such as night time and precipitation.
Exterior lighting on your vehicle is an important part of your vehicle operation and is a major contributor to road safety. According to a recent study, one of every five auto accidents caused by technical failure is a result of defective lighting.
Head lamps that are burned out or not aimed properly can cause accidents as drivers do not have full road vision during night time driving. Deer and other animals, pedestrians, and traffic entering the roadway are up to 10 times more difficult for drivers to see when head lights are not fully operational.
Burned out tail lights are also a hazard as vehicles approaching your car need to see your tail lamps and brake lights clearly, especially inclement weather.
You also want your turn signals to work properly so other drivers know what your intentions are when making left or right hand turns.
Another common problem due to moisture, degeneration, and rock/debris damage, is the loss of high beam head lamps. High beams can be vital during night time road driving, particularly on unlit roadways or during rain storms.
In virtually all states and Canadian provinces, defective lighting is against the law and fines can be more than $100 in some cases.
So, with fall and winter weather approaching, make sure all your exterior lighting is functioning and head lamps are properly aimed for maximum night time road vision.
by silsautocom on August 29, 2011
It’s a MYTH That Only New Car Dealers Can Service Vehicles Under Warranty
Sil’s can perform service on your new vehicle AND keep your warranties in effect.
There are many benefits to having your new vehicle serviced with Sil’s Complete Auto Care Centre:
- Sil’s works like your new car maintenance manager
- You receive a closer/trusting relationship with your mechanic
- Your vehicle will be maintained to reach over 250,000 kms (versus just being maintained until the end of the vehicle’s warranty)
- Having your vehicle maintained and updated as work is needed, not only when the usual “warranty items” need addressing
- Sil’s stores all your records electronically
- When you complete your fluid services throughout Sil’s BG plan, we provide unlimited mileage and coverage for the remainder of your vehicle’s life (versus the average manufacturer’s warranty which covers only 3-5 years and 60-100 kms)
Maintenance may be done by any qualified service facility or person who is skilled in automotive service such as Sil’s Complete Auto Care. Keep all receipts as proof of completion, and have the service provider fill out the Maintenance Record.
The Maintenance Schedule in your vehicle owner’s manual specifies how often you should have your car serviced and what areas need attention. It is essential that you have your car serviced as scheduled to retain its high level of dependability and safety, to protect the environment, and to enhance and maintain your vehicle’s value.
Our independent service technicians are qualified to meet your service requirements. Continue to bring your vehicle into Sil’s and build a long-term relationship with our service technicians, and we will ensure maintenance is done thoroughly and on a timely basis to keep your vehicle running and your warranty in effect.
Article by www.carcarecanada.ca
by silsautocom on July 26, 2011
Regular oil changes are necessary to ensure the proper performance of a car’s engine. An oil change, which involves installing a new engine oil filter and draining old engine oil and replacing it with fresh, clean oil, offers a myriad of benefits.
Cleaner Engine
Oil changes help to keep car engines clean and running smoothly. As an engine operates, microscopic wear and debris particles flake off from various internal engine parts and enter a car’s oil. Regularly changing a car’s oil eliminates these particles and ensures that an engine is bathed and lubricated with clean, quality motor oil.
Longer Engine Life
Wear and friction are the two leading causes of engine wear and failure; regular oil changes reduce engine wear and result in a longer lasting car engine.
Lower Vehicle Emissions
Clean oil enables an engine to run cleaner, and a cleaner running engine emits less exhaust than a dirty engine. An oil change replaces old, dirty engine oil with fresh, clean engine oil, oil that is better able to absorb harmful engine particles and engine by-product emissions.
Better Gas Mileage
An oil change infuses an engine with clean, quality engine oil that provides better lubrication and friction-reducing capabilities than old, dirty engine oil. Increased engine lubrication results in less engine friction, which enables an engine to run easier and smoother and leads to increased gas mileage.
Better Engine Performance
Clean engine oil allows an engine’s internal parts to operate easier and smoother, enabling an engine to maximize its mechanical output. This leads to not only an increase in gas mileage, but also an increase in engine performance.
by silsautocom on June 6, 2011
For the 2011 model year, GM will introduce dexos1™ certified engine oil as a factory fill and service fill for many engines. The reason for the new engine oil specification is three-fold: meet environmental goals such as increasing fuel efficiency and reducing engine emissions, promote long engine life, and minimize the number of oil changes to help meet the goal of lowering the industry’s overall dependence on crude oil. GM as well of other manufactures like Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen have also created vehicle specific oil blend specifications.
dexos is a GM-developed engine oil specification that has been designed to:
Improve Fuel Economy
New technology being introduced in GM vehicles designed to address vehicle efficiency and fuel economy include direct injection, cam phasing, turbo-charging and Active Fuel Management. The demands of these technologies on engine oil also are taken into consideration when determining new oil specifications. Active Fuel Management, for example, can help to achieve improved fuel economy, however, alternately starting and stopping cylinders puts a lot of stress on engine oil.
Another industry trend for meeting tough fuel economy mandates has been a shift toward lower viscosity oils. Testing has shown that thinner 0W-20 oil can provide as much as a 4% improvement in fuel economy than 15W-40 oil. .
Emission System Operation
Oil contains Phosphorous, an additive for wear, corrosion and oxidation it’s critical that it needs to be retained within the oil to prevent poisoning of the catalytic converter, and air fuel sensors. As well as the oil must contains additives for keeping internal engine parts clean. Deposits are not beneficial to fuel economy, wear issues, timing knock concerns and compression concerns. Additives must clean enough to prevent deposits but not too much to clean away the additives that help protect against metal friction wear.
Engine Sealing Materials
Compatibility of the oil with sealing materials is critical not only for the consumer but for the manufactures as reducing potential oil leaks is a costly concern.
Engine Sludge Protection
Most manufactures are now providing longer warranties on the engine assembly, thus the need for oils that prevent sludging and deposits are required. With longer oil drain intervals being introduced dispersants are used to control sludge effects and lubrication.
E85 Rust Protection and Emulsion Retention
An increasing number of vehicles are now flex fuel compatible, able to run on ethanol. GF-5 oil must be able to protect against rust and corrosion that environmentally friendly ethanol causes when it is burned. The by products of E85 are water and acids that end up in the engine oil.
Oil Life Monitor Systems
Some oils are designed and formulated to meet the monitoring conditions of the Oil Life Monitor system. Usage of other oils may prevent the accuracy of the management system thus triggering the light on too late or too early. A cost increase will most likely be seen with the usage of these oil as much as 20-30% more. However with the operation of the oil life management system and proper vehicle maintenance GM estimates that more than 100 million gallons of oil could be saved annually.
TIP: The oil level and quality should be inspected regularly, as we have seen vehicles with higher mileage 150,000kms plus begin to exhibit mechanical failure due to increased drain intervals with incorrect oils, or operating an engine with worn, sludgy oil.
Industry Standardization
Ensure worldwide availability of high quality oil for factory and service fill needs. Prevent the concerns with non OEM approved oils from being used in a GM vehicle. Many oil manufactures are ensuring they are compatible with the GM dexos1 and dexo2 standards. However there are some concerns about trade licensing fees and requirements.
TIP: The oil specified in prior model years remains acceptable for previous models; however, dexos1 is backward compatible for older vehicles.
TIP: Using the right viscosity grade oil is critical for proper engine performance. Always check the appropriate vehicle owner manual for the proper viscosity grade for the vehicle being serviced.
Carlo Sabucco
Sils Complete Auto Care Centre ( Using the right oils – every time )
by silsautocom on May 24, 2011
Can a vehicle’s air conditioning (AC) system be topped up with refrigerant because the AC is not cold enough?
If your AC is running on R-12, you may not top up the system. If your AC is running on an HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) such as HFC-134a or other halocarbon you may top up if a leak test has been performed to confirm there is no leak in the system. Once a leak test is performed, the system must be tagged with the results of the test, including:
- the date of the test,
- the name of the person who conducted the leak test,
- the ODP number and expiry date appearing on the person’s ODP card,
- the results of the test, and
- if there is a leak in the vehicles system, a statement that no refrigerant shall be added to the vehicles system until the leak is repaired
Is there a standard for the type of leak test that needs to be performed before a system can be tagged as not having a leak?
Leak tests are to be performed in accordance with the practices set out in the Environmental Code Of Practice. Tests consist of a visual inspection, nitrogen inspection, or electronic leak detection tracer method, and ultra light dye tracer methods. Depending on the experience level and skill of the facility some places may not have the proper equipment to detect a leak properly. Electronic leak testing is by far the most accurate means of testing and using a tracer dye as a back up after service is complete.
Can a refrigerant be used during a test?
Yes. Appropriately qualified people certified under s.34 of O. R.463/10 can use refrigerants while performing a leak test but they must follow the rules of the Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) However, it is important to note that CFC-based refrigerants (e.g., R-12) cannot be used to refill mobile air conditioners. Any added refrigerant during the test must be removed upon completion.
What happens if no leak is found?
If no leak is found, then refrigerant may be added to the system after it has been tagged as having no leaks. Tracer dyes may be added to system to guide technician in future if a leak is to occur. Sometimes systems may no cool properly due to low refrigerant levels, but the leak may only occur under high pressure, very humid hot days. As technicians we strive to locate the fault so be aware when you system begins to fails and advise the shop of the conditions it occured under. In some cases with high pressure leaks locating them can be extremely challenging.
In other cases your system may not have a refrigerant charge level issue but electronic climate control problem, sensor problem, wiring problem or computer controlled circuit issue. So having the proper diagnostic scan tools will be a must with many air conditioning systems diagnostics.
Hope this helps.
Every season air conditioning seems to be a major issue. Remember air conditioning system are a luxury item and no matter what car you drive it may be costly to repair properly. Unlike other repairs air conditioning system need proper diagnosis, careful, clean, certified ODP technicians and good quality parts. DO NOT attempt to repair a/c systems yourself, high pressure refrigerant may cause significant harm to you. Be very careful of shops advertising alternative blends to HFC134a as some may be flammable or mixture blends that void many manufacture warranties. Used parts are not suggested in air conditioning repairs. They pose a vey high possibility of internal rust, debris or other foreign materials that will be costly to correct once installed and re diagnossed. Only suggestion is when a compressor is required to allow a drive belt to turn properly.
Carlo sabucco
Sils Complete Auto Care Centre
by silsautocom on May 16, 2011
My technicians and I over the last staff meeting were talking about new belts and a special tool used to measure the wear on new belts. I thought it would be interesting to post a blog explaining these new belts and that it’s not like the old days where looking for cracks is the time when they get replaced. I saw this write up in Gates belts website and thought it hit the point.
Neoprene vs. EPDM
Until recently, most belts were constructed of Neoprene material. Today, most serpentine belts feature EPDM construction, which stands for ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber. Visually, it’s hard to tell the two types of belts apart, but EPDM belts far outlast and outperform any of their predecessors.
Older Neoprene belts have a life expectancy of 50-60K miles, and as they wear out, cracks and chunk-outs will occur, as shown below. EPDM belts rarely show these symptoms, even at very high mileage.
As EPDM belts age, they gradually lose rubber material—similar to the way tires wear out. Over a period of 100,000 miles, a belt can lose up to 10% of its rib material. While this may not seem like a lot, the consequences can be significant.
Belt wear after 100,000 miles
EPDM: Signs of Wear
The diagram below shows how EPDM belts wear as they age. Although the ribs have not become shorter, material has been lost in the valleys of the ribs (indicated in red), making the space between ribs wider. As more material is lost, the pulleys ride deeper into the belt valleys resulting in slip, noise and hydroplaning.
With sufficient material loss, the pulley ribs “bottom out” in the valleys and ride on the belt cord. This reduces the surface contact on the valley sides, where the traction is generated. Wear also increases the effective belt length, lowering the tension in the system, which also reduces traction.
Obvious Signs of Wear
Although EPDM belts do not tend to crack with age, they can still exhibit other symptoms that are caused by problems with the accessory drive—such as tensioner misalignment or failure, pulley misalignment, excessive heat, or bearing failure in one of the other components.
If the belt exhibits one or more of the symptoms depicted, it needs to be replaced. If it fails, it could damage other system components in addition to stranding the motorist. Many warranty-claim failures o alternators and other parts are actually caused by worn or improperly adjusted belts.
Other Belt Wear Symptoms
When a belt wears out, several problems can occur that reduce performance of the Accessory Belt Drive System.
BELT SLIP–LOSS OF TRACTION
Like a tire, a worn belt can lose traction (slip) on the pulleys, particularly in high-load and/or wet conditions. Slip can cause belt/pulley temperatures to rise by up to 50%—leading to early accessory bearing failure.
HYDROPLANING
This occurs when water cannot be effectively channeled away between a worn belt and the pulleys. The belt then “hydroplanes” on a film of water, resulting in loss of power transmission to the accessories. This can often result in the “Check Engine” or “Alternator Charging” warning lights to come on.
ELONGATION
Material loss can also cause a change in the effective length of the belt, which can move the tensioner beyond its take-up range. This will reduce overall system tension, also lowering accessory performance.
MISALIGNMENT
Misalignment wear can also be an indication that the internal components of the tensioner have failed. Material loss and subsequent changes to effective length on belts can also cause belt slip, resulting in noise, vibration and high heat, which can damage accessory bearings and cause accessories to fail.
See Gates corporation for more information
Carlo Sabucco
Sils Complete Auto Care
