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 14, 2011
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 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 May 11, 2011
We offer complete Air Conditioning & Climate Control System service!
As summer approaches, it’s time to have your A/C system checked so you stay comfortable during those hot drive times.
With our professional A/C service equipment, we can review your system quickly and efficiently to determine if your system needs flushing, a new cabin air filter, or perhaps just extra refrigerant.
Sil’s offers complete Air Conditioning & Climate Control System service. Our professional Licensed Technicians utilize state-of-the-art A/C service equipment to properly service or repair your car.
Read more Auto Repair – Car Air Conditioner Tips!
Schedule your A/C Appointment Online today!
by silsautocom on April 13, 2011
Hurry, offer expires 04/30/11!
by silsautocom on April 13, 2011
Preserve Your Vehicle’s Resale Value
by Detailing Your Car!
Just like preventive maintenance on brake, engine, transmission, and other systems, maintaining the interior and exterior of your car is also important – and it can vastly improve the resale value of your vehicle!
Your car’s exterior gets hit with all sorts of nasty stuff during the year – dust, snow, rain, bug spatter, bird droppings, and harsh UV sun rays, as well as scratches. And the interior of your vehicle gets its share of dust, dirt, moisture, and odors.
Having your vehicle detailed regularly accomplishes two things – it improves the appearance and comfort, and in the long run it can improve the retail value of your car or truck up to 20% or more according to industry experts. A car that appears to have been well maintained probably was well serviced by its owner.
