Auto maintenance myths and realities

Auto maintenance myths and realities


 
Auto maintenance myths and realities
It is true that a used vehicle requires more diligence in terms of maintenance to avoid having to pay a heavy price for repairs. But as the old saying goes, "If it doesn't break, you don't need to fix it." Beware of unnecessary promotions that give you unnecessary and expensive visual inspections. The first step would be to find a good repair shop with a knowledgeable technician who will do a good job on your vehicle. A good mechanic will do what is necessary and avoid the superfluous.

An engine oil change Yes or No?

Several suggest that it is essential to change an engine oil when the engine has a lot of miles in its stomach. An oil change consists of ridding the engine of deposits accumulated over the years. If the car has been well maintained, the engine will be clean and will not need an oil change.

What engine oils used

For all vehicles, old or new, Synthetic oil is always the best solution. Created in the laboratory, this oil is chemically more stable than mineral oils, so it withstands higher temperatures, lubricates the engine better and allows better fuel economy. It’s true that its price is also the highest, but in my opinion, it is well worth the effort. So what to do, if you have the money, no hesitation, synthetic oil is perfectly suited, otherwise there is a possible compromise, semi-synthetic oil which offers a higher yield than mineral oil without pay the price of synthetic oil.

The fuel system

Too often, workshops offer a complete cleaning of the fuel system. It is true that injectors can become clogged if, for example, a person uses gasoline lower in octane than the manufacturer's recommendations. If you can feel uneven acceleration on an engine that chokes easily, it is a sign of a fuel problem affecting the filter or the injection system. It may be necessary at this point to act, but be sure to deal with a specialist, injector cleaners sold in big box stores are not suitable for all engines, some are too powerful and may do more. bad than good. A mechanic will charge you between $ 150 and $ 250 for a complete cleaning.

Gasoline savers

In a little over 20 years in the business, I have seen and tested a number of widgets which should, in principle, give me incredible fuel savings. From the air centrifuge, to magnets to modified injectors and pellets. Nothing, I repeat, NOTHING works. The best fuel economy is between the steering wheel and the seat, and that's the driver. Use your vehicle wisely and above all assess your needs so as not to buy a vehicle with a V8 engine that would be useless. Before you take your car to a new repair shop, do your research and ask people who have been there to what they think. Prepare your questions. Check with organizations like the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus (CCBBB), the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and the APA.They will help you find the right repair shops, and choose only recommended tune-ups. Limit yourself to CAA-approved workshops, and check to see if the mechanics working there are certified. Most workshops post their certificates on the wall. Always rate workshops and check to see if the staff seem organized, the premises are clean, and the customer service is up to par. You can even do a low-cost test like going to have the oil changed and you can assess the service received. Always ask for a work estimate, where each intervention is clearly detailed. Make sure repairs are guaranteed. Insist that the replaced components be kept, and that a note indicating the reason for the replacement be attached. This will allow you to go to another repair shop if you have any doubts about the correctness of the work carried out.