Service FAQs
What's A Powertrain Warranty?
A warranty is a statement made by either the seller or the manufacturer of a product or service promising that it will perform in a specified manner for a specific period of time. When shopping for a vehicle you often hear the term "powertrain warranty". A powertrain warranty is generally a promise to repair or fix an issue with the parts of the powertrain should a malfunction arise based on the agreement signed by the buyer.
The powertrain of a car consists of multiple components:
Simply put, the powertrain provides power to the car. Power is created by the engine and then transmitted to the driveshaft through the transmission.
The sensors that are generally included in a powertrain warranty provide input and output to and from the powertrain control module (PCM). Some sensors send the computer information, which transcribes the information and sends it to output sensors.
They all work together to make the car run cleanly, smoothly and efficiently. The powertrain warranty is often used as a marketing tool. If a mechanical problem arises within the powertrain and it is covered under the terms of the warranty, either the manufacturer or dealership will have to pay for the repairs to the powertrain.
What is covered under the warranty, however, varies greatly between vehicles, manufacturers and dealerships. When looking to purchase a vehicle you should review this carefully and be sure to understand all of the terms and conditions within the warranty.
If you believe you may be having powertrain problems please contact our service centre and we will be happy to check on your warranty status and get your issues fixed so that you can drive safely and worry free.
Contact our team to get a powertrain warranty quote
How Do I Increase Fuel Efficiency?
Gasoline prices continue to rise and fall. There are many ways that new or used car owners can improve overall fuel economy by as much as 20 percent.
The first thing that affects fuel economy is how you drive the car:
The other major thing that affects fuel economy is the maintenance of your car:
Contact our service team for your scheduled maintenance
If you take care of your car it will take care of you. Is it time to schedule your vehicle for regular maintenance? Would you like your vehicle checked prior to making that weekend trip? If so, then please feel free to contact our service department. Our certified technicians will be happy to help.
Is air conditioning not cold? There are several reasons that may explain why your air conditioning system is blowing warm instead of cool air.
The first possibility is that there is a refrigerant leak. The leak may be found in the evaporator, condenser or hose in which case you should bring your car to a mechanic to be repaired. Another reason that your air conditioner may not be blowing cool air is because the compressor has gone bad. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant and pumps it throughout the AC's necessary components. Because everything revolves around the compressor, if it is faulty then the air conditioning will not work correctly. Usually there will be a loud noise when you attempt to turn on your air conditioner if the compressor is broken.
Finally, another problem that may be occurring with your air conditioning system is that there is a clogged orifice tube. This is located between the condenser in the front of the radiator, and the evaporator in the passenger compartment. If there is an obstruction in the tube then it will stop the refrigerant from reaching the evaporator, causing your system to blow warm air.
Contact our service team to give your a/c a boost
Whatever the reason that your air conditioner is not working we are more than happy to assist you! Bring your car to our service centre today and our experienced technicians will assist you in diagnosing and fixing any problem.
How do I change my windshield wipers?
Replacing your windshield wipers is a quick, relatively easy task. You can find wipers at most automotive retail stores. If you are unsure of what kind to use, see your owner's manual or ask a representative at the store.
Removing the old wipers:
Now it's time to put the new wipers on:
Repeat the process on the other side and you're done!
Contact our service team to order and install new wipers
If you find you require some assistance with changing your windshield wipers, you could always drop by our dealership and one of our helpful sales representatives or service technicians will be glad to help.
What is wrong with my brakes?
The brakes are one of the most important parts of your vehicle and they go a long way to keep you safe behind the wheel. However, it's often hard to determine whether the noises we hear our brakes making are the result of something simple, like air in the brake line, or if they are a warning sign of imminent brake failure.
Remember, when your service technician recommends any brake repair, it should be completed as soon as possible to avoid danger. Whether you need a simple brake inspection, brake replacement, brake pad replacement or work on the brake discs, brake pads or rotors, we can help. Our technicians are trained to work on specific makes and models, and our prices are often lower than you can find at an independent garage. For a better idea of what could be causing your brake trouble, read on for answers to common brake questions.
Why are my brakes pulsing?
If you experience a pulsing or jerking from the brake, it is far more likely that it was caused by a defect in the brake rotor or drum than from the anti-lock system. A warped rotor or out-of-round drum can cause pronounced pulsating in the brake pedal.
The failure of the pad to retract is not uncommon. In older drum systems, the brake shoes are pulled back from the drum by strong springs. But in a disk brake system, the pads are pulled back from the rotor (or disc) by the resiliency of rubber seals. As these seals age or are damaged by contaminated brake fluid, they can fail to do their job. The result is that the pad will ride against the rotor and wear out prematurely.
If your rotor is warped, it can cause the pad to wear out even without a failure of the rubber seal. A warped rotor will wobble as it rotates, thereby scraping the pad as it turns. Eventually the pad wears out and the metal backing plate will damage the metal rotor.
Why is the brake pedal sinking to the floor?
If your brakes are not as responsive as they should be or if the pedal "sinks" toward the floor, this could be an indication of a leak in the braking system. It could be an air leak (in the brake hose) or a brake fluid leak. One telltale sign of a brake fluid leak is the presence of a small puddle of fluid when the car is parked. Brake fluid looks similar to fresh motor oil, but with a less "slimy" texture.
Another possible problem is the master cylinder. The master cylinder cup seals or the cylinder bore itself may be worn. Internal leaking or bypassing cup seals must be considered any time the vehicle's brake pedal is fading to the floor. This fading pedal with no external leak found is a common master cylinder symptom caused by these cup seals. The result will be a loss of hydraulic pressure. The vehicle will creep at stop lights as the brake pedal fades toward the floorboard.
Why are my brakes grinding?
This loud metallic sound means that you have worn down the pads completely. The grinding or growling noise is caused by the two pieces of metal (the disc and the caliper) rubbing together. This can "score" or scratch your rotors, creating an uneven surface. If this happens, do not be surprised if your mechanic tells you that the brakes and rotors need to be "turned" (a process that evens out the rotor surface), or even replaced.
Why are my brakes vibrating?
A vibration or pulsating brake pedal is often a symptom of warped rotors (but can also indicate that your vehicle is out of alignment). The vibration can feel similar to the feedback in the brake pedal during a panic stop in a vehicle equipped with anti-lock brakes.
It is a sign of warped rotors if the vibration occurs during braking situations when the anti-lock brakes are not engaged. Warped rotors are caused by severe braking for long periods, such as when driving down a steep mountain or when towing. Tremendous amounts of friction are created under these conditions, heating up the rotors and causing them to warp. The vibration is felt because the brake pads are not able to grab the surface evenly. If you drive in these conditions, make sure to stop periodically to allow your brakes to cool off.
How much does a brake job cost?
The cost of repairing your brakes depends largely on what is wrong with your brakes, and which garage you choose to have them repaired at. There are often costs associated with the initial inspection of your brakes, repairing the damaged brake system, and replacing brake parts. If your entire brake system needs to be replaced, this is commonly a more expensive procedure. It is a common myth that a dealership service department is more expensive than a private garage. However, at our service centre we offer affordable and professional service performed by factory trained technicians. Contact us today to get started on your brake repair.
For many owners, brake repair and a brake change is something that is often overlooked. But keeping your brakes properly calibrated and in good working order can prevent costly repairs down the line, and, more importantly, help you avoid a collision.
What do extended warranties cover?
An extended warranty is like an insurance policy on your car, it is a safeguard against unforeseen repairs. An extended warranty may be purchased at the time you buy your vehicle; it's also possible to purchase one later. If you're the type who likes to be prepared for all possibilities, an extended auto warranty may be just what you're looking for. With the ever-increasing cost of vehicle repairs, these can make a lot of sense.
In deciding whether an extended warranty is right for you, and in selecting the best plan, you'll need to consider some things:
We may be able to provide you with an extended warranty that meets all of your needs. Please contact us and one of our friendly sales representatives will be happy to answer all of your questions.
Does my car need high octane fuel?
Octane gas is available in several different grades, with each number representing the resistance to burn the fuel has; the higher the rating, the slower the burn. The most common form of octane gas is 87octane. Generally speaking, octane gas increases the cost of fuel, and the higher the grade you purchase the more money you will spend.
You can determine what type is needed for your vehicle by:
If you have questions or concerns about your vehicle, please contact our service department to get answers and fast, cost efficient solutions.
How do I check the transmission fluid?
Checking the transmission fluid in your car is a relatively simple procedure and should be done about once per month. To get the most accurate reading you should check the transmission with the engine running and properly warmed up, on a level surface.
When checking your transmission fluid be sure to check its colour. Transmission fluid is a pinkish/red colour. If your fluid is brown that is a sign that there may be something wrong with the car. If this is the case, schedule an appointment, where our experienced technicians are more than happy to help!
Why is my engine idling rough?
One thing to keep in mind is that rough idling is not the problem - it is a symptom of an engine issue that has yet to be diagnosed. Your engine could be idling roughly due to a number of different reasons. One reason for a rough idle is it could be time to clean out the fuel injectors or it could be time to change out the spark plugs. Other reasons for the rough idling include:
In order to prevent this problem from happening, you want to regularly schedule tune-ups for your vehicle. During a tune-up the mechanic reviews a number of areas within the engine to make sure that everything is working properly.
If your vehicle has already begun to experience this issue it is recommended that you run a diagnostic check to pinpoint the exact cause of the rough idle. It is recommended that you bring your car to a trusted mechanic to review and diagnose the problem. You can also go to an auto parts store and use a code reading device that they have available and proceed from there with repairs. A rough idle should be addressed right away; as the longer this symptom occurs the more damage could be done to your vehicle, which will ultimately be more expensive to repair.
Of course you can always bring your car to our service centre and our experienced technicians will be happy to assist you in diagnosing and fixing any problems.
How do I check my coolant level?
Checking the coolant level in your car is a fairly simple process. The first thing to remember is to check the coolant level when the car is cold. In most cars today, there is an opaque coolant overflow tank located next to the radiator. The opaque tank is made of white plastic, which allows you to see the inside and be sure that the coolant is at a safe level. You will also find that there are markings on the side to tell you how high or low the level is.
You should be checking your coolant level a few times per year to make sure that there are no leaks in your system. If you find that you are low on coolant you will need to top it off. Engines take a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water, which allows your radiator the optimum boiling or freeze protection that your engine needs. You can generally purchase this pre-mixed.
To add the coolant, just unscrew the cap of the opaque overflow reservoir and add the mixture until it reaches the full mark. After that, all you need to do is replace the cap, make sure that it is on tight, and you're ready to roll! Be sure to change your coolant every couple of years (following the manufacturer's recommendations).
Please keep in mind that most coolants are toxic, and can be fatal to those who come in contact with it.
If you think there may be a leak in your cooling system or if you feel it is time to change your coolant, please feel free to schedule an appointment. Our service professionals will check to see if a little preventative maintenance can save you from having any major issues down the road.
How do I sync my iPhone to bluetooth?
The process of syncing your car's Bluetooth with your iPhone varies depending on the vehicle you drive. However on the phone it is generally the same.
All you need to do is:
If your phone is currently synced to a different system, tap on the system it is connected to in order to disconnect from it, and then choose the system that you want it to be synced. In order to find out what you need to do specifically to your vehicle you may want to visit the manufacturer's website, or there are many forums that you can find online.
If you find you require some assistance with syncing your bluetooth with your iPhone, you could always drop by our dealership and one of our helpful sales representatives or service technicians will be glad to help.
How do I change my car battery?
No car batteries last forever. Things to take note of: are your headlights dimming, how old is your battery, has your car needed a jump-start; then maybe it's time for a new battery. You should bring your car to an experienced and trusted mechanic but if you have to do it yourself here are some rules. Changing a battery is a quick and easy job in most cars and vans and can be done with minimal tools.
The most important thing before you begin is to make sure the battery needs to be replaced:
After all of this, should you actually need a new battery, be sure to buy the correct replacement battery. When you purchase a battery from any authorized retailer, you will have to pay a "core" charge. In most instances, when you bring in your old battery at the time of purchase, you will not get charged this fee. Although, some retailers will refund you the core charge if you bring in your receipt within a specified amount of time.
Before removing the battery:
Remove the old battery and install the new one:
Remember to properly dispose of the old battery. If you are uncomfortable replacing the battery yourself or you are experiencing any other issue with your vehicle, please contact our service department for a fast and cost efficient solution.
Why is my check engine light on?
Your check engine light came on, now what? These tips can help you determine whether your vehicle has major engine problems or just a loose gas cap.
We've all been there before. You're driving along when you notice a yellow light out of the corner of your eye. A quick glance at the dash confirms your fear. It's the check engine light. If you're like most car owners, you're not sure if you should continue to panic or not, and you have little idea what that light is trying to tell you or how you should react.
The often misunderstood check engine light or service engine soon message can mean many different things. It could be a misfiring engine, a broken oxygen sensor or simply a loose gas cap.
When you see the check engine light it doesn't necessarily mean you need to pull the car over to the side of the road and call a tow truck. It does mean you should get the car checked out as soon as possible. If you ignore the warning, you could end up causing further damage. It could also be a sign that you're getting poor gas mileage and emitting high levels of pollutants.
In any case, if the check engine light is on in your car, it's time to schedule a service appointment. At our service centre, we have factory-trained technicians who can easily check and diagnose what's behind your check engine light message, at a cost that is nearly always lower than a private garage.
What to do when your check engine light comes on:
If your check engine light is on and you're in need of a diagnosis, contact our service department for a fast and cost efficient solution.
How do I check my engine oil level?
Checking your car's oil level is one of the most vital things that you can do to extend the life of your engine. Not only is it important, but it is a very fast and simple task to complete as well. Follow the steps below to check your oil level:
If it is below the bottom mark that means that you need to fill the oil. When you do this, be sure to never fill it more than a liter at a time without checking the level again, as you do not want to overfill the engine.
Most manufacturers consider normal oil consumption to be 1 liter per 1,600 kilometers, if you find you are using much more than this you might want to schedule a service appointment. Our service professionals will check to see if a little preventative maintenance can save you from having any major issues down the road.
How often should I change my oil?
Changing your vehicle's oil at the recommended intervals is the best thing you can do to ensure it has a long life. As simple as this task may sound, many people are confused about exactly how often their car's oil needs to be changed.
While you can always change your oil on your own, at our dealership we offer fast oil change service at a fair price, allowing you to go about your day without breaking your wallet.
How often to change your oil:
If you are still unsure about the right time to change your oil, feel free to contact our service department. Our certified technicians will be happy to help.
How do I change a tire?
Sooner or later, it happens to the best of us, we get a flat tire. Most of us have a roadside assistance membership of some kind but it is always good to know how to do this. Follow these simple steps to fix the problem and be on your way in no time.
Safety first:
Loosen the lug nuts:
Jack up the car and remove the lug nuts:
On the ground:
Clean up:
If you are lucky a tire isn't completely destroyed when it goes flat. If the flat is caused by a nail or other sharp object, and you can't or don't want to change your tire you may be able to give yourself a few kilometers of leeway by using a flat-fix type spray. Simply follow the manufacturer's directions. In ideal situations, the spray foam will allow you to at least find a close off-ramp and pull into a service station or a rest stop before you have to change your tire.
If your tires appear worn or you have had a flat tire and need it fixed or replaced, contact our service department for a fast and cost efficient solution.