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FAQ
How can I prevent from having to do costly repairs on my vehicle?
Most of us have heard of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" saying. While this concept does have good intentions, it may not hold true with getting a long and trouble free life from your vehicle.
It has been determined that regular preventive maintenance extends the life of your vehicle. This philosophy reduces unnecessary costs and inconveniences associated with unexpected breakdowns. Most of us could have saved 46% of the cost of vehicle breakdowns, had we been informed.
Our intention at Moto-Tech is to help each customer become vehicle-savvy and to guide them through the "technobabble" that so often leaves the client wondering "what did they just say?"
We know that an educated customer understands the unique requirements of maintenance. They are better prepared for the associated costs that provide a safe and reliable vehicle.
We endeavour to identify your vehicle's problematic symptoms and make an earnest attempt to explain it thoroughly. We think that the best approach is to be honest and unbiased.
(An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure)
What’s the difference between regular oil and synthetic oil?
Cost Comparison
Premium Oil
Description | Price |
Labour | $48.00 |
5 liters of Regular oil | $22.05 |
Regular oil filter | $9.56 |
Disposal Fee | $2.50 |
Subtotal | $82.11 |
Taxes | $9.85 |
Total | $91.96 |
Total Cost per Year | $367.85 |
Yearly savings | $112.78 |
Synthetic Oil
Description | Price |
Labour | $48.00 |
5 liters of synthetic oil | $50.95 |
Tuff guard oil filter | $12.42 |
Disposal Fee | $2.50 |
Subtotal | $113.87 |
Taxes | $13.66 |
Total | $127.53 |
Total cost per year | $255.07 |
Yearly savings | $112.78 |
Premium oil has always been a very good choice of oil; however, is it the best choice? Read more below!
Synthetic oil provides better lubrication, which means:
Now, if you could get all the benefits, without any negatives, doesn't it make sense to make the wise choice and start saving now?
Why should I change my brake fluid?
Brake fluid is hygroscopic. This means it attracts and absorbs moisture. Glycol-based brake fluid starts to absorb moisture from the moment it is put in the system. The fluid attracts moisture through microscopic pores in rubber hoses, past seals, and exposure to the air.
The problem is obviously worse in wet climates and here on the west coast, we are surrounded by moisture. Brake fluid contaminated with moisture becomes acidic, corroding vital brake parts. It also lowers the boiling point of the fluid, causing a low or no brake pedal situation as the braking system heats up.
As the concentration of moisture increases, it causes a sharp drop in the fluid’s boiling temperature. Brand new Dot 3 brake fluid has a dry boiling point of at least 401 degrees F. Brake fluid with only 1% water in the fluid can push the boiling point down to around 320 degrees, and 3% will take it all the way down to 293 degrees, which is dangerously close to failure under normal stopping conditions.
An NHTSA survey found that the brake fluid in 20% of 1,720 vehicles sampled contained 5% or more water!
Water contamination increases the danger of brake failure because vapour pockets can form if the fluid gets too hot. Vapour displaces fluid and is compressible, so when the brakes are applied the pedal may go all the way to the floor without applying the brakes!
In addition to the safety issue, water-laden brake fluid promotes corrosion and pitting in caliper pistons and bores, wheel cylinders, master cylinders, steel brake lines and ABS modulators.
If motorists would only follow this simple advice to change their brake fluid periodically, they could greatly reduce the risks associated with moisture-contaminated brake fluid. You can extend the life of your brake system and likely save yourself a lot of money in the long run on brake repairs.
On the A.B.S.-type brake system, which is on most newer vehicles, corroded parts and their repairs can be extremely expensive.
New brake fluid looks very much like clear apple juice. What colour is your brake fluid? Many experts have long recommended changing the brake fluid every two years for preventive maintenance.
Our technicians will:
How often should I change my oil?
Most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the engine oil every 3 months or 5,000 km in passenger cars and light truck gasoline engines. If you are using synthetic oil, it can be extended to every 6 months or 10,000 km.
The importance of regular oil changes is pounded into us. Quick change lube facilities have popped up all over. People are trying to get in and get out. The 15-minute oil change is often promised; however, let's think about what we are giving up in order to achieve this speedy alternative (oil change difference).
We are having the oil changed and the fluids inspected, but that's all. We may be overlooking the most important issues that may indeed save us money in the long run, the inspection.
As an engine accumulates kilometres, wear occurs and blow-by increases. This dumps more unburned fuel into the crankcase which dilutes the oil. This causes the oil to break down. So if the oil isn't changed often enough, you can end up with accelerated wear and all the engine problems that come with it (loss of performance and fuel economy, and increased emissions and oil consumption).
Our technicians will:
How do I choose the best shop for my car repairs?
No matter what you drive—sports car, family sedan, pick-up, sport utility, minivan or truck, when you go in for repairs or service, you want the job done right. The following advice prepared by the experienced mechanics at Moto-Tech Automotive Ltd. should take much of the guesswork out of finding a good establishment for car repairs in Nanaimo and beyond.
Preliminaries
Don't just drop your vehicle off at the nearest establishment and hope for the best. That's not choosing a shop, that's merely gambling.
Once you choose a repair shop, start off with a minor job. If you are pleased, trust them with more complicated repairs later.
At the Shop
Follow-Up
Have more questions? Contact Moto-Tech Automotive Ltd. today.