Posted on 7/5/2014
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a good all-weather vehicle that should serve you well during Abbotsford’s harsh winter. It provides the security that a heavy diesel van is meant to provide, yet it has the luxury that has become synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz brand. However, all of this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to be careful when driving during the winter. Winter driving can be hard on even the most reliable vehicles, not to mention dangerous. If you plan to drive your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter throughout Abbotsford, Canada this winter, here are some tips that will help keep you safe. Get Your Vehicle Checked Out Before Driving The winters of Abbotsford can be especially harsh, so the last thing you want is to be driving a vehicle that isn’t ready for the road. Make sure you check out your headlights, windshield wipers, brakes and fluid levels before you drive anywhere. Remember that what might seem good enough for a clear summer ... read more
Posted on 6/28/2014
Although Abbotsford residents may not deal with the intensely frigid temperatures experienced in other parts of the country, the weather still gets cold. You still must drive on slippery roads. Moderate snowfall and freezing conditions can wreak havoc on your vehicle. If you want to stay safe and keep your MINI in great shape, you should do a few things to prepare it for the winter weather ahead. Check the Battery Cold weather can challenge your battery, so the best time to check it is before the temperatures turn to freezing. Ensuring that your car battery is in good shape can help you to avoid being late for work because your car won’t start. If you don’t know how to do this yourself, your local mechanic or dealer is not likely to charge much for this service. Check the Tires You can invest in an air pressure gauge and check the pressure in your tires regularly. This is especially important in winter because a sudden temperature drop can lead to lower ... read more
Posted on 6/21/2014
So, you, as a resident of Abbotsford, Canada, own a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter for your business. And with the weather getting colder and colder, it is obvious that winter will be here in a matter of weeks. Thus, you worry that your van might not be protected from the extremes of the cold, as it can adversely affect its performance. Ultimately, though, by following a few tips, you can keep your Sprinter for a long time, while surviving one winter after the other. Here’s how you can keep your van running in the winter: Evaluate the Car Battery The colder it is, the harder the Sprinter’s battery has to work to store the power that the engine requires to start the vehicle. Thus, it is easier for the battery to lose its charge and die. To keep the battery working at its optimal level, check it for any defects, most of all corrosion. Rust tends to accumulate around the terminals, which can be cleaned by using a toothbrush and a mixture of baking soda and ... read more
Posted on 6/14/2014
Mini Coopers are known for their superior handling and small size, both of which make them ideal for city driving. Not surprisingly, they also handle well during Abbotsford’s snowy winters, but that doesn’t mean that inexperienced drivers can expect to always be safe. It takes skill and diligence to drive any vehicle in the winter, and that includes Minis. Before you set out on the roads this winter with your new Mini, make sure you heed some of these tips. Practice in a Safe Setting Before you take your Mini on the highway after a snowfall, take it to a parking lot and practice your winter driving skills. Vehicles that have never been on a snowy or icy road may not perform in the way you expect. Drive it carefully around a deserted parking lot so you don’t have any surprises once you take it out on the road. Shift Carefully It’s easy to spin out of control in the snow if you shift to a higher gear too quickly. Shift as smoothly ... read more
Posted on 6/7/2014
Small and economical, the MINI is one of the most precious subcompact vehicles around, with a perfect blend of its British mini-car pedigree with modern-day German construction and engineering. And that’s why it’s strongly recommended that you maintain the car to the very best of your ability. One of the most essential maintenance tasks is winterizing the vehicle. As the months grow colder—especially in a place like Abbotsford—your MINI would need certain acts of care and attention to keep it performing well for a long time. Here are four tips for taking care of your MINI this winter: #1: Check the Tires During the winter, the MINI’s tires need to be in top shape, especially considering that you will be driving on roads covered with snow and ice. There must be a good amount of tread left on the tires. Also check the rim of the tires to note the recommended tire pressure; if they are not in accordance with the recommended PSI (pounds per square i ... read more
Posted on 5/31/2014
In the world of cars, the BMW is certainly considered part of the royal family of luxury vehicles. Through the years and across the varied models, BMW has maintained a high level of style, comfort, and sleek design. Of course, it’s not just enough to look good, BMWs are also known for the engineering quality, constantly pushing the limits in the automotive sector. There is no perfect car, however, and owners and prospective buyers should know that BMWs come with their own set of mechanical weaknesses. That being said, the best way to keep your BMW in shape is through careful use and taking the car in to a certified BMW technician for its scheduled maintenance. Engine Cooling Systems One of the more reported issues with BMWs is the engine cooling systems. Overheating in the engine could be caused by one or several issues in the cooling system and fairly common causes are things like coolant leaks and failed water pumps. If the low coolant l ... read more
Posted on 5/22/2014
Mercedes-Benz, since its inception, has always been at the forefront of the automotive industry. The cars designed by Mercedes-Benz are known as the top of the line for luxury as well as for solid engineering. For most Benz owners, car issues are relatively infrequent and those that do exist are often only irritations. If you keep up with the regular maintenance, Mercedes-Benzes stay on the road without much fuss. When problems do come up, however, they might be some of the following. Window Regulators In most all models of Mercedes-Benz, the window regulators that connect the window motor to the window glass are a problem. It’s a problem that can mostly be blamed on poor design and the part is prone to breakage, particularly on the rear windows. When the part breaks, the window glass will fall into the door and it’s difficult to get out. Mechanically inclined owners can look into replacing the part on their own, otherwise it’s a trip to the mechanic. If i ... read more
Posted on 5/15/2014
Owning a Subaru, for most Canadian drivers, provides a trouble free experience and ability to enjoy driving at its best. Subarus. Like other brands of vehicles, experience some problems that may take away from your ownership experience. Knowing what the common problems are with Subarus and how to identify them early on will help you acquire the necessary repairs in order to keep your car on the road and operating in its peak form. Problems with Air Conditioning O-Rings One common problem facing the owners of is the problem of the vehicle’s air conditioning working properly. You notice this problem is, on a hot or humid day, the air being blown through the vents is warm. This sign should be taken as an indication that the O-ring seals in your Subaru’s air conditioning (A/C) system are worn out and need to be replaced. A qualified technician can help you identify the source of the leak or leaks in your A/C system in ord ... read more
Posted on 5/10/2014
Volkswagen sales in Canada through September 30, 2014 are up 3 percent overall as compared to the same time a year ago, according to Desrosiers Automotive Reports, a Canadian automotive sector market research company. The manufacturer boasts a popular line of vehicles, including the Jetta, Passat, GTI, Tiguan and Beetle among its utility, mid-sized and hybrid offerings. Owning any of the above listed models may also come with certain common problems experienced by all Volkswagen owners. Here are several common issues that Volkswagen owners face and some tips on how to address them should they arise for you. Transmission Problems Common to Volkswagen Models A type of transmission found in many Volkswagen models is the Tiptronic transmission. The transmission boasts a modern de ... read more
Posted on 5/5/2014
Swedish-based Volvo is the maker and several popular car models owned and driven on the roads of Canada. These include the C30 Hatchback, C70 Convertible, S60 Sedan and V60 Wagon among its offerings. The Volvo has a stellar reputation for both safety and reliability and is well suited for the Canadian terrain and weather. There are however several common problems that are shared by owners of the different Volvo models. Here is a survey of some of these problems and how you can detect them if they are happening with your Volvo car. If these problems arise you should also be armed with the knowledge on how to handle these problems and possibly prevent them from occurring to you. Certain Transmission Problems Common with Volvo V70 Models The Volvo V70 is outfitted with a transmission system that ... read more