Posted on 12/27/2014
The hottest months of the year are quickly approaching, and you will probably depend on your Volvo’s air conditioning to keep you cool and content as you drive. If your car’s AC is not working properly, this is a good time to bring your vehicle to a reliable mechanic at Collins Automotive. You can get the issue resolved before the hottest months of the year have arrived, and you may ensure that you will be comfortable while driving in your Volvo. The following are some of the most common problems associated with an auto air conditioning system. The Air Cabin Filter Is Worn If the air cabin filter in your vehicle needs to be changed, you may become aware of a few different issues. You might notice an unpleasant smell being emitted from the air vents. Additionally, low airflow can be a sign of a clogged air cabin filter. The System Needs More Refrigerant When you begin to use your air conditioning system after the winter season, you may notice that ... read more
Posted on 12/20/2014
If you appreciate being completely comfortable when you drive, then you may prefer to drive a car that has a fully functioning air conditioning system. Not all vehicles come with air conditioning, but most of the newer models on the market do. If you drive a VW with an air conditioning system, you will want to be sure that the system is working properly in the summer months. It’s important that you take your Volkswagen to a knowledgeable mechanic in Abbotsford, such as a mechanic at Collins Automotive. A technician who is qualified to work on Volkswagens is the best person to do the maintenance and repair jobs that your VW requires. Do All VWs Come With Air Conditioning? Newer models are typically equipped with air conditioning. However, VW vehicles built decades ago, such as the older VW Bus and Beetle models, did not come with AC. This is because the engines in such vehicles did not generally support an air conditioning system. You could (and ... read more
Posted on 12/13/2014
Vehicle maintenance can prevent the need for a wide range of repairs, and oil changes are an important aspect of maintenance. In fact, changing the oil in your car regularly is essential to its functionality. Understanding the basics related to oil changes may help you to understand why this simple procedure is so vital to the longevity of your VW vehicle. Neglecting to Change the Oil Motor oil is the substance that lubricates the engine, and this is why oil is such an essential product for a motor vehicle. If you were to fail to take your car in for one oil change, the damage might not be too great – but generally, missing even one oil change is not recommended. Important additives in the oil wear out over time; when this happens, the oil will no longer lubricate the engine effectively. When you don’t change the oil periodically, it also becomes dirty. ... read more
Posted on 12/5/2014
The alternator in your vehicle serves an invaluable purpose: it provides electricity to the battery. This electricity enables the car to start, and it also powers a variety of features in the vehicle. By ensuring that you are driving with a properly functioning alternator, you might avoid the hassle of not being able to start your Mercedes-Benz. One of the benefits of finding a trustworthy Abbotsford mechanic is that you can bring your vehicle in if you think the alternator may be failing. A technician at Collins Automotive will inspect the alternator and replace it if necessary. Always Heed the Warning Signs An assortment of signs may indicate that your alternator should probably be checked. If the battery in your vehicle is new or in good condition, but it keeps losing power, a failing alternator could be to blame. Another common indicator of a potential alternator failure is a recurring inability to start your vehicle. If the engine stalls as ... read more
Posted on 11/28/2014
In order for your vehicle to ride as it is supposed to, the wheels must be aligned correctly. Improper wheel alignment may affect the way your Mercedes-Benz rides, and this can also have a negative effect on your car’s tires. Fortunately, you can arrange to have your car’s wheels checked and your vehicle realigned on a regular basis. If you do this, you could save money by lengthening the life of the tires on your car. A knowledgeable, local mechanic at Collins Automotive can perform this service and help you get the most from your Mercedes-Benz. What Causes Improper Wheel Alignment The wheels on your car can become improperly aligned due to a variety of factors. Going over a pothole can certainly cause the wheel alignment to become “off”. If you bump into a curb, post, or other object, the impact may have an adverse effect on the alignment of your vehicle. Additionally, wheel misalignment may be an inevitable result of normal wear and tear on y ... read more
Posted on 11/21/2014
Without an alternator, the battery and electrical system in your car would not receive the power needed to function. This makes your Audi’s alternator an essential component of the vehicle. If the alternator stops working, you could be stranded until it’s fixed. To avoid an array of problems related to your car’s battery and electrical system, you may need to have your alternator checked and repaired. When you take it to a qualified mechanic at Collins Automotive in Abbotsford, you can be sure that your alternator will get the attention it requires. The Purpose of the Alternator The alternator supplies electricity to the battery in your vehicle. Since the battery is the part of a vehicle that enables the electrical system to operate, both the alternator and the battery are crucial parts. The components of your car that rely on electricity to function include the headlights, the radio, the GPS feature, and even the seat warmers. Additionally, if ... read more
Posted on 11/14/2014
Regular maintenance on your vehicle benefits you and the vehicle in a variety of ways. When you take your car in for routine upkeep visits, you help to keep the vehicle in the best possible shape. Doing this also spares you the cost of repairs that are often preventable. One of the maintenance jobs you should schedule periodically for your Audi is wheel alignment. Wheel alignment does not take a long time, and it can prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your tires. You may already be aware of how expensive a new set of tires can be. Doing anything you can to extend the length of your car’s tires is advisable, and this is why routine wheel alignment is important. Always be sure to schedule wheel alignment visits with a local mechanic you can trust, such as any of the technicians at Collins Automotive. How to Know W ... read more
Posted on 11/7/2014
Your Audi’s cabin air filter performs an important function: It helps to keep the air clean inside your vehicle. Just as the air quality in your home is an essential factor to consider, so is the quality of the air you breathe in your vehicle. If you are like millions of other people who spend much time in their cars, then keeping the air clean in your Audi should be a top priority. By replacing your cabin air filter periodically, you will ensure that the air in your car is clean and safe to breathe. The Purpose of the Cabin Air Filter Although many older cars were not equipped with cabin air filters, most of the newer models have them. The purpose of a cabin air filter is to act as a barrier against various pollutants and allergens. This filter prevents dust, pollen, bacteria, and exhaust fumes from entering your car’s interior; therefore, it helps to ... read more
Posted on 10/31/2014
Keeping your vehicle’s brake system in top shape is critical. Postponing maintenance visits could lead to expensive problems, and doing so could also put you and your passengers at risk of getting in an accident. The frequency of such visits may vary according to the instructions in your owner’s manual, as well as other factors, such as the amount of wear and tear on your brakes. It’s important to find an Abbotsford mechanic that you can trust, so you’re always sure that no part of your BMW is being neglected (especially your brakes!). Inspecting the Brake System Like the frequency of maintenance visits, the areas covered in a brake system inspection may vary due to the particular circumstances involved. If you haven’t taken your vehicle to a mechanic in a few years, an entire brake system examination could be necessary. If y ... read more
Posted on 10/24/2014
You may be curious about what a transmission tune-up is and whether your vehicle needs one. Actually, getting tune-ups performed on your transmission is one way that you can get the most out of your Subaru. If you schedule them every couple of years, you may avoid some repairs that could cost you a lot of money (and of course, if your owner’s manual recommends more frequent visits, you should follow that suggestion). It’s always better to spend a little money on a transmission tune-up than to spend significantly more on completely rebuilding or replacing the transmission. When you take your vehicle to a reputable Abbotsford auto repair shop, you can spare yourself much stress and costly repairs. Signs That Your Transmission Requires Attention If your vehicle suddenly won’t drive up to speed as quickly as it usually does, you may have a transmission problem. Another indica ... read more