Posted on 2/20/2015
If you’ve recently noticed a disagreeable odor drifting through the interior of your MINI, you may need to change the cabin air filter. Another sign that this part might need to be replaced is the presence of more particles than usual floating around inside your car. You may not even be aware that this component exists, but if your vehicle has a cabin air filter, then you will need to replace it periodically. When you take your car to a knowledgeable mechanic in Abbotsford, you can determine whether your vehicle has a cabin air filter – and if it does, your mechanic can tell you whether it’s time to replace it. What Is a Cabin Air Filter? This component of your car is a filter that works to protect you and your passengers from certain smells and particles. The cabin air filter traps bacteria, dust, exhaust gas, and pollen, so these things do not make their way through the ventilation system and into your vehicle. It also prevent ... read more
Posted on 2/14/2015
Winter weather often leads to spring potholes in the roads. Driving over those potholes can result in problems with your BMW. Issues may arise with your wheel alignment, your steering, and your suspension system. If you don’t get these problems fixed quickly, the end result could be expensive damage to your vehicle. Fortunately, you may consult a reputable Abbotsford mechanic at Collins Automotive. Bringing your car in for suspension and other maintenance can prevent potholes from destroying your BMW. Signs That May Indicate Pothole Damage Knowing the signs to be aware of could save you much money on repairs. You will generally know when you hit a pothole, especially if it is particularly big or deep. However, you might not realize that you have a problem immediately. One sign to pay attention to is a thumping ... read more
Posted on 2/6/2015
De-winterizing your VW in preparation for summer is just as important as winterizing it to get ready for cold weather. The hot months present specific challenges for a vehicle, so you’ll need to stay a step ahead of the season and bring your Volkswagen in for a maintenance visit. Bringing your car in to a skilled mechanic in Abbotsford is both advisable and convenient. Once you know your vehicle is sufficiently prepared for the hot weather that is imminent, you can get out on the road and enjoy the summer. Give Some Attention to the Tires Before summer is here, it’s a good idea to pay some attention to your car’s tires. If you’ve been driving on winter tires for the past several months, you’ll need to have those replaced with tires that are suitable for summer. If the tread is worn on your summer tires, they should be replaced, as well. Checking the pressure in your tires is also a wise strategy ( ... read more
Posted on 1/29/2015
Preparing your vehicle for different seasons is an important aspect of maintenance. In the same way that you should get your Mercedes-Benz winterized, you should also prepare it for summer driving conditions. Hot, dry weather can affect your car, so you’ll want to find a local, knowledgeable mechanic who is qualified to service it. When you have a trained professional available to assist you, the transition from winter to summer driving can be a seamless one. Get the Fluids Checked Before the weather gets too hot, you should bring your car in tohave the fluids checked.If it needs more oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, or coolant, this is an excellent time to replenish it with such things. The fluids in your vehicle are all designed to keep it running efficiently, and this is especially vital d ... read more
Posted on 1/21/2015
The warmest months of the year will soon be here, so it’s time to prepare your Audi for them. From getting the cooling system checked to power-washing the exterior, you might do a variety of things to get your vehicle ready for summer. When you need to schedule any kind of maintenance visit, it’s always helpful to find a trustworthy mechanic who’s located in Abbotsford. A qualified and reliable professional can help you to decide what kind of maintenance your car needs for the hottest season. Clean the Exterior One of the first things you may wish to do after winter is give your car a good cleaning. Winter weather and other seasonal conditions can leave a layer of salt and other substances on your car. Now that the weather is warm, you can clean the exterior with a power-washer. You ... read more
Posted on 1/14/2015
Keeping your VW’s alternator in good condition is essential to the battery and the electrical system. Your car’s engine would not be able to operate without the alternator. By exploring how the alternator works, as well as some of the warning signs that your vehicle’s alternator needs maintenance, you might spare yourself from paying for some expensive repair work. If you notice any problems with your vehicle, the best strategy is to schedule a maintenance visit with a dependable mechanic at Collins Automotive. What Does an Alternator Do? The alternator generates the majority of the electricity in your vehicle. It creates the electrical energy on which your car is able to run. The alternator is responsible for powering parts of your vehicle that are either essential or secondary components. The headlights, engine fan, air conditioning, and r ... read more
Posted on 1/7/2015
The life of your Volvo is dependent on a variety of factors, including proper oil maintenance. If you want your car’s engine to run as smoothly as possible, getting the oil changed at the right intervals is a must. This type of maintenance job does not typically take a lot of time or cost much money, but it can be invaluable in terms of keeping your vehicle in great condition. In addition to having your oil changed periodically, you may be faced with the decision to use either conventional oil or synthetic oil. Both types of engine lubricant may offer various benefits and disadvantages, so exploring the topic might help you to make the best choice for your car. Conventional Oil vs. Synthetic Oil The main difference between these two types of oil is that conventional oil is made from a natural material (petroleum), and synthetic oil is made synthetic chemicals. Conventional oil is generally suitable for an engine in many circumstances, bu ... read more
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