Baby… it’s going to be cold outside!

Well, it’s official… Christmas is over!  But baby… it’s going to be cold outside! The forecast has us thinking that it might be timely to talk about how that block heater really works and whether or not it really is a good idea to plug in your vehicles when we dip down to those nasty -20C temperatures.

A fully charged battery at +20C will lose half its cranking ability at -20C.  That means that your fully charged battery is half dead when its -20C and you haven’t even tried to do anything yet!

As well, your engine oil gets thicker at colder temperatures and thereby reduces its lubricating abilities and increases the power needed to crank the engine over. This can be a risky combination - when you need more power its not there for you!

So how do you reduce the risk? That’s where the handy block heater comes in! By plugging your vehicle in when it's ridiculously cold outside you are warming the engine oil and coolant thereby allowing the engine to crank over easier, and the fuel to ignite better - you are basically giving your already taxed battery a break by giving it a helping hand! You may have heard of battery warmers or blankets which essentially do the same thing for the battery - they keep it nice and warm so that when you need it, it's ready to perform.

Additional benefits of the block heater are that your vehicle will warm up much faster which will then reduce your required idle time which greatly benefits the environment and reduces your fuel costs!  As well, as the oil is warmed by the block heater it is still able to move freely and lubricate your engine immediately upon start up.

So the big question - when do you need to plug in?  It is recommended that you plug your gasoline engine in at -15C to -20C. Your diesel engine should be plugged in at -10C to -15C (a diesel has a heavier oil and requires more cranking power).  A block heater requires about 4 to 5 hours to do its job to its full potential. It doesn’t need to be plugged in all night - you can use a heavy-duty timer to save some money and energy - there is no harm in having it plugged in longer (all night or all day) but there is no benefit to it either. Many of the newer vehicles have built-in temperature sensors that will only turn the block heater on when the temperature hits -15C.

Battery Talk

It’s that time of year again (ugh!) and we talk a lot about winter tires, block heaters, coolant, wiper blades and yes… an important one – batteries!

The battery is the heart and soul of getting your vehicle running. It provides all the energy to start your engine and then keep the voltage stable while you are driving.

Your vehicle likely has either a typical Lead Acid battery or A.G.M. (absorbent glass matt) battery that is found more commonly on newer or high-end vehicles.

Whatever you have there are some things you should be aware of:

Temperature affects your battery. Because your battery is a chemical reaction it slows down when it’s cold outside. A fully charged battery at +20°C can deliver as much as 30% less at -20°C! And a battery less than fully charged can delivery up to 50% less. So going into winter with a battery in good condition is a really good thing!

When it’s cold we also add extra demands on our electrical system- a lot more idle time, lights on longer, heaters on, wipers on, and even seat heaters all make the system work harder. This is not a problem if everything is in good order and you run the engine long enough for the charging system to replenish the battery. Short trip after short trip could put your battery into a discharged state and that’s where you could start to see problems.

A weak battery puts extra load on your charging system, starter and other electrical components, so if it is weak, change it before it takes its toll on other things or worse… lets you down!

Signs of a weak battery can be:

·         Engine seems to crank slower than usual

·         Longer cranking time than usual

·         Warning lights on the dash

·         Dim lights

·         Slow wiper blades

Sometimes your battery is in good condition but your terminals are corroded or loose. Possibly the alternator is not up to par or you have a loose belt – these are all things that could make you think you have a weak or low battery.

Battery life span is typically 3-5 years – sometimes a bit more as driving habits and conditions can play a factor.

I think we can all agree that October (and especially September) is way too early for snow! We can also agree that it’s better to change a battery on your terms rather than when you need to get to work, you are on your way to dinner with friends or even getting the kids to their next sports practice.

If you are unsure about your battery – please come in and have us test it. If your vehicle has already been in for a service then we have already tested it for you.

Helping your Engine Keep it's Cool

With the days and evenings of the mercury going below zero finally gone, not only does the season change put more demand on an engine’s cooling system – so do our activities and creature comforts! Towing the boat or holiday trailer while still keeping everyone cool takes its toll on the cooling system.

The basic auto cooling system has not changed much over the last 60 years. Although the demands, efficiencies and complexity have gone way up, the principal is still much the same.

The vehicle’s cooling system is filled with an antifreeze/water mixture. This mixture sits in cavities and channels throughout the engine. As the engine is operated it starts to create heat from both the internal combustion of the gasoline or diesel fuel and friction from rotating parts. Once the coolant reaches a predetermined temperature it is pumped from the engine to the radiator. The radiator is a large heat exchanger that uses the air passed through it to remove the heat from the coolant. This now much cooler coolant is pumped back into the engine to start the process all over again. 

With the basic idea of how this works, here are some tips and things to consider:

The radiator - the big heat exchanger that removes the heat from the coolant needs air flow across it to function. Any restriction of this air flow is detrimental to its ability to cool.
• Over time, bugs, plant fuzz, road debris and dust can start to build up and cause air flow restriction.
• Off roaders – thick muddy water, mud and dirt are very common causes of air flow restrictions.
• Truck guys – aftermarket grill inserts look really cool but many of them have much smaller openings than the original grill and can reduce air flow by as much as 50%.
• Winches, lights and other accessories can also reduce air flow.

Some or all of these conditions may currently exist to some degree but will usually show their presence when you need the most from your cooling system. Towing is a big burden on your vehicle’s cooling system and can have the biggest impact on it.
The use of air conditioning also adds strain to the cooling system – not only does it need to keep the engine cool, now it needs to keep you cool as well!
While you enjoy the beautiful mountain drives up that long, continuous climb to the summit with the whole family and the dog enjoying that nice cool air-conditioned breeze, you will often pass the guy pulling his holiday trailer with his eyes glued to the temperature gauge. And for good reason!

Don’t get too worried – your vehicle is meant to handle doing all these things when properly maintained but here are some tips and tricks should you run into an issue:

• Make sure there is enough coolant in the system to do the job. BUT never open a radiator up on a hot engine! The clear reservoir is the best check but if you don’t have a clear reservoir, check your coolant level when the engine is cold.

• Do a visual of the radiator surface for any kind of restriction. Note: what looks like it might be the radiator could be other coolers such as condensers, transmission coolers or intercoolers so you might need a trained pair of eyes to do this for you. Sometimes it’s necessary to remove a couple of components to get a good look.

• Keep an eye on the temperature gauge! The normal range for most temperature gauges is sitting right around the ½ mark -  but you know your vehicle best and should be aware of where your normal temperature is. When your vehicle is working hard it’s not unusual to go over the ½ mark but it should still stay between the ½ and ¾ mark for sure. If you see a significant rise in your temperature gauge, then you might you need to do a couple of things to help the engine cool down. Turning your air conditioning off will help bring the engine temperature down, you can usually turn it back on once the temperature has returned to normal. If you are finding that it’s not cooling down and you are getting concerned, turn your heater on. This may be enough to get things cooled down enough to prevent overheating or boiling until you either reach your destination or somewhere where you can get your cooling system checked. If the temperature continues to rise then you may need to pull over and let it idle to see if the temperature will come down. 

• The inside of the cooling system can be restricted too. Keep your coolant system clean by doing coolant changes at the recommended manufacturer intervals.

• Make sure you have the proper water/coolant mixture – this increases the heat transfer efficiency of the water.

• Old coolant starts to turn acidic and can cause the deterioration of other components and gaskets.

Stay cool everyone … and have an amazing summer!!

Pro tip:
While we're talking radiators - if you decide to fill up your coolant yourself, make sure the cap is put back on tightly and securely! This is a pressurized system, and if the cap isn’t secure, you could end up with coolant boiling over and spilling onto other parts in your engine bay.

What you should know about Timing Belts…

What is a timing belt and what does it do?

The timing belt is a belt that is cogged instead of v-grooved or ribbed like you might be used to seeing on your vehicle. The purpose of the belt is to drive the camshaft in perfect time with the crankshaft. The camshaft and crankshaft have to be timed perfectly in order for the engine to run properly – a stretched or loose belt can affect your engine’s efficiency. Sometimes the timing belt drives more than one camshaft depending on the engine configuration and it may also drive other components such as pumps and balance shafts.

Do all engines have a timing belt?

No, not all engines have timing belts. If a belt is not used then a timing chain is used to do the same function. There are advantages and disadvantages to both but that’s another topic… It appears that more of the newer engine designs are moving towards a chain system, but the question here is does your vehicle have a belt and if you aren’t the original owner – has it ever been done?

 

Why is it so critical?

As mentioned, optimal engine performance can be affected but the real risk is that a broken or skipped timing belt will leave you stranded wherever it fails. And if your engine is an interference engine, it can be catastrophic to the entire engine!

When should they be replaced?

The rule of thumb for replacing timing belts has changed slightly – up to the year 2000, manufacturers recommended replacing it every 96,000 km; but after 2000, they extended the timeframe to 150,000 km. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation based on mileage.  Sometimes a number of years for replacement is also suggested but typically mileage is the best gauge. If the belt has been replaced then hopefully there is a sticker in the engine compartment indicating the mileage and date that it was done.

Can the belt be inspected?

The belt can be inspected but the problem here is that they are rarely easily accessible and most times you might as well use the time spent doing the inspection with replacing the belt. The other issue can be that the belt might appear to be in good condition on the outside but still have cogs that are ready to fail that can’t be seen. Making the decision to replace based on an inspection can be risky.
If you are unsure if your ride has a timing belt, consult your Owner’s Manual or contact us at Pro-Active Automotive and let us help you out!
 

What Gasoline is Best for Your Vehicle??

A common question that we hear these days is “Is there a benefit to using premium gasoline over regular gasoline?”  I have my own personal opinions and practices regarding this based on what I see when I have an engine apart and also what I have learned about gasoline over the past two and a half decades.

Before writing this article, I did more research to make sure that I was passing on the best available information and was happy to find there was support to many of my practices and the logic behind them but I learned a few new things too!

So… as far as Grade of gasoline or octane rating, the best advice is to use what the manufacturer recommends for your own particular vehicle. Using a higher octane rating (for example 91) in a vehicle that only requires a lower octane rating (87) will have no performance or economical gains – it will just cost more at the pump. However, using a lower octane gasoline on a vehicle that requires a higher octane rating will mean that the vehicle will not perform as good as it could and in some cases may even have some drivability issues.

The difference – the big thing here is the different additive packages that are put into the different grades of gasoline. You have probably heard the marketing – Esso Synergy, Shell V-Power Nitro… etc.  These additives are designed to reduce deposit build-up which is the larger factor when it comes to drivability, loss of performance and a reduction in efficiency. They will also prevent corrosion and reduce engine component wear.

Since the mid 1990’s all grades of gasoline are required to have a minimal amount of additives to help keep engines running cleaner and more efficient. Many companies promote their premium gasoline with an even higher quality additive package.

What I have learned… in my research, I have learned a lot more about the Top Tier gasoline. 8 of the top automotive manufacturers have come together to support Top Tier gasoline saying there is a higher level of detergents and additives provided which will better maintain the original performance and efficiency the engine was designed for over an extended period of time.

Interesting fact – Licensed Top Tier gasoline retailers must apply their additives to all grades of gasoline the company sells whether its economy (low octane) or premium (high octane).

What I suggest – Use the proper octane rating of gasoline for your vehicle. You can find it in your vehicle’s Owner Manual. Source out the Top Tier gasoline providers (the internet can help you with this) and use them!

For those pesky deposits that the gasoline cannot take care of – we recommend a concentrated gasoline additive. At Pro-Active Automotive we call ours a “Minor Fuel Service” and we recommend that you do it on a fairly regular basis (every 2 or 3 oil changes).

If deposits have gotten out of control or nothing has been done for quite some time – then a “Major Fuel Service” may be in order.

KEEPING YOU TREADING THE RIGHT PATH...

Whether your tires are seasonal and it’s time to switch them out, or you are just trying to be pro-active with the life of your tires… take the time to bring your vehicle to your local technician to have your tires checked to keep you rolling safely.

Types of Tires

You typically change your tires during the year if you use a seasonal tire – for example, a winter tire.
There are 4 main categories of tires – your winter tires which are meant for traveling through snow and ice; your summer tires which are designed for bare and dry road conditions; your all season tires which are not designed to be better for any specific road conditions but will generally work for all four seasons; and finally your all weather tires which are designed for driving in all types of weather with slightly better winter driving ability than your all season.
Deciding which tires will work best for you will depend on how many kilometers you put on a year, what your driving requirements are, what type of vehicle you drive and your budget.

Wear and Tear

No matter which tire you have, you need to check the wear and tear periodically to make sure that the tires you are using are in good shape and are appropriate for the type of road conditions that you are driving on. For example, driving your winter tires during the warm dry summer months will give you reduced handling capabilities.

 

Fix vs. Replace

It happens all the time… you put your brand new tires on and a few days later you find a nail in one of the tires! Sometimes a repair is a simple fix but there are some issues that you need to consider… Make sure you get an expert’s opinion – bring your tire issues to us and we will help you make the right decision as to whether or not you should replace or repair.

Whether your tires are seasonal and it’s that time to switch them out, or you’re just trying to be proactive with the life of your tires - take the time to bring your tires to your local technician and make sure

Pro tip:

While we're talking tires - never forget about the health of your spare tire! Keeping up on tire life and status keeps you from being stuck on the side of the road and being able to be rolling in no time! Make sure to be prepared and that your shape is in tip top shape.

TOP 3 THINGS TO MAINTAIN ON YOUR VEHICLE THIS SPRING

Getting preventative maintenance done regularly is a major part of vehicle ownership and, in all reality, saving yourself a great deal of money overall.  As winter approached us, many of us were seemingly just trying to get through the season. This mindset can sometimes leave important jobs untouched for several months.

 Winter conditions tend to be harsher on your vehicle due to extreme temperature change, road conditions, and extra wear and tear on operating parts. Coming into a new season now is the best time to catch up all maintenance.

Let’s look at the top three areas of maintenance to continue with this spring.

1. Brakes

 From when you’ve last had your brakes serviced, there is a certain grace period where you may only have to replace your brake pads. Leaving them un-serviced for too long, however, can lead to more costly repairs such as rotors, calipers and possibly brake lines and brake boosters-- depending on your service history. Make sure to take your vehicle into a trusted technician to ensure all brake components are functioning accordingly.

2. Suspension

Less than optimal snow removal creates very uneven and rough conditions, consistently stressing on all parts of your suspension. A simple fix left untreated, such as shocks or springs, can cause extra stress on ball joints and bushings. Suspension wear and tear, usually spanning over a longer period, may less likely be noticed due to the slow wear of the parts. With someone looking at the suspension they will be able to tell you if you need to replace any parts to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. You will be able to notice a huge difference if your suspension parts have been worn down.

3. Tires

Whether you are getting your tires changed over or not, it’s still encouraged to take your vehicle in for an inspection. A specialized technician can more so understand what your tire is showing, such as uneven wear patterns and possible cracks and gashes. Though this may not be noticed during everyday driving- these problems can start to throw your alignment off, or even worse, complete malfunction of your tire.

These are three steps of many to making the life of your vehicle long and headache free.

 

April Fools!? .... Nope we are doing this for real!

Feel free to contact us any time for more information

6 Things To Do To Get Ready For Spring Road Trips

Spring has sprung and the snow tires are coming off till next season.  Many people are busy planning their summer fun and for most a road trip is a practical get away during this time.  With gas prices down, it’s a great time to head out on the open road. Whether you’re driving a short distance or across the country, or even running the trails, here are some tips to ensure that your ride is prepared for your next adventure.

1.         Schedule an appointment with your Pro-Active Automotive technician. Make sure   you have any necessary maintenance services (oil changes, brake servicing/replacing,       transmission services, battery check, etc.) and tune-ups performed prior to leaving on       any road trip. 

But you can do your own basic maintenance and visual inspections on your vehicle before you head out. Check your wipers, check your fluid levels, check your tire pressures (found in the drivers manual) and make sure your signal lights and headlights are all working and clean.

A vehicle in top shape will have a better chance of staying reliable and efficient. 
 

2.        Inspect your tires – make sure there are no bulges or tears on the sidewalls. The tires should have a good amount of tread left. Make sure the tire pressures are set to the pressures found in the drivers’ manual (and most times printed inside the driver’s door).

3.       First aid kits for you and your car a great idea.  Be prepared, pack a flashlight, blanket, first - aid kit, and some basic tools. Also, bring water and extra snacks, just in case.

4.         Pack smart. Check your vehicle’s load capacity to make sure you aren’t putting too much weight in the car. On most new cars, the total weight you can carry is printed on the door placard inside the driver’s door jam. This load rating includes all the passengers and cargo.  Be aware that fuel economy is reduced with extra cargo. Roof-top cargo boxes should only be filled with light bulky items.

5.         Make navigation easy on yourself. GPS units are affordable and available at most electronic stores. They are even available on most phones these days.  GPS units can do more than just keep you on track, they make it easy to find gas stations or restaurants along the way. Traffic-enabled devices can warn of roadway congestion, and all units can assist in finding an alternate route. But keep a highway map on hand too! GPS units need to be updated regularly and if it dies on you and you aren’t sure where you need to turn it might just come in handy!

6.         Travel smart! Take a break if you are feeling tired. Keep an eye on the gas gauge and be aware of when your next rest stop is.

Most of all stay safe! Happy travelling!