Okotoks Auto Repair

So we are getting alot of calls for A/C recharges. Lets clarify a few things. Your Air Conditioning system is a sealed system. The best analogy I can give is like a tire, if your tire is low it has a leak. Therefore if your A/C system is low on charge there is a leak. In order to protect the environment from the refrigerant in your A/C system the leak needs to be repaired before recharging. We would rather have our customers request that they ask us to diagnose why it is not blowing cold air anymore. Although there is electronic controls and components like compressors, valves and switches in the system the most common problems that we find are leaks.  We will perform a complete HVAC system test that include checking the entire operation of the system. Once we have confirmed that the system is not operating correctly we will install our A/C service equipment and monitor the pressures of the system while operating. It is at that point we can correctly diagnose the cause ... read more

How To Break In A New Car Vehicles are made out of parts that need to synchronize after getting assembled in order to achieve optimum performance. Believe it or not, the longevity of your vehicle will depend on how you treat it when it is new. That’s why car manufacturers have the ‘break-in period’ where they recommend certain precautions, driving techniques and maintenance assignments to improve the performance and prolong the lifespan of your vehicle. Of course, it’s important to consult your owner’s manual for the specific break-in period instructions. The typical break-in period for most modern cars is around 500 miles. Before hitting that target, the most common break-in period recommendations include: Administer The First Oil Change After 50 To 100 Miles Sure, when the vehicle has been on the road ... read more

Car Maintenance Tips 2 Basic Prerequisites 1. Read The Owner’s Manual When it comes to vehicles, there is no ‘one size fits all’ prescription. For example, the oil change schedule of your car depends on the type of car that you drive. Contrary to the common misconception, you don’t need to change the oil after every 3,000 miles. Hence, before everything else, make sure you read the owner’s manual to double check what your vehicle needs during maintenance. If you don’t, you will probably end up putting the wrong oil into your vehicle’s engine and cause serious damage. 2. Learn The Meaning Of Different Warning Light Indicators Most modern cars will notify you via  ... read more

Benefits Of Maintaining Your Car Longevity You’ve probably seen a car that is older than Dracula but surprisingly, it doesn’t look like it. In fact, a well-maintained old car can outlive a newer car that’s been neglected without proper care. Quite often, it’s the little things like regularly checking your tire pressure, brakes, fluid level, battery and lights that make the big difference in the long run. Boost Your Safety Did you know that some road accidents are indirectly caused by poor car maintenance? For instance, you can forget to service your brake system and when you need to slow down, it malfunctions causing an accident. Another scenario would be a worn out tire that was supposed to be changed that bursts when you’re driving at high speed – you get the picture? Anyway, maintaining your car can improve your safety and potentially save your life. Enhances Reliability And Performance If you drive a car for long enough without maintenance ... read more

Rack-and-pinion is the most common steering system in late-model cars. It can be part of a hydraulic or electric power steering system. The steering rack, which is controlled by the steering wheel, directs the rod-operated linkage, which causes the wheels to turn. In a hydraulic power steering system, a pump provides the required pressure. The pipes and couplings should be inspected regularly to ensure they aren’t leaking hydraulic fluid. Your certified NAPA AUTOPRO technician can inspect these parts during routine maintenance and, if necessary, change the fluid to eliminate contaminants, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Hybrid and electric vehicles use electric power steering systems. This type of power steering is gaining ground because of reduced fuel consumption. The vehicle’s central computer controls the power steering according to specific parameters, such as vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. No matter the type of steering system in your v ... read more