Okotoks Auto Repair

When cars were first invented, there wasn’t a ton of thought given to emissions beyond “keep them out of the passenger compartment.” As you can imagine (or if you were around in the ’80s or before, maybe you remember) this wasn’t great for air quality. These days, exhaust systems work to keep emissions to a minimum, and play an integral role in keeping your engine running smoothly. Catalytic converters have come a long way, but they’re still a centerpiece of the system. So what are the signs of a bad catalytic converter? And what should you do if yours has an issue? One Cool (Scalding Hot) Cat Catalytic converters take the harmful chemicals that form as a result of the combustion process and render them harmless through chemical reactions at very high temperatures. Traditionally, they live in line with the muffler in the undercarriage, but as technology has advanced, they’re sometimes seen right up on the engine block in one ... 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