Okotoks Auto Repair

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

Winter presents many unique hazards for drivers. Wind, sleet, ice and snow can make driving treacherous, with bridges and underpasses especially dangerous. The following winter safety tips will help keep you and yours safe as you traverse the frosty highways and byways: 1. Beware of Exhaust Fumes Never start your car and leave it running while parked in the garage, there is a risk that poisonous exhaust fumes can enter your home and prove deadly. If your car is parked outside and covered in snow, always ensure the exhaust pipe is uncovered before starting the car. A blocked exhaust pipe will cause noxious fumes to back up into the interior, posing another potentially deadly threat. 2. Understand the Danger of Black Ice Ice is not black, rather it’s transparent. The term “black ice” describes ice covering black road surfaces, typically invisible to the naked eye and presenting an extreme hazard to drivers. If you find yourself sl ... read more

This comprehensive seasonal service is specially designed to help your car face all the hardships of Canadian winters. Book an appointment with us in the fall to make sure your vehicle is winter-ready! Our Winter Service includes: LUBE, OIL, AND FILTER Replace filter with NAPA oil filter Drain oil and replace with up to 5L premium NAPA oil Lubricate chassis, suspension and steering components MULTI-POINT VISUAL INSPECTION All lights and signals Air filter / cabin filter Coolant reading Hoses Drive belt / Timing belt Wiper blades Battery case, cables and clamps Battery cranking test Exhaust Chassis Brake fluid Windshield washer fluid Power steering fluid Differential fluid (RWD) Transfer case fluid (4WD) Transmission fluid Tire pressure Tire rotation Tire wear and tread depth and visual shock/strut inspection VISUAL BRAKE INSPECTION Inspect calipers Inspect rotors and drums Inspect brake lines and hoses Inspect ... read more