Our service professionals can answer all of your questions about your vehicle’s maintenance. Please have a look below at our Nott Autocare Q&A that we have compiled over the years. The maintenance of your vehicle is of the utmost importance in retaining your vehicles resale value, performance, and safety.
Fuel System Service
Outpace rapidly rising fuel prices. Drive safer, reduce your vehicle emissions and make sure your engine performs when you need performance.
Power Steering Service
Neglect your power steering fluid and the results can be poor handling, sluggish steering and “steering squeal”.
Make Wynn’s Power Steering Service part of your normal maintenance schedule.
Transmission Service
More than 90% of all automatic transmission failures are linked to fluid overheating or contamination. Wynn’s Transmission Service safely exchanges virtually all dirty fluid and contaminates for new fluid to help extend the life of your transmission.
When should I change my spark plugs?
For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 40,000km; unless your vehicle is equipped with platinum tipped spark plugs then the recommended interval is approximately every 100,000km or higher.
When should I get my engine oil changed?
You should get your oil changed every 6000- 8000km depending on the type of oil used or as recommended by your vehicle’s owner manual.
Why is a clean engine important?
Did you know your driving habits can affect how your engine oil performs? Short distances, such as city stop and go driving can cause condensation to form in an engine that doesn’t reach operating temperature. This can cause particles in the oil to become deposits in the engine, which can build up over time. These deposits restrict the flow of oil and can prevent it from doing its job well.
As part of your preventative maintenance schedule an engine flush can clear out these deposits to open narrow oil passages clogged by gunk that’s been floating around in the oil. Releasing these deposits and allowing oil to flow freely saves wear and tear on the engine and keeps parts moving as they should.
Even if you have been keeping your oil changes up to date, some deposits will form inside your engine that can only be removed by an engine flush, keeping your engine in optimal condition.
Our technicians take out a portion of the oil and add a flush additive which is a chemical designed to break up carbon deposits inside the engine. We run the vehicle so the chemical works its way through so the deposits loosen up and are trapped in the filter. We then change the oil and use a new filter.
Cooling System Service
Cooling system failure is the leading cause of mechanical breakdown. If your cooling system fails, your engine and transmission could suffer major stress-related damage.
What does it mean if my “Check Engine” light comes on?
There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicles engine performance and emissions. When one of these fail, the “check engine” light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to be running fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent any long term problems.
Some of the reasons your check engine light would be on:
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor
- Loose or Faulty Gas Cap
- Replace Catalytic Converter
- Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor
- Bad Spark Plugs and/ or Wires
- Replace Thermostat
Can I replace a fuse that keeps blowing with a larger one?
Not only will using a fuse with more amps not solve the problem, it is likely to cause a whole host of other, more significant problems. Fuses are present to protect the components of the electrical system. Rather than destroying the circuit when there is a surge of power, the fuse blows to protect it. If the fuse keeps blowing, it is an indication that there is a problem in the electrical system. If you use a fuse with the wrong amperage, the fuse won’t blow as intended, damaging the circuit and resulting in a much larger repair bill. Rather than risk blowing the circuit, take the car to a repair shop to determine what is causing the fuse to repeatedly blow.
Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?
YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater the cost of a timing belt replacement.
Should I have my brake fluid changed?
Your brakes are clearly a vital part of your vehicle’s safety. The wear and tear of both summer and winter driving in Winnipeg, Manitoba is hash on your brake system to say the least. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend changing your brake fluid about every 2 years or roughly every 48,000 km.
What does brake fluid do? Brake fluid transfers the force of your foot pushing the brake pedal to the brake calipers and brake pads. If the fluid that is transferring that force is not maintained properly, your braking power will be greatly reduced.
How do I know if the fluid is still good? The easy way to tell is by the color. If the fluid is clear, then chances are it is ok. If the fluid has a black or rust color to it, then a flush is recommended.
