Since the 1980′s car manufacturers have incorporated electronics to control and manage engine operation, emissions from the engine and even monitors the fumes in your fuel tank. Your onboard computer has the capability to capture “faults” and flag them by triggering the “check engine light”. (officially called the MIL or Malfunction Illumination Lamp). These fault codes can be extracted and examined with a diagnostic device called a scan tool.

What’s Involved: The computer is interrogated by the scan tool to reveal not only fault codes but also the vital data needed to make an analysis of the fuel injection system, emissions system and ignition system. It assists in our diagnosis of the problem(s) the vehicle is experiencing.

In-Depth Article: Read our article on the importance of quick action when it comes to engine diagnostics. All of your questions are answered here.

Every vehicle engine designed with a timing belt must have its timing belt replaced at the recommended interval as stated in the owner’s manual. Doing so not only helps you comply with warranty requirements, it also reduces the risk of engine damage or roadside breakdown.

What’s Involved: We replace the old worn timing belt and other related components driven by the belt such as pulleys, seals, tensioner and (sometimes) water pump to ensure all parts can make it to the next interval.

In-Depth Article: Read our article on how to avoid catastrophic engine failure with one simple rule of thumb.

Replacing your fuel filter minimizes the risk of fuel starvation while maximizing the life of related fuel system components.

What’s Involved: Installation of OE approved replacement filter along with a visual inspection of mounting and hose or line fitting at the filter.

In-Depth Article: Read our article on how fuel filter replacement can save you money and improve your driving experience.

On vehicles with standard transmissions, the clutch plays an important role in the operation of a vehicle in that it serves to connect the engine to the transmission. Clutches are no different than most other parts in your vehicle; they encounter a certain amount of wear and tear during normal driving circumstances and require replacement.

What’s Involved: A clutch replacement generally involves a new pressure plate, clutch disc and release bearing (sometimes called the throw-out bearing). These parts should ALL be replaced, even if they don’t appear worn. The pilot bearing or bushing, which sits at the end of the transmission shaft should also be checked or replaced. The flywheel will need machining at best, or at times full replacement. Some vehicle clutches are operated by cables, and others by hydraulic cylinders that also need replacement after time.

In-Depth Article: Read our article about the when, why, and how of clutch replacement.

A loud-sounding exhaust is the easiest symptom to identify when your exhaust system needs maintenance or repair. Most cars do not need any exhaust work for upwards of 8 to 10 years due to corrosion-resistant and stainless steel used in exhaust systems installed in the factory. However, eventually, age and driving environment wear these components out and develop leaks or they can fail internally as is the case with catalytic converters.

What’s Involved: We check your system for parts that are worn out and replace them to make your car quiet, safe and emission compliant again. We replace exhaust pipes, mufflers and catalytic converters as needed.

In-Depth Article: Read more about how exhaust replacement works and how to know it is time to take the plunge.

Knowing that your brakes are in good working order brings peace of mind. This inspection helps identify parts that are worn or no longer meet design specifications before they damage other parts of the brake system.

What’s Involved: Road test to assess system performance. Complete inspection of the brake hardware, brake pads, shoes, rotors, or drums, brake lines and fluid. Repair and replace parts as needed.

Learn More: Read our full article on brake repair right here.

Brake fluid is contaminated over time due to extreme pressure, heat and exposure to moisture. Failing to replace the fluid can impair braking ability.

What’s involved: First we road test to assess system performance. If needed, a complete system flush of old brake fluid and any contaminants. Then we replenish with new brake fluid.

Learn More: Read our in-depth article on Brake Fluid Flushes right here.

When the ABS light is illuminated, it is a warning that the anti lock braking system is not working. It is possible that the conventional braking system on your vehicle is still safe and fully functioning but once the light is displayed the anti-locking enhancement has been automatically disengaged. That is when a scan tool is required to interrogate the ABS computer to discover the fault codes associated with it.

What’s Involved: First we road test to assess brake performance. Then we access the onboard ABS computer with a scan tool to discover the fault codes and often with additional diagnostic inspection can provide a comprehensive evaluation of ABS codes and offer our repair recommendations.

Learn More: Read our in-depth article about the ABS System right here.

The alternator plays a vital role in your vehicle’s charging system. A belt powered by the engine’s crankshaft generates power that is sent to the battery to keep it charged. It is similar to using your cell phone while it is plugged in.

What’s Involved: There is no repair option for an alternator, only replacement. After diagnostic tests if we confirm that the alternator is no longer functioning we replace it with a new unit and get you back on the road.

Learn More: Read our in-depth article on alternators right here.

The battery, starter and alternator are key components in the electrical system that starts your vehicle and keeps it running. A weak component can cause a slow or no-start condition.

What’s Involved: First we perform a computer diagnosis of your vehicle’s battery, starter and alternator, followed by an inspection of the alternator drive belt. A final inspection of your cable connections confirms what might need repair or replacement.

Learn More: Read our in-depth article on battery and charging systems right here.

Batteries have a limited life and will eventually require replacement. When a battery fails, the vehicle will not start, and could leave you stranded, requiring a tow or battery boost.

What’s Involved: First we run an AVR test of the battery to determine its capacity to take a load (i.e. cranking the engine over). According to its size and design it must meet a certain level of performance to provide the customer with confidence that the car will start reliably. We follow with a visual inspection of the battery mounting brackets as well as battery cables and terminals to ensure good electrical connections.

Learn More: Read our in-depth article on battery load tests right here.

This inspection determines the performance of belt-driven components. Sometimes belts or the tensioners and pulleys run by them become noisy from being worn or loose.

What’s Involved: We visually inspect all associated components driven by belts and replace any belts or other components that are old and worn.

Learn More: Read our in-depth article on belt inspection right here.

If you are having steering or suspension problems or if you hear unusual noises when driving over bumps or dips in the road, it might be time for a front-end inspection.

What’s Involved: First we road test to confirm the symptoms of the noise or road feel complaint. We then inspect the steering and suspension system including tire condition and air pressure for the cause of the symptom. We make recommendations for repair or maintenance with you based on our findings.

Learn More: We have written in-depth articles on both driveshafts and issues with steering and suspension to help answer any questions you may have.

Power steering is provided on almost all cars via a hydraulic pump which assists the driver in turning the steering wheel with manageable effort. Like all fluids in your vehicle, power steering fluid wears out over time and must be replaced in order to ensure proper vehicle control and the longevity of steering components.

What’s Involved: A visual and sometimes audible inspection is performed on the power steering system. If needed we would flush the old fluid and refill the system with new manufacturer-approved fluid.

Learn More: Have a look at our in-depth article on Power Steering Fluid along with some FAQs right here.

In some cases, a vehicle may have to go through a mechanical and safety inspection at a designated inspection facility. We are a designated inspection facility for ICBC.

Read More about Provincial Safety Inspections right here!

The best money you can ever spend is on a Pre-Purchase Inspection of your next vehicle. Even if you are buying from respected used car dealership that advertises their vehicles as “certified” or “inspected” it is still imperative to get the opinion of a non-biased third party.

Learn More: Read our in-depth analysis on the importance of pre-purchase inspections right here.