Today, Parkside Motors turns 45! This has been an incredible journey, and today we take a look back at all of the milestones that lead us here.
Summer is here, and for many folks this year that means hitting the road and going on a trip. The question is, are you prepared? Even for the most conscientious car owner, do yourself and your road trip companions a favour and check these few items before you hit the open road.
TIRES
Are your winter tires still on? Believe it or not, many people don’t think of this until the warm weather hits. To get your summer rubber on give us a call, you do not want to travel great distances on tires made for the opposite season. Trust us.
It takes five minutes to check for visible signs of wear and tear, embedded objects, uneven wear, and cracks in your tires. Peek at the date when your tires were manufactured. If they happen to be more than ten years old, you should seriously consider replacing them. We can give you advice on that when you are in the shop and help you source new ones as well.
From there we will check tire air pressure because low pressure impacts fuel economy and performance. We follow the tire manufacturer’s recommended air capacity and if you suspect a slow leak, check again for an embedded object like a nail. This is a perfect time to check tire #5 – the spare. You must have a properly inflated spare tire, the right tools to change a tire, and the ability to access the spare from underneath your vehicle or from the trunk. Getting a flat is bad- not being prepared enough to change it is even worse.
COOLING SYSTEM
On a cold engine, make sure the radiator fluid level and the reserve tank are topped up with the recommended mix of antifreeze and water. While you’re under the hood, do a visual inspection of the radiator hoses. Look for cracks and leaking connections. If you think you need some maintenance, give us a call, as we check the condition of all belts and hoses as well as many other things while we are under the hood.
OIL CHANGE
If your last oil change was within 1,000 km, you’re probably good to go. Double-check the level and top off if necessary. We are happy to perform an oil change as part of your regular maintenance, so check the sticker on your windshield to see if you are due or not.
TRANSMISSION
Even if your automatic transmission hasn’t given you any problems, check the fluid levels especially if you already have high kilometres. Unsure if your transmission fluid has ever been changed? Best to consult a pro to flush and replace old fluid, as the process is more involved than an oil change.
AIR FILTER
When you are in for an oil change we will check and replace your air filter as needed, to ensure your air intake area is free from any debris that may have accumulated over the winter. This will keep you breathing easy all summer long.
BRAKES
You’re not the only one with a summer “road trip” idea, and the increased volume of traffic on the highways means an increased risk of accidents. Make sure your brakes are reliable before you hit the roads. If they need replacement or repair, best to delay your trip or take a different vehicle.
WIPER FLUID
Yup, you can probably do this one, but if you are in for a shop visit anyway, topping off the wiper fluid is hands down, the simplest thing you can do to have a pleasant and safe road trip. Nobody wants to have to pull over and wipe the accumulated layer of bugs and grime off the windshield with the sleeve of their shirt, all because they forgot to check the wiper fluid.
If you need a tune-up before a summer road trip, don’t hesitate to get in touch.