It’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing colours, the air is getting colder, and winter is just around the corner! Like most Canadians, you’re probably not too excited about the prospect of dealing with snow and ice, not to mention any auto repairs that come up. One way to make winter a little more bearable is to ensure your vehicles are prepared for the cold weather.
Motor Vehicle Inspection
A pre-winter motor vehicle safety inspection can help ensure your car is ready for the harsh conditions we know are coming after being inspected. In this post, we will discuss just a few of the things that will be checked at our motor vehicle inspection station during our pre-winter safety inspection services.
Coolant and Radiator
Your car’s coolant plays a vital role in keeping your engine running smoothly, and it should pass our test regularly to ensure it is still effective. Coolant helps to keep your engine and transmission cool in the summer, and it also helps to prevent freezing in winter weather. Over time, coolant can become less effective at performing these tasks and, after our safety inspections, may need to be replaced. Testing your coolant can help you identify when this occurs and take steps to prevent problems before they happen. In Edmonton winters, we also need to test our coolant to ensure it is at the proper water/coolant ratio for the days when it gets to -40 or worse! In addition, coolant testing can also help to identify other potential issues, such as leaks in your cooling and heating system. As a result, coolant testing is an important part of maintaining your used vehicle.
Driveline
Another system that needs to be in top shape is the Driveline. The driveline includes all the components that transfer power from the engine to the wheels, and it’s essential for keeping your car moving forward. Unfortunately, the driveline is also susceptible to damage from the elements, particularly salt and sand. That’s why it’s a good idea to have the driveline inspected against minimum safety standards by our mechanics at The Automotive Repair Company at the beginning of winter or later. Doing so can help identify potential problems and fix them before they cause major damage.
Wheels and Tires
The cold temperatures and icy conditions make it challenging to get around, and it’s easy to slip and fall on the snow and ice, not to mention having your car slide through a red light. That’s why it’s important to make sure your wheels and tires are in good condition before the winter season starts. Winter tires provide better traction and stability on slippery surfaces and help you avoid getting stuck in the snow. In addition, it’s a good idea to have your wheels balanced and your brakes checked before the winter season begins.
Battery
A strong battery will ensure your vehicle starts on bitterly cold mornings. It’s important to test your battery and electrical system regularly, not just when it’s starting to show signs of weakness. Proactively testing that it passes minimum safety standards twice a year will help reduce your chances of battery failure.
So now is the time to ensure your vehicle is ready for the season ahead. Your pre-winter safety inspection will help identify any potential problems with your vehicle that could turn into big headaches down the road. Our repair shop checks all of your vehicle’s critical components to inform you how to take your vehicle from unfit to fit, ensuring they’re in good condition before winter sets in. So before looking up vehicle safety inspection near me on Google, call 780-244-8272 or stop by 9617 – 63 Avenue today and book your appointment! We’ll get your vehicle ready for a safe and worry-free winter driving season.