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(Vancouver, BC) -- Cars take a lot of abuse in winter. The cold, rain, ice and snow of Canadian winters take its toll on vehicles, as do frequent trips to the ski mountain. Unfortunately, a car that is not maintained can end up costing more money at the pump. For those looking to save their money, OpenRoad Auto Group shares some top tips for preparing vehicles for the spring and summer season.
The harsh elements not only affect the cars exterior but its engine as well, making the car less safe and less fuel-efficient. “We estimate that a poorly maintained engine can cost up to approximately 30% more in fuel consumption,” says Christian Chia, CEO of the OpenRoad Auto Group. “With gas prices being as high as they are, the dollars adds up quickly.”
The car’s tires are also affected. The vehicle’s only contact with the road is its tires and winter conditions may have worn the tire treads down. Temperature swings also have a big affect on tire pressure ultimately affecting how the car handles.
Chia advises that the traditional house spring-cleaning extend to the car. As it’s the time for the house cleaning, it is also the perfect time of year to bring your car in for a maintenance service. Regular servicing also help avoid hefty repair bills down the road to deal with problems that have escalated over time.
He offers the following top tips on getting your car ready for the spring and summer season:
·Change the engine oil and filter
·Check for possible cleaning to the vehicle’s fuel-injection system and electronic ignition and spark plugs.
·Check your cooling system. Pressure test the system for leaks, inspect all connections and check the condition of your belts, hoses and coolant mix.
·Check tire treads and tire pressure. Tire treads should be no less than three millimetres deep.
·If the vehicle’s emissions system has not been checked in the past year, ask the mechanic to include this in the work.
·With the hot summer weather approaching, it is also advisable to have the air conditioning system serviced (re-charged).
OpenRoad Auto Group is hosts regular seminars for their customers in its different dealerships to help people understand and care for their cars better. For more information visit www.OpenRoadCanada.com.
The OpenRoad Auto Group started in the Richmond farmland in 1978 when the three Chia brothers opened Richmond Toyota. Since then, the group has grown to seven dealerships across the Lower Mainland with combined annual sales of more than $190-million and a staff of over 300 technicians, salespeople and administration personnel. OpenRoad strives to provide customers the best-possible vehicle shopping experience by featuring wide-open showrooms, visible sales managers, aquatic fish tanks, PlayStation II consoles and an un-matched selection of products.
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