Tech's Tip

tech

2010-09-11T14:46:00.000-07:00

SEE & BE SEEN....... the darkness is coming a whole lot earlier already ( much to my dismay!!! ). Are all your lights working? Are your headlights aimed properly? If you answered no to either of these questions then come on by and let our qualified tech "light up your world" for you!

tech tip

2010-09-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

SCHOOL IS BACK IN SESSION.....watch your speed in the school zones! The excitement of a new year often supercedes safe crossing habits those first few weeks so please slow down and watch for little bodies.

tech tip

2010-08-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

some common but preventable causes of overheating are:

low coolant, worn and/or slipping belts, plugged cooling system, and restricted air flow to name just a few. before you head out on a hot weather trip a quick visit to your technician to check things over may keep your trip cool and enjoyable!!

Fw: tech tip

2010-07-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

" a simple one to remember: Puzzle locks ( lug nuts requiring a special tool to remove ) are great anti theft idea! But when dropping your vehicle off with your service technician, make sure he/she knows where the key is!! "

tech tip

2010-06-25T14:33:00.001-07:00

There's an awful lot of pollen in the air right now.............

Many motorists are unaware that their vehicles are equipped with a cabin air filter. These filters prevent pollutants such as dirt, dust, soot and pollen from entering the car through the air. Over time these filters become clogged and actually multiply the dangers from air pollutants when the heating and air conditioning blow them into the vehicle. These filters should be checked and replaced every 12,000 ~ 18,000kms to keep the environmental contaminents in the passenger compartment at a minimum.

tech tip

2010-06-18T15:51:00.001-07:00

Summer is finally here ( we think!! ) so here is an air conditioning tip:

With the air conditioning on, (and defrost also in most vehicles) you will hear the intermittent sound of the compressor kicking in. With its' clutch engaged, it becomes a load on the engine. Some vehicles will even increase the idle RPM to compensate for this. If you hear the compressor kicking on more than it's off, for example on 90% and off 10%, You probably have a low refrigerant problem. Even more load.

Simply, extra load means more time pumping gas.

Besides, it smells beautiful outside this time of year!

tech tip

2010-06-10T13:47:00.001-07:00

Another often overlooked component in the summer season is the wheel bearings on travel trailers and especially boat trailers. Really, these bearings should be cleaned, examined and repacked with grease once a year. Boat trailers, often being submerged in the water, are especially prone to failure if not maintained. Typically, the wheels are of smaller size than your vehicle's, and as a result are spinning way faster on the highway. Don't be one of those unlucky souls on the side of the road lamenting the loss of a wheel when you should be out enjoying yourself! Get those bearings checked at a qualified shop and save yourself some grief!

tech tip

2010-05-07T14:26:00.001-07:00

Catch it before it's costly!! Preventative maintenance is most important today and should be handled efficiently. Skilled technicians and up to date software are key factors for that maintenance. O'Brien's Service is proud to offer both and in an efficient time frame!! Stop by today to schedule your next appt.

tech tip

2010-04-22T13:42:00.001-07:00

Not all repair/service shops are equipped to handle today's high tech vehicles..... the basic set of wrenches & a hammer have become the dinosaur in a technicians tool box. All those bells & whistles demand the latest in diagnostic equipment. Technology is changing and O'Brien's Service is proud to offer the latest in Snap On diagnostic equipment.

tech tip

2010-04-08T13:36:00.001-07:00

"Them's the brakes"...... the most important thing to remember about your brakes is if they sound or feel different it is crucial to have your vehicle serviced ASAP. Your braking system is vitally important, there's no way you should take chances with your vehicles most important safety feature!!

tech tip

2010-03-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air..... FINALLY!!!!

And we are all eager to clean all that winter grime off our vehicles......so when washing your vehicle remember to spend MORE time rinsing the salt & gravel off the underside and AVOID spraying off the engine. It may be difficult to start, and belt pulleys tend to sqeak & squeal afterward.

Fw: tech tip

2009-10-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

Note how your brakes feel when braking....does the nose dive? does it pull to one side? does one wheel lock up? Coming to a stop at an intersection is going to get more difficult as the season progresses. Worn, improperly adjusted, or contaminated brakes can drastically impair your ability to stop. Keep you and yours safe.....come see one of our qualified technicians today!!

tech tip

2009-10-10T13:46:00.001-07:00

Although some of us are trying hard to deny it... winter IS just around the corner! Winter maintenance on your vehicle has changed. With winter arriving later it allows for weeks of missed opportunities. Batteries are one of the more sensitive components on your vehicle when it comes to extreme temperatures of hot & cold. Higher cranking amps are required in the cold temperatures. Lights are more than just an item to help you see better.... they are also a safety device that helps others see you! Wiper blades are another safety issue..... not all wipers are up to the harsh conditions Mother Nature deals out in a Kootenay winter! Fluid levels should be checked and made sure that they are winter appropriate. Make your appointment with one of our friendly qualified technicians to make sure Old Man Winter doesn't get the best of you this winter!

tech tip

2009-08-12T16:21:00.001-07:00

more on belts....... serpentine belts have replaced the old fashioned V belts on just about every vehicle out there! it is a great improvement and offers an increase in service life. besides the obvious ( like cracks & deterioration ), serpentine belts can exhibit unique problems. noise, premature wear, belts that fly off and never to be seen again are just some of the problems encountered. worn out tensioners can be culprits as can uneven pulleys. narrowing down misaligned belts, etc can be a nightmare and require specialty tools.... come see us today for your belt needs!!

tech tip

2009-08-06T15:34:00.001-07:00

Timing belts aren't straightforward mechanical procedures anymore!! As vehicle technology has progressed so has the knowledge required. While many aspects have changed ( sealed for life transmissions, long life coolant, no external fuel filters etc ), the timing belt replacement has remained constant. While intervals may have changed, manufacturers specify replacement at one time or another! Timing belts must be timed and tensioned properly, thus demanding specific tools and equipment. A miscalculation could end up costing cylinder head replacement because of bent valves. Bring your vehicle in to one of our qualified technicians and have your belt done right!!!

tech tip

2009-07-10T11:14:00.001-07:00

"new vehicle technologies mean constant education on motor oils".... many of todays engines are made to exacting tolerances that are very sensitive to such things as oil and lubricant contamination. Some foreign nameplate engines are so demanding that only specific engine oils can be used. Anything else is like to cause problems and in some cases warranty ending damage!! Don't guess the right one for your vehicle... come see one of our qualified technicians today!

tech

2009-06-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here and to be fitting, here's another air conditioning tip:

Simply, extra load means more time pumping gas.

Besides, it smells beautiful outside this time of year!

tech tip

2009-05-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

Anti-lock brake systems ( ABS ) operate by sensing wheel lockup during braking. If this occurs, the computer will remove the brake pressure from that wheel and then cycle it on and off many times per second. This allows the wheel to still turn instead of locking up, giving the driver control over the steering instead of skidding.

A common misconception is that ABS brakes stop the vehicle faster. That's not what they are designed to do. They are there to keep your vehicle in control during panic stops!

tech tip

2009-04-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Another often overlooked maintenance item on your vehicle is your shocks. Under normal conditions shocks will wear out gradually. You may not notice incremental losses in ride quality,handling and control. Signs: they are worn, include excessive bouncing, rocking, drifting or "nose diving" when braking. More than a few people have hit the ditch because their vehicle literally bounced off the road! If you're in doubt, we can check 'em out!!

tech tip

2009-04-13T11:54:00.001-07:00

Spring is in the air..... FINALLY!!!!

tech tip

2009-04-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

Coolant contains anti-corrosive additives that break down over time. Once this happens, your coolant becomes acidic. To prevent early radiator & heater core failure, coolant should be flushed & changed. Vehicles with regular antifreeze should be done every 2 years or 40,000km, vehicles with extended life antifreeze should be done every 5 years of 150,000km.

tech tip

2009-03-20T08:05:00.001-07:00

Need to add a litre of oil? Be Warned! Modern vehicles are needing increasingly specific oils for engines and transmissions. There are over a dozen types of oil for your transmission alone. Having the wrong one in may cause minor shudder or outright failure! If your owners manual does not specify what oil to use ----- DON'T GUESS! Bring it in and one our licensed technicians can help you!

tech tip

2009-02-18T10:33:00.000-08:00

tech tip

2009-01-31T14:25:00.000-08:00

tech tip

2009-01-05T10:58:00.000-08:00

MAKE SURE YOU ARE SEEN!! At at a time when visibility and stopping times are at their worst it is important that ALL your lights are working correctly! If people can't see you signalling, braking or backing up.......... well...bad things happen! Also, when sweeping off your vehicle, please be sure to clear ALL lights! If you are out on the snowy roads for longer drives, stop periodically and CLEAR YOUR LIGHTS from snow and road grime!

tech tip

2008-12-06T12:36:00.000-08:00

Running your battery dead when temperatures are below zero can have serious side effects. A disharged battery will freeze, causing the plates to separate, thus damaging your battery internally.

tech tip

2008-11-21T14:31:00.000-08:00

Here's another lighting tip: Turn your lights on! Daylight hours have changed and it's time to remember to change your habits once again. One half hour before sunset and one half hour after sunrise. And in fog. And in snow. And in rain. As a matter of fact, you should probably turn them on whenever you are driving this winter. Even if it's only your park lights or driving lights. Remember; two ambers in the front and two reds in the back. If they don't work properly, bring it by and we'll fix them up. Be safe for everyones' sake.

tech tip

2008-11-14T10:45:00.000-08:00

Engine oils are all different...... manufacturers are getting pickier about the oils used in their engines. Modern engines require modern oils and some inexpensive oils may not meet these specifications. Your warranty may not be honoured if the incorrect oil is used. Come see one of our qualified technicians to make sure your engine is being maintained properly. The cost of oil is relatively cheap when compared to engine components.

tech tip

2008-11-07T13:49:00.000-08:00

tech tip

2008-10-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

All skepticism aside........ winter maintenance IS important. All the critical components of your car's functionality depend upon it. It is important aside from the safety aspect that you have reliable windshield wipers and properly aimed headlights. Mechanically you aren't going anywhere if your battery isn't in topnotch condition and fluid levels aren't where they should be when the temperatures drop below the freezing mark. Don't be left out in the cold.....come see us today!

tech tip

2008-10-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

As winter maintenance goes, your coolant strength should be checked too. When you top up with water, you get dilution thus risking overheating due to the freezing of the water molecules. The mix will eventually freeze and you won't get circulation of the coolant. At that point you get winter related overheating. For this reason you should have your fluids checked before sub-zero temperatures. Come see our qualified technicians and make sure your fluids are up to old man winter's cool season!!

tech tip

2008-10-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

It's a no~brainer that having headlights that function properly at all times is a MUST, especially in the winter season with more darkness than daylight. The better your headlights are, the better you can see. Come and see one of our qualified technicians to make sure your vehicles headlights are working AND aimed properly for this dark winter season!!

tech tip

2008-10-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

Another important factor for winter driving is visibility. It is crucial to make sure your wipers are up to par. Wipers are subject to rough outer conditions like snow and ice and are succeptible to damage. Bring your your vehicle to one of our qualified technicians to make sure your visiblity is optimized on those icy roads!

tech tip

2008-10-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

Winter is coming..........

Maintaining your battery is a critical component of any winter maintenance program. It takes more than double the amps to start your vehicle in -18C than it does in 25C. The CCA value on a battery is very important and should meet the needs of the vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter by coming by and seeing one of our qualified technicians

tech tip

2008-09-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

From a technicians point of view, it is much easier to work on a vehicle that is clean and tidy. Such things as garbage etc on the floor or in the trunk, or wheels and undercarriage covered in mud means extra time spent by the technician cleaning to access components. This could mean $$$ saved by bringing your vehicle tidy & ready to be worked on!

tech tip

2008-09-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

Warming up your vehicle in the morning has several advantages. Here's a few.

- Most vehicles run at a high idle when cold. Driving in slippery conditions while this is happening can cause control issues as your driving wheels may keep driving when you are triyng to stop.

- Cold engine oil is pretty thick. it takes time for that oil to reach all the lubricating passages necessary. Putting a load on a cold engine may mean dramatically higher engine wear. A few minutes means a lot to your engine.

- The same goes for transmissions.

- Most importantly, you don't want to be one of those dolts driving to work peeking through a tiny clear spot on their windshield. For at least everyone elses' sake, be safe.

tech tip

2008-09-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

First frost is coming...... it's a good time to look through your vehicle for freezable liquid containers. Burst pop cans and water bottles can make quite a mess. It is also a good time to check your windshield washer fluid and make sure it is not filled with straight water.

tech tip

2008-08-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

tech tip

2008-08-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

tech tip

2008-08-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

all functions on your vehicle should be turned off before shutting it off, especially intermittent wipers. this will increase the life of electrical components.

Tip of the Week

2008-06-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

Most people tend to procrastinate when their vehicle begins exhibiting problems. Bringing it in to a qualified technician sooner rather than later may save you the inconvenience of being stranded, a tow bill and possibly a more costly repair. Remember the old saying 'a stitch in time saves nine!!'