General Maintenance in Mississauga to Keep Your Vehicle in Tune
To ensure peak performance and optimal fuel economy, it is important to understand how your vehicle works and become familiar with its regular maintenance needs. It is also recommended to review the manufacturer’s manual to better understand the operation of your vehicle’s systems, instruments and indicator lights. At Mavis Auto and Truck Repair in Mississauga, we perform general maintenance services for cars and trucks. As part of maintenance service for modern vehicles, we thoroughly inspect the following systems:
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Engine mechanical
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Battery, charging and starting
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Powertrain control, including onboard diagnostic checks
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Ignition
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Fuel
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Emissions
Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter
Before winter weather settles in, we inspect and service the following systems to help your vehicle handle cold starts, icy roads and changing driving conditions:
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Engine performance
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Fuel
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Oil
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Cooling systems
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Windshield wipers
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Heater/defroster
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Battery
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Lights
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Exhaust systems
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Tires
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Emergency gear
Make Your Vehicle Ready for Summer
To help your vehicle perform well through warmer weather, we diagnose, repair and service the following systems:
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Air conditioning
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Cooling system
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Oil
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Engine performance
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Windshield wipers
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Lights
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Tires
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Brakes
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Battery
Drive Safe and Save Money on Fuel
Most mechanical failures happen due to neglected maintenance. Although overheating is a common cause of mechanical breakdown, other easy-to-detect issues include low antifreeze, loose drive belts and faulty cooling system hoses. You can also help prevent accidents and save fuel by checking tire pressure regularly. Have a look at a few fuel-saving and safe driving tips here:
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Do not drive aggressively, as it can lower fuel mileage in city driving and on the highway.
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Allow the vehicle to warm up for no more than two minutes, as excessive idling gets zero kilometres per litre.
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Use cruise control when appropriate to help maintain a constant speed on the highway.
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Ensure the windshield washers are working efficiently and the reservoir is filled with solvent.
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Replace the wiper blades every six months to help prevent smearing, streaking and chattering.
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Check internal and external lighting at least once a month.
Quick Pre-trip Checkup
Before you set out for a drive, make sure you check the following:
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Hoses and belts: If a belt fails, it can affect the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and cooling system. It is important to have belts checked and replaced as needed.
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Fluids: In addition to antifreeze, other fluids that require attention include power steering fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid and windshield washer solvent.
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Tires: Check tire inflation, inspect the tread for uneven wear and look for bald spots or bulges.
Keep Your Vehicle Running Longer
Our mission is to extend the life of your vehicle with repairs and preventative maintenance. We always carry out our services by following the manufacturer’s manual and instructions. If your vehicle is overdue for an oil change or needs a complete tune-up, contact Mavis Auto and Truck Repair to book a service.
Vehicle Tips
Since many vehicle safety problems can be linked to maintenance neglect, have a look at these tips for vehicle maintenance:
Refill and flush the cooling system every 24 months; check the level, condition and concentration of the coolant.
Wait for the engine to thoroughly cool down before removing the radiator cap.
​Get the tightness and condition of clamps, drive belts and hoses checked by a professional.
Check the manual and change your oil and oil filter as specified.
Replace air, fuel and PCV filters as recommended.
Get engine drivability issues, such as hard stops, stalling and diminished power, corrected at a trusted repair shop.
Replace dirty windshield wipers to help prevent visibility issues and safety hazards.
Check tire pressures once a month and let the tires cool down first.
Check your manufacturer’s manual to find out what fuel your vehicle’s engine needs.
Keep your tires inflated, as under-inflated tires make your engine use more fuel.
Clean out unnecessary heavy loads before you drive your vehicle.
Use air conditioning wisely, as it puts extra load on the engine.
Keep windows closed on the highway to reduce aerodynamic drag.
Avoid keeping your vehicle idle for more than two minutes.
Use cruise control when appropriate to maintain a constant speed and reduce fuel consumption.
Tune your engine, as a restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency.
Check the engine’s belts regularly, as worn belts can affect engine performance.
Get the fuel filter changed regularly to help prevent dirt and impurities from entering the fuel system.
Change the transmission fluid and filter regularly to help protect transmission components.
Check the suspension system regularly to help extend the life of your vehicle’s tires.