Car Care Va n c o uve r Co u r i e r friday, october 29 , 2010
special advertising feature
for fall 2010
Vehicle Maintenance tips
Car Care Canada reminds people that the proper maintenance schedule depends on the environment in which they drive their vehicles, not on their habits behind the wheel.
Severe conditions include the following: • Cold weather
• Idling extensively or driving in stopand-go traffic • Driving less than 8 kms per trip; or in freezing temperatures, driving less than 16 km per trip • Driving in temperatures over 32° C • Towing a trailer, driving with a roof rack, or driving in mountains
problems. A number of service providers offer free brake inspections, others maintenance packages that often include an oil and filter change, along with an inspection and minor adjustment of various systems, including the brakes.
Wrangler SilentArmor
• Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads For more car maintenance tips, visit Car Care Canada’s website at www. carcarecanada.ca.
SAVE
Pickup/SUV
80
SAVE
60
Ultra Grip Ice
$
$
Car/Minivan
on a set of four
on a set of four
ON A SET OF FOUR (4) SELECTED GOODYEAR TIRES UNTIL DECEMBER 18, 2010. PLUS, SEE IN-STORE FOR OTHER GREAT OFFERS!
Ultra Grip Ice WRT An SUV tire for enhanced traction in changing winter conditions.
NEW!
SAVE
100
$
on a set of four
Wrangler DuraTrac
Assurance TripleTred
Pickup
Car/Minivan
SAVE
SAVE
80
60
$
$
on a set of four
Special 4995 Maintenace
on a set of four
$
W 70th Ave
W 71st Ave
Dr
ive
St
S el
M
er
ine
ar
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SW
ur
of purchase not valid in conjunction with any other offer. One coupon per transaction. Cannot be redeemded for cash. Not for payment on account. No change will be provided.
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Valid only at 828 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver. Phone: 604.859.3513. Coupon must be presented at time
ath He
Includes oil change, inspection, tire rotation and top up all fluids on most vehicles. Regular $59.95. Valid for 45 days from: October 29, 2010
Heather St
Vehicles can sometimes be dangerously uncommunicative devices, often failing to make their owners aware of potential problems. Unless you know how to interpret their often subtle clues they might not let you know their tires are worn, their shock absorbers lame, their transmissions failing and their engines losing efficiency. But one system, the brakes, always communicates its ills to the driver. Sometimes they employ sign language. The simplest to read is a red warning light on the dash, although sometimes it can be as subtle as a small puddle of brake fluid. But they also communicate by feel through a soft, spongy or even overly hard brake pedal, or through rhythmic pulsations or vibrations felt through the pedal. Or by juddering or pulling to one
Most owner manuals for today’s vehicles come with two maintenance schedules, one for normal driving conditions and another for “severe” conditions.
Laurel St
When your brakes are “talking” be sure to pay attention
side when the brakes are applied. Brakes can be vocal too, emitting a range of highly audible squeals, squeaks, chirps, groans, rattles and grinding sounds. These can be dire warnings or simply pleas for maintenance, but either way prompt response is required to prevent potentially life-threatening situations caused by poor braking performance or outright failure. A vehicle’s brakes work by forcing a friction material against a disc or drum that rotates with the wheel. Hydraulic pressure applied by the brake pedal works calipers that clamp brake pads against brake discs, or shoes against the interior surface of a drum. Even normal usage generates a lot of heat, and obviously wear, over time. Many of the small mechanical components involved can also wear, rust, seize or otherwise malfunction. Brake fluid can also degrade and must be changed periodically. A new vehicle’s brakes should last 60,000 to 80,000 km on average, but a number of factors can shorten this dramatically. A properly done brake job should last at least as long. Car Care Canada recommends brakes be checked at least once a year, or every 20,000 km, to monitor wear and catch developing
Fremlin St
V
ancouver is a driving city. The cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles and motorcycles that cruise our roads and highways can take a beating. It’s best to be on top of the maintenance of your vehicle, to ward off trouble before it hits. Here is some sage advice for vehicle owners, courtesy Be Car Care Aware:
The secret to proper car maintenance
Oak Street
EW44 T h e
ent WK
N Ave
828 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver • 604-327-2977 MONDAY-FRIDAY: 7:30am-5:30pm
SATURDAY: 8am-4pm
*Save up to $100 on selected Goodyear tires from October 18-December 18, 2010. Offers applicable on our Every Day Pricing and valid only with a minimum purchase of four identical tires in one transaction. Not valid for Goodyear National Accounts or Fountain Tire Elite Accounts. Inventory may vary. All applicable taxes are extra. Trademark of AIR MILES International Trading BV Used under licence by LoyaltyOne Inc, and Goodyear Canada Inc.
fri d ay, o c t o b e r 2 9, 2 0 1 0 T h e Va n c o uve r Co u r i e r
EW45
Car Care
wax on, wax off
I
f you don’t have your own “Karate Kid” to give your vehicle that ultimate spit ’n polish, here are some pros who will get the sheen and shine just right on your favourite wheels. At Showroom Auto Spa on East 5th Avenue (www.showroomautospa.com), they wash and wax all their customers’ cars and trucks by hand, for a complete clean. They clean areas that automated and selfserve power washes often miss. Services include:
Showroom Wash and Wax • Power cleaning of exterior paint • Fall out remover, claybar and solvent cleanse of exterior to remove contaminants, bug, tar, sap and overspray
“Groom” Service At Wax a Car, they understand how busy life can be, and you just don’t have the time to drive somewhere and wait to have your car cleaned. That’s why they offer a mobile service to your house, office or anywhere you are. Having your car cleaned and detailed has never been so easy. At Wax a Car, the mission is to provide the best quality service, the most affordable rates and an elegant end result for your fine automobile. Professionals at what they do, Waxacar guarantees their work 100 per cent, and their lower prices are due to low overhead costs. Wax a Car is located in the Vancouver area and takes care of many clients’ vehicles in the Dunbar, Kitsilano, Kerrisdale, Shaughnessy and the Downtown area. Reliable and always on time, convenience for you is paramount. To book an appointment, look up www. waxacar.ca.
Complete
Car Care
You Can Trust Visit your neighbourhood garage and experience the honest, professional and quality work at Main Street Automotive. owner/operator Bill Gleeson
THE DIFFERENCE IS THE SERVICE. COMPLETE AUTO REPAIRS ON IMPORT & DOMESTIC CARS & LIGHT TRUCKS
• Tune-up • Brakes • Transmissions • Clutches • Wheel Alignment • Exhaust/Mufflers • Shocks/Struts • Diagnostic • AirCare • And much more
Buy your winter tires here!
Main Street AUTOMOTIVE 4835 Main Street, Vancouver Between 32nd & 33rd
604.879.5595
4 Licen Mechan sed ics s r
r
• Re-rinsing of exterior to remove loosened contaminants • Hand waxing of vehicle with high grade carnauba wax • Wheel and tire cleaning and brushing • Tire dressing and conditioning • Cleaning and buffing of windows • Replace with Klasse paint sealant (extra $) • Add engine clean (extra $)
Showroom Cut Polish Similar to the Showroom Wash and Wax above, plus: • 2 stage power-polish to remove any medium to deep scratches and swirl marks • 1 stage machine glaze to enhance lustre
EW46 T h e
Va n c o uve r Co u r i e r friday, october 29 , 2010
Car Care
Are all oil changes created equal?
2004 or older Honda?
use the correct oil that’s compatible with your vehicle, however some will use oil that is the cheapest, not necessarily the best for your car. A good shop, regardless of whether it’s a dealership or a quick lube, will let you know the oil they are going to use, so you know it’s the proper oil for your car. Not sure if you’re in need of a new filter, or which one to use? “First check your owner’s manual, as it will let you know the appropriate time intervals to change the filter,” said Megan Currie, marketing manager for Honeywell Consumer Products Group.
“If it’s time for a new filter, select one that features at least 95 per cent dirt trapping efficiency, such as the Fram Extra Guard, which offers three times the engine protection of the average of leading economy filters.” Engine protection is the measure of a filters’ ability to not just trap dirt but to hold it for the life of the filter*. It’s also important that consumers are aware that new vehicle warranties remain in effect when filters are installed according to directions on the packaging, and replaced at least as often as vehicle manufacturer’s recommended change intervals. More information on this topic can be found at your local oil change service provider. Courtesy www.newscanada.com * Based on Honeywell testing of filter efficiency and capacity of models equivalent to PH8A, 3387A and 6607 under ISO 4548-12 for particles > 20 mcirons.
Did you fail ? WE CAN HELP. • Certified AirCare Specialists • Reliable Service • Reasonable Rates
with your next Honda Fall Check Up!
OUT OF PROVINCE VEHICLE INSPECTION
Bonus offer is applicable to 2004 and older Honda vehicles only. Honda Fall Check Up must be purchased and as must be presented at time of service to recieve offer. Coverage limits apply to some services. Offer expires Oct 31, 2010. See your Honda dealer for full details.
HONDA FALL CHECK UP
88
$
88
• Inspections take about 1 hourr
N10
• Morning appointments recommended
with coupon
Keep your Honda driving at peak performance this fall with a comprehensive multi-point inspection. Our factory-trained Honda technicians will perform an oil change, inspect your battery, brakes, tires, all fluid levels, suspension components, lights, wiper blades and much more. Price may vary by model. Plus applicable taxes. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts. Coupon has no cash value. Discount applies to Honda automotive Parts and Service only. Expires 10/31/2010.
WHERE SERVICE MEANS SERVICE
79
$
• Mufflers, brakes, shocks & struts guaranteed for life
*
* Some conditions apply. Plus applicable government taxes and levies. Most vehicles. Ask in store for details.
YOUR ONE-STOP VEHICLE MAINTENANCE & REPAIR CENTRE We do engine and transmission work, plus...
General Repairs, Cooling Systems, Fuel Injection, Diagnostics, Brakes, Wheel Alignment, Power Steering, Shocks & Struts, Air Conditioning, Oil Changes, Exhaust/Muffler Inspections. We also carry a full line of quality tires and batteries.
FREE SERVICE SHUTTLE (DOWNTOWN CORE) COURTESY CAR WASH FOR ALL SERVICE CUSTOMERS
Call same day booking service hotline:
KINGSWAY CERTIGARD
87-HONDA • 604-874-6632
2277 Kingsway, Vancouver
Book online www.kingswayhonda.ca
Franchisee: Nishad Thowfeek
604.434.1055 TM
Trademark of Suncor Energy Inc. A Suncor Energy business.
Watch for our dashboard section with David Chao every Friday.
A
s more consumers make the decision to keep their car for the long haul, it’s important they stay on top of scheduled maintenance – most importantly, routine oil changes. While oil changes every 4,827 kilometers have been both the rule of thumb and subject of debate, it’s crucial consumers consult their owner’s manual and adhere to an oil change regimen, as it can be the difference between spending a little money over time, and having to buy a new car. So where does the unknowing consumer go for an oil change, what type of oil should they use and do they need a new filter? From quick lube shops to local dealers to auto repair shops, there’s an array of options available. The main point to keep in mind is choosing an oil change service provider that will take the time – typically more than 10 minutes – to drain the old oil and replace it with new, and check the oil filter and replace it if necessary. A reputable service provider will
fri d ay, o c t o b e r 2 9, 2 0 1 0 T h e Va n c o uve r Co u r i e r
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Car Care
DEaler spotlight
Clarkdale Motors Celebrates Half a Century of Great Sales & Service by Shona Wercholuk, contributing writer
H
erman Clark and Ken Annandale started out their careers as successful financial businessmen. But having a love for the automotive industry and seeing the business potential that Main Street had, they decided to start Clarkdale Motors in September of 1960. The business began with strictly Volkswagens but with growth, they added the Porsche franchise. Clarkdale saw great success with their business endeavours and were greatly received by the community; this gave them the opportunity for more expansion. They decided to expand the building and add a Pre-Owned Car department and an administration wing. In 1970, the firm decided to introduce yet another line of cars to their showroom, the Audi. But with great economic success comes limited line expansion and so, by 1977 a decision had to be made. Clarkdale cut the Porsche line and decided to refocus their attentions to the growth and success of their Volkswagens and Audi’s. And by 2006, the business had created such growth that they had to narrow down their focus even further and focus just on their Volkswagens, dropping the Audi line altogether. A fire in the Parts and Administration building ended up being a strange silver lining for Clarkdale, because the fire led to the renovations of 1989. This meant a new look and an
(top) principals Denis Barnard and Ron hornby are the “driving force” behind Clarkdale’s current success.
(left) A retrospective picture of Clarkdale Motors shows off the fleet of “beetles.” Photo: Artray Ltd.
expansion for the company, offering more parking and overall better customer service. In 2003, they underwent a final round of renovations, which led to the building you see at Main and 30th today. This meant a new VW Showroom and an updated VW Service and Parts facility so that Clarkdale was up to date with all of the new technologies to guarantee the best in service. Over the years Clarkdale Motors has had
great success in the Vancouver automotive industry. Denis Barnard, principal and general manager of Clarkdale, believes that this can be attributed to the “repeat business that was established years ago.” “People of Vancouver know who we are, where we are and what we do,” says Barnard, “and this is because of the great customer service that has always existed with the firm. “For many companies, great customer ser-
vice is a thing of the past, but Clarkdale has certainly kept up the clientele and still has the ‘spirit and fundamentals’ that we did 50 years ago.” And with long-term staff members in place, some ranging from 10 to 40 years of service, clients can go back to the same people who have helped them in the past, which is not something a lot of automotive retailers can brag about. “This is something Clarkdale can truly be proud of,” says Barnard, “it gives us a reason to celebrate our incredible 50th anniversary, and we welcome everyone to stop by to visit!” Go to www.clarkdale.com to learn more.
The Lowest Price in Auto Service!
$19.95 • Oil, Lube, Filter........................................$24.95 up to 5L Castrol 6T 10W30
• Special Service ......................................$29.95
Engine flush, top up all fluids, tire rotation, safety check. Oil, lube, filter.
• Tune Up ....4 cyl. $48.95 | 6 cyl. $58.95 | 8 cyl. $68.95 Replace spark plugs, set timing, adjust idle speed
• • • • •
Timing Belt Parts & Labour ................from $199 Muffler Special ..............................from $58.95 Front or Rear Brakes Parts & Labour from $68.95 Clutch Special Parts & Labour ............from $350 Complete Service Special ..................from $95
FREE BATTERY TEST 2894 East Broadway Vancouver, BC V5M-1Z1
Oil, lube, filter, radiator flush, tire rotation, tune up, top up all fluids, safety check
604.879.7700
We also service
DISCOUNT AUTO
604 251-2600 • 830 CLARK DR. (at Venables)
Any Single-Item Purchase Not valid on commercial or SLI (auto, truck, marine) battery purchases. Limit one coupon per customer, per visit. Products and participation may vary by location. Valid on in-store purchases only.
• tires • battery • starter • alternator • c.v. joint • front end • replace transmission • engine work • fuel system • shocks & struts
COUP805 Expires 11/30/10
01048516
Repair Centre
10