Monday, November 1, 2010

Winter Car Care Tips

Cold weather is in the air. Let Bruno’s certified technician help get your car condition for the rough weather.

Review Bruno’s winter safety tips for your vehicles:
  • Oil change: Use synthetic grade oil can avoid the oil thickening in the cold temperatures which will cause the vehicle harder to start.
  • Block heater test: Check if your block heater works properly.
  • Battery check: Ottawa’s extreme weather wears out a battery faster. The average lifespan of a battery is 3 to 5 years. Run a battery load test to determine whether it needs to be replaced or repaired.
  • Tire condition: Check if the tire tread wearing evenly or worn out. Is it adequate for snow and icy conditions. Read our TLC for tires for more tire caring tips.
  • Tire pressure: Check it monthly! Tire pressure drops when temperature drops. Maintaining proper pressure helps prevent flats and optimizes fuel efficiency. Your tire pressure should be within factory specifications in your vehicles' owner's manual. Need new tires? Join Bruno's 2010 Tire Sale event.  
  • Fuel: Keeping your gas tank half-full can reduce condensation from forming in the fuel tank. Condensation can cause gas line to freeze.
  • Liquids: Switch to winter-grade windshield washer fluid and check the level and strength of coolant.
  • Check: Belts, hoses, tires, wiper blades and electrical accessories. If there are cracks, bulges or leaks, malfunction, have them replaced.
Bruno’s Auto team wishes you a safe and warm winter season.

Bruno's Automotive Inc.
Phone: (613) 225-9986
Email: brunosauto@rogers.com
1875 Merivale Road
Ottawa ON K2G 1E5
Canada

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Spring Car Rejuvenating Tips - Inside & Out

Spring is in the air, and so are questions about spring car maintenance. Simply follow these tips to help your vehicle recover from the salt and grime of winter - and to get it ready for the summer days ahead.  

  1. Make sure to remove, vacuum and wash your winter carpets (you can also apply a mix of water and vinegar to remove stubborn calcium stains)
  2. Vacuum the inside of your car - many car-washes also provide good quality vacuums to customers
  3. Spray your vinyl seats with an automotive vinyl cleanser, and finish the job with a vinyl protectant
  4. Replace worn out wiper blades and fill up on window washer fluid
  5. Generously spray your car, and its underbody, with a hose to remove salt build-up
  6. Remove your winter tires and rotate your all season tires
  7. Perform a brake check since extreme winter temperatures, salt, and grime may have affected their performance

Bruno’s Best Tip: Don’t forget to double-check your vehicle’s fluid levels for your engine, transmission, radiator, battery, air conditioner etc.! Refer to your service manual, or have a certified professional assist you.

Bruno’sautomotive staff wishes you a great spring driving season.

Bruno's Automotive Inc.
Phone: (613) 225-9986
Email: brunosauto@rogers.com
1875 Merivale Road
Ottawa ON K2G 1E5
Canada