Maintenance Services Explained

Lube, Oil & Filter Service

Motor oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine. While your engine is running the oil is constantly circulated through it by the oil pump. During driving, your engine’s oil is subject to high temperatures, gasoline vapors and combustion gases, causing it to become contaminated. Over time, your motor oil’s lubricating qualities decrease resulting in increased engine wear. If oil is not changed frequently enough, sludge builds up and eventually restricts oil flow to the engine’s vital moving parts: this leads to poor engine performance, resulting in higher fuel costs and possible emission test failures. At the extreme, your engine may suffer damage and need replacement, costing thousands of dollars. Changing the engine oil and oil filter regularly is the lowest cost service your vehicle requires and yet it provides the most protection. While changing the oil and filter, we inspect fluid levels, lubricate under car components as needed, adjust tire pressures and inspect lights.

Recommended frequency: Every 5000km or 6 months (whichever comes first); some vehicles using synthetic oil have longer service intervals

Automatic Transmission Flush

Your transmission is full of gears, valves, clutches and bands, all operated and lubricated by fluid passing through very narrow passagesways. Over time all of these moving parts wear slightly and all components, including the transmission’s fluid are subject to intense heat and pressure. As the automatic transmission fluid ages it carries dirt and minute particles throughout these vital components. It also deposits varnish & sludge. Most transmission failures occur from fluid contamination or overheating and repairs can run into the thousands. Fluid flushing and filter replacement (if equipped) is a relatively inexpensive way to ward off these problems. While engine oil is drained by simply removing a plug, most automatic transmission fluid stays inside the transmission when the fluid is simply drained (either through a drain plug or by transmission pan removal). During our transmission service we first drain the transmission and always remove the pan. Inside the pan particles accumulate at the bottom and on magnets (installed to trap metal fillings). It is vital, for a thorough service, to clean out the pan. The filter (is equipped) is then replaced. To complete the service we use our Transtech fluid flush machine which removes 100% of the old, dirty fluid and replaces it with new high quality fluid.

Recommended frequency: Every 48,000km or 30 months (whichever comes first), service may be recommended sooner if fluid is discoloured.

Cooling System Flush

Your car’s engine generates a great amount of heat as it runs. Without some way to keep the temperature at a safe level your engine will be quickly destroyed. This is the function of the cooling system. The cooling system consists of a pump, radiator, heater core, numerous hoses and passageways throughout the inside of the engine. A fluid: the engine coolant, which is a mixture of antifreeze and water is pumped through these components. While the main purpose of antifreeze is to prevent the coolant from freezing it also reduces engine boil-over in hot temperatures and prevents corrosion inside the cooling system.
Over time engine coolant becomes contaminated and acidic. When this happens it begins to attack your expensive cooling system components and the insides of your engine. Premature radiator, heater core, hose and engine gasket failures can occur. Regular cooling system flushes go a long way to give these components long life.
During our cooling system flush we drain all of your engine’s coolant and send it off for proper recycling. We then thoroughly flush out all components including the often neglected overflow bottle. To complete the service your system is refilled with the proper antifreeze and the engine is warmed up until all air is removed from the cooling system.

Brake Fluid Flush

A critical component in your vehicle’s braking system is the brake fluid. It transfers the movement from your brake pedal (which connects directly to the master cylinder) down to the calipers and wheel cylinders located at your wheels and these in turn actuate your brake shoes and/or brake pads to stop the car. Brake fluid attracts and absorbs water; in extreme circumstances that water can boil from the heat buildup that occurs during heavy brake use, leading to loss of vehicle braking. More commonly, excessive moisture will cause corrosion and early failure of calipers, master cylinder, wheel cylinders and ABS components. Repairs to ABS components can run into the thousands of dollars. Regular brake fluid flushes help prevent these problems from occurring. Our brake flush is done with a pressure bleeder that thoroughly removes most of your brake fluid and replaces it with new, clean fluid ensuring maximum brake component life and your safety. Vehicles equipped with hydraulic clutches also use brake fluid and benefit from having the fluid flushed at the same time as the braking system.

Recommended Frequency:  Every 24 months regardless of mileage.

Standard Transmission/Differential/4WD Transfer Case

These drivetrain components utilize gears, bearings, and in the transfer case and transmission, also use shift forks and synchro parts (to make shifting easy). They all use fluids: some standard gear oil and others, specially formulated synthetic oils. Though not subject to the heat generated within an automatic transmission, standard transmissions and differentials still require regular fluid services. Intense friction is generated between the gears, bearings and other parts. The lubricating oil is not filtered, leaving metal particles free to cause wear as the fluid circulates through the bearings and gears. Water contamination of the fluid is another issue of concern, especially on 4WD differentials. During our service of these components we drain the fluid and refill it with the correct fluid type. In the case of differentials with removable covers we always remove the cover to drain the fluid, clean the cover and inside of the differential and reinstall the cover.

Recommended Frequency: Every 48,000KM or 30 months (whichever comes first); service will be recommended sooner if fluid is contaminated or discoloured.

Power Steering Flush

On most vehicles, power assisted steering is accomplished by use of a high pressure pump moving fluid through hoses to the steering box or rack and pinion. The power steering fluid is subject to intense heat and pressure that causes the fluid to break down and become contaminated, accelerating wear on the system components. There is no filter in the system so metal particles circulate freely and cause further wear. Our power steering flush service starts with the addition of a concentrated cleaner to remove sludge and varnish deposits. We then remove the old contaminated fluid and cleaner and refill the system with very high quality power steering fluid.

Recommended Frequency: Every 48,000Km or 30 months (whichever comes first); service will be recommended sooner if fluid is contaminated or discoloured.

Air Conditioning Service

Although usually reliable, air conditioning systems sometimes develop leaks.  This reduces cooling and causes costly damage to the compressor.  Routine service can prevent such damage from occurring. 

Our service includes checking your refrigerant for air and moisture content.  An inspection is performed for leaks and operating pressures are checked.  If not already installed, a leak detector dye will be added.  Condenser fins are checked for damage. If any problems are found we can recommend appropriate repairs.

Fuel Injection Service

Carbon deposits have become the main contributor to engine drivability problems in modern vehicles.  Cleaning the fuel injection system usually results in a noticeable improvement in performance.  Our state of the art Motorvac CarbonClean service runs a chemical through the fuel system and into the engine.  It removes dirt, carbon deposits and varnish from your fuel injectors, intake system and combustion chambers, prolonging their life.  Other benefits include a smoother running engine, more power, improved fuel economy and reduced knock and ping.  Many owners report that their engine ‘runs like new’ again.

While performing the service we check fuel pump and regulator pressures as well as engine vacuum.  These tests help identify faulty components and potential engine problems.

Recommended Frequency:  Every 48,000 km or 30 months (perform sooner if engine feels sluggish or feels like it needs a tune-up)

Engine Tune-Up

With advances in engine electronics and spark plug technology most new cars (1995 and up) don’t require tune-ups.  For older cars, regular tune-ups are still essential.  An engine which misfires (runs rough) can cause premature failure of the catalytic converter and ignition module.  During our tune-ups we check engine compression; ignition wire condition; clean the carburetor or throttle plate; replace the fuel filter and check and adjust the ignition timing and idle speed.

Even if your car has an extended tune-up interval (96,000 km or more) fuel filters still need replacement every 48,000 km or 30 months.

Recommended Frequency: Intervals vary but most common are 48,000 km/30 months or 96,000 km/60 months

Timing Belt

Many engines use a toothed rubber belt to synchronize the movement of the camshaft and crankshaft.  The belt may also drive the water pump and the balance shaft (if equipped).

When the time belt breaks the engine stops instantly and will not restart.  On many vehicles pistons and valves will collide, leading to very expensive repairs.

On most timing belt replacements we also replace the oil seals located behind the time belt.  These seals tend to lead and if oil gets onto the new belt it will break prematurely.  Belt tensioners and idler pulleys are checked.  If any are found to be worn they will be replaced to ensure full timing belt life.  The water pump is also checked.

Recommended Frequency: Every 96,000 km or 60 months (Some cars require service sooner and others later.  Check manufacturers’ recommendation)

Vancouver's Best Auto Service Experience

Pawlik Automotive, Car Repair and Maintenance, 30-966 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6P 5Z2 (604) 327-7112