AUTO IQ
Wheels
and Deals
Spend a little
now to save a
bundle down
the road
• Until May 31, 2016,
earn up to $125 in
AMA reward dollars
on the purchase of
four eligible Pirelli
tires at select retailers (mail-in rebate).
After May 31, earn up
to $25. AMARewards.
ca/Pirelli
Auto Tune
Basic upkeep to get you ready for summer driving
BY CRAIG MOY
NEUSTOCKIMAGES/ISTOCK
WITH FILES FROM OMAR MOUALLEM
THIS WINTER WAS ONE OF the mildest on
record, with most of the province avoiding
the heaps of snow and sustained frigid conditions we’ve come to expect. But don’t assume
your car escaped the season unscathed. Subzero temperatures, road salt and other wintry
elements can negatively impact your vehicle,
which means summer is a great time for basic
maintenance—and a tune-up by an Approved
Auto Repair Services shop.
The basics: Perform a few visual checks
to confirm your car’s condition. Check the
oil and make sure windshield wipers are
performing properly. Look at your battery,
too. Randy Loyk of AMA Automotive
Services notes that most batteries last three
to five years. If yours is older than that (the
date should be noted on the battery), or
if you see evidence of corrosion, consider
a replacement. Book an appointment
with AMA’s Mobile Battery Service (free
for members) to have an expert test your
battery’s strength. They’ll deliver and install
a new one, if necessary.
Do-it-yourself: If your car’s hood sticks
a bit, the latches may be to blame. Primary
and secondary latches should be cleaned and
lubricated to remove any damaging road-salt
buildup. Repeat the process for hinges and
locks on vehicle doors and the trunk. Don’t
worry if you can’t find every latch: Get them
lubricated as part of a garage tune-up.
Seek professional help: Keeping everything well lubed is the most important
reason to take your car for seasonal service. Motor oil reduces friction—and therefore, wear and tear—on engine parts, but it
breaks down over time. Replacing it regularly is one of the best things you can do to
keep your vehicle in good working order.
While at the garage, have the mechanic
inspect your car’s timing belt, fuel line
and any hoses. “Cold temperatures cause
rubber to be more brittle and belts to crack
a bit more,” Loyk says.
Tire talk: By now you’ve likely swapped
out your winter tires for warm-weather
wheels. But it’s a good idea to periodically
check each tire’s air pressure to ensure it
meets your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level, which is typically noted on the
door well or inside the glove box. And don’t
forget the spare tire—it’s easy to overlook.
By the book: For more general tune-up
info, Loyk suggests checking your owner’s
manual maintenance schedule: “If you don’t
follow it, you can run into some costly problems.” But if you do, the long-term benefits
will be improved performance and reduced
repair costs for your beloved ride.
• Save $50 on a new
set of tires at KalTire. Plus, save 25%
on tire storage and
10% on mechanical
parts and labour.
• Switch to synthetic oils for better
heat-resistance.
Earn 15% in reward
dollars at any Lube
City location.
• Low brake or
power-steering fluid
usually means a leak.
Get an inspection
immediately at an
AMA Approved
Auto Repair Services
facility. Work is
backed with a oneyear, 20,000-km
warranty on most
parts and services.
ama.ab.ca/AARS
• Prefer a little DIY?
Members save 10% on
parts and accessories
at Napa Auto Parts.
• For pesky windshield chips, get half
off the repair cost or
15% off new windshield installation
at Glassmasters.
AMARewards.ca
AMA INSIDER
SUMMER 2016
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