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Usually, the only time we think of car batteries is when they fail us in the dead cold of a Whistler winter (interestingly, there are as many battery failures during intense summer heat). It’s a good idea to have your battery checked during your fall service. Today, most batteries are sealed and deliver years of good service. If you are worried about your battery come into Local Automotive and we can perform a charging system analysis. If you need new battery our technicians will recommend one that’s sure to see you through Mother Nature’s harshest days.

Proper wheel alignment is essential to proper road handling – that’s a given. What’s more, alignment increases the lifespan of your tires by preventing premature wear and tear. Even if you don’t notice any “pull” while driving, you should get your alignment checked annually or every 24,000 kilometres. Local Automotive’s technicians can measure and adjust to manufactuer’s specifications. This often neglected service.

What could be more important than brakes! They’ve been Local Automotive’s specialty since its very inception thanks to Whistler’s environment. Over the years, braking systems have evolved drastically, including, among others advancements, the introduction of electronic anti-skid controls (ABS). Make sure your brakes are visually inspected on a regular basis (a good opportunity is when your tires are rotated). Hydraulic brake fluid is extremely important, as it must sustain large variations in temperature and humidity. It is usually advisable to replace your brake fluid every two years or 48,000 kilometres. A simple inspection of your brake master cylinder will determine if you require this service.

So many systems in your vehicle are computer regulated, from the interior lighting system, to the intermittent wipers, to the chips regulating your engine’s functional parameters, to the dashboard messages, such as "service engine soon” or “service brakes soon”. When one of these computer systems fails, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment is needed to pinpoint the problem areas. Bring your vehicle to your Local Automotive and we’ll quickly identify the source of the problem and tell you about the appropriate repairs.

Most people know that a vehicle’s oil must be changed every 4,800 to 12,000 kilometres, depending on the particular manufacturer. However, a punctual replacement and inspection of various other fluids and filters are among the most important aspects of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. You must use the stipulated lubricant formulas, antifreeze and hydraulic fluids to ensure that your warranties remain effective (original or extended). Engine air and oil filters, cabin air filters, fuel filters and transmission filters, all of them remove contaminants that could cause damages. Local Automotive will recommend the filter and fluid maintenance calendar appropriate to your vehicle and usage so come and see us soon. We are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Most vehicles on the road today are equipped with sophisticated fuel injection systems. More accurate and less polluting than carburetors, these systems adjust fuel injection to accommodate external conditions, your driving style, outside temperature and atmospheric pressure. Even with such sophistication, maintenance is a must. Without proper maintenance, combustion residue and deposits will gradually build up and reduce fuel injection performance. Maintenance involves a thorough cleaning of the injectors and the fuel inlet system. You’ll notice the difference right away, both in engine performance and during Whistler’s cold starts. Check with Local Automotive about the frequency at which you, depending on your driving habits, should have your fuel injection system cleaned.

The system that gives you heat on the coldest of Whistler’s winter days is the same system that keeps your engine running at the correct temperature. Antifreeze should be checked at least once a year prior to winter. Don’t add water without consulting your Local Automotive technician. Depending on the antifreeze formula used in your vehicle, the original manufacturer may recommend cooling system fluid replacement every two years or every 48,000 kilometres. Some new antifreeze formulas can last up to 160,000 kilometres or more so check with us to make sure your heating and cooling system is working to perfection. We recycle all anitfreeze.

Responsible for igniting the gas-air mixture in your engine, your spark plugs and wires affect the cleanliness of your vehicle’s exhaust and its fuel consumption. They can also be responsible for lack of power and performance and may make your car buck intermittently. Local Automotive will gladly inspect your plugs and wires and tell you when new ones should be installed and it is generally an inexpensive solution.

Your steering and suspension components ensure proper road handling and the comfort of your ride on the Sea to Sky highway and beyond. But what’s more, they’re responsible for making sure your tires remain in contact with the road. An annual inspection by a Local Automotive technician will give you the comfort and safety you want.

Whether manual or automatic, your transmission works hard, as it constantly transfers power to the road. Yet, transmission maintenance is one of the most neglected maintenance services in the industry. Some manufacturers recommend that automatic transmission fluid be replaced every year or 24,000 kilometres! Some transmissions are highly sophisticated and can even adjust electronically to your driving style; they may require special adjustments or to have their computers “reset” at the time of service. To avoid costly transmission damage, adhere fully to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Local Automotive can provide you with dealer service intervals upon request.