Fall Vehicle Maintenance Tips for a Smooth Ride From Trusted Saskatoon Auto Repair & Service Shop Epic Auto and Driveline

28. Oct 2023 Admin Saskatoon Auto Repair & Service, Saskatoon Tires, Trusted Tips

Epic Auto and Driveline is a one-stop Saskatoon automotive and tire shop for domestic and import cars, light trucks, and SUVs. You can be confident knowing that they always take pride in their work and take good care of their customers. Epic Automotive and Driveline is a Trusted Saskatoon Auto Repair and Service Shop. In this tip, they discuss fall vehicle maintenance tips for a smooth ride.

Fall Vehicle Maintenance Tips for a Smooth Ride

As the leaves change colour and the temperatures drop, it's time to prepare your vehicle for the challenges of the fall season. Fall brings its own set of maintenance needs to ensure your vehicle performs optimally and keeps you safe on the road. In this blog post, we'll provide you with essential fall vehicle maintenance tips to help you navigate the changing weather conditions.

Inspect the Tires:

The condition of your tires is crucial for maintaining traction on wet and slippery roads. Check the tread depth and look for signs of wear. If the tread is worn down, consider replacing your tires. Ensure the tire pressure is at the recommended level, as fluctuations in temperature can affect it. Properly inflated tires provide better handling and fuel efficiency.

Test the Battery:

Cold weather can put additional strain on your vehicle's battery. Have a professional test the battery's charge and ensure it is in good condition. Clean any corrosion on the terminals and ensure they are secure. If your battery is weak or more than a few years old, it may be a good idea to replace it to prevent unexpected breakdowns during the colder months.

Check the Heating System:

A functional heating system is essential for comfort and defogging your windows. Test your vehicle's heater and defroster to ensure they are working properly. If you notice any issues, such as weak airflow or lack of heat, have the system inspected by a professional. They can diagnose and address any problems before the cold weather sets in.

Replace Worn Wiper Blades:

Frequent rain and leaves on the road can decrease visibility, making it essential to have effective wiper blades. Inspect the condition of your wiper blades and replace them if they are cracked, streaking, or leaving smudges. Fresh wiper blades will improve visibility during fall showers and keep your windshield clean.

Check and Replace Fluids:

Fluids play a crucial role in the performance of your vehicle. Check the oil level and consider changing it if you haven't done so recently. Cold weather can cause oil to thicken, so using the recommended viscosity for fall is important. Inspect the levels of other fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid, and top them up if necessary.

Test the Lights:

With shorter days and longer nights, it's crucial to have fully functioning lights. Check all exterior lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Replace any burnt-out bulbs promptly to ensure optimal visibility and avoid potential accidents.

Inspect the Brakes:

Fall weather conditions can create slippery road surfaces, making well-maintained brakes crucial for safety. Have your brakes inspected by a professional to ensure they are in good condition. They will check the brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid levels. Addressing any issues early on will help maintain proper braking performance.

Preparing your vehicle for the fall season is vital to ensure a smooth and safe ride. By following these fall vehicle maintenance tips, you can address potential issues, maintain optimal performance, and enhance your driving experience. Remember to consult your vehicle's owner manual for specific maintenance guidelines and seek professional assistance for complex tasks. With proper care, your vehicle will be ready to handle the challenges of fall and keep you on the road with confidence.

Epic also offers financing. If you need vehicle parts or car service but don't have the immediate funds to pay for it, take advantage of a monthly payment plan using the value of your vehicle through their financing partner.

Relationships - Affordability - Transparency

Epic Automotive and Driveline is a Trusted Saskatoon Auto Repair and Service Shop

Trusted Saskatoon Auto Repair & Service Shop Epic Auto and Driveline Discuss All Weather Tires vs Winter Tires

28. Oct 2023 Admin Saskatoon Auto Repair & Service, Saskatoon Tires, Trusted Tips

All Weather Tires vs Winter Tires

In Saskatchewan, where winter conditions can be severe, it is important to have tires that can provide optimal traction and handling on icy and snowy roads. While all-weather tires are designed to perform well in a variety of weather conditions, including winter, they may not offer the same level of performance as dedicated winter tires.

Winter tires, also known as snow tires, are specifically designed to excel in cold temperatures, icy roads, and snowy conditions. They have unique tread patterns and rubber compounds that remain flexible in low temperatures, providing better grip and traction. The deep grooves and sipes in winter tires help channel snow and slush away from the tire's contact patch, enhancing traction on slippery surfaces.

All-weather tires, on the other hand, are designed to be a compromise between all-season and winter tires. They offer better traction than all-season tires in winter conditions, but they are not as specialized as dedicated winter tires. All-weather tires have a tread pattern and rubber compound that perform well in a wide range of weather conditions, including light snow and ice. However, they may not provide the same level of grip and handling as winter tires in more severe winter conditions.

Living in Saskatchewan we frequently drive in snowy and icy conditions, so we highly recommend using winter tires during the winter months. They are specifically designed to provide the best traction and safety in harsh winter weather. Winter tires can greatly improve your vehicle's performance and handling on snow-covered roads, reducing the risk of accidents.

Ultimately, the choice between all-weather tires and winter tires depends on your specific driving needs and the severity of winter conditions in your area. If you frequently encounter heavy snowfall and icy roads, investing in a set of dedicated winter tires is the best option to ensure optimal safety and performance during the winter season.

Relationships - Affordability - Transparency

Epic Automotive and Driveline is a Trusted Saskatoon Auto Repair and Service Shop

Trusted Saskatoon Brags about Epic Auto & Driveline Your Trusted Saskatoon Auto Repair , Service & Tire shop

21. Oct 2022 Trusted Saskatoon Saskatoon Auto Repair & Service, Saskatoon Tires, Trusted Brag Blogs, Trusted Partner News

The Trusted Saskatoon Team is delighted to welcome our newest Trusted Saskatoon Partner, Epic Automotive and Driveline to the Saskatoon Tire and the Saskatoon Auto Repair & Service Categories. Epic Auto and Repair Service is your go-to Trusted Saskatoon Tire and Auto Repair shop. They are waiting to help you with tires, maintenance auto repair services on all make and models of vehicles. Get to know all they do and meet the people behind the business in our latest Trusted Saskatoon article welcoming a new partner to our Saskatoon community of locally owned businesses operated with integrity!

Meet Epic Automotive & Driveline

Bob Harder and Shelly McConnell-Harder have nearly 4 decades in the automotive industry. They are Co-owners of Epic Auto and they're using their experiences to operate this exceptional local business. They found a great partner and general manager in Mitch Quesnel, a colleague from Bob’s days in the industry at Ens.

“Having the good and bad has afforded me the insight to ensure Epic will be a company that focuses on creating and sustaining a strong relationship with my customers.”- said Bob Harder

Walking into Epic for the very first time, we were greeted with an authentic and warm welcome. We noticed immediately how fresh, bright and sparkling clean the reception area was. This speaks volumes, especially to both of us women, as the auto industry has a reputation as one of the ‘least trustworthy categories ‘. How often do you walk into an auto or tire shop and feel overwhelmed by bad smells, dirty coffeemakers, and piles of clutter? This is not at all what you will experience at Epic. What that indicated to us, is that they are organized, that they prioritize safety, and that they are ready to help. Clearly, they care about the first impression they are making and we know that first impressions mean a lot. Epic Auto is clearly prepared and ready to help with all and any of your Auto Repair and Tire issues.

The goal at Epic is to have the quickest turnaround time possible, this is especially important for their commercial clients. They understand that when a vehicle is in the shop it’s not making the company any money. They are committed to trying their hardest to make sure that their customers leave with a smile and share that they had a positive experience with friends and family.

When asked by a reporter at the StarPhoenix in a recent article about how Epic got its name, Bob replied,

“We agonized over the name, to tell you the truth. How it came about, we finally said, we think we have the chance to create something epic, we just need to come up with a good name. Suddenly it was like, Oh, maybe ‘Epic’ is a good name!”

Picture: Saskatoon Star Phoenix.- New Faces New Places

We asked Mitch Quesnel to share the career journey that led him to be the Managing Partner at Epic.

I started in the Automotive industry in 2007 working as a lot attendant, ironicly it was Bob that hired me for that first job! Aftre a while I was given the opportunity to move into the shipping and receiving department, which I did for a couple of years, then I moved into a parts advisor role, a position I stayed in for 15 years. When Bob and Shelley gave me the opportunity to work with them as a Managing Partner At Epic Automotive & Driveline I was excited and I started at Epic Automotive & Driveline at the end of Aug 2022. I am inspired by taking on new challenges and I enjoy putting in the hard work!! .

How Does Trusted select Trusted Saskatoon businesses to partner with?

We look for locally accountable businesses with a reputation for quality-driven excellence in the Saskatoon market.
Customers, clients, and suppliers nominate businesses they are impressed with.
We personally surveyed a number of their past customers.
We check the business's online reputation, and we speak to business references
All past customers we speak to are surveyed - it is a pass or a fail!
We ensure any required licenses, qualifications, WCB, and insurances are valid and up to date.

What Did Epic's Customers Say About Their Experience?

“I’ve had a great experience with Epic. My company uses them for our fleet vehicles. They are very accommodating, especially getting us in on the short notice. The vehicle is out as soon as they can. I’ve also taken my personal vehicle there a few times. They caught a lot of stuff that the dealership I go to was sloughing off. ‘Oh, everything looks good. Jordan- Saskatoon

“I know the owner, Bob Harder. They have a really good knowledgeable crew. We have our corporate vehicles serviced there and the pricing has been so good. It’s not like other garages. The customer service is fantastic and they haven't charged me a nickel more. - Office Solutions, Mark

We encourage you to visit Epic Auto’s Trusted Saskatoon listings to read more customer reviews, see their full range of services, and, if you want more information or to book, check out their website.
They are here to help, and all of their clients shared that they are professional and invested in customer satisfaction- they are Saskatoon automotive experts you can trust!

Epic Automotive and Driveline is a Trusted Saskatoon Auto Repair and Service Shop
AND Epic is a Trusted Saskatoon Tire Shop

Trusted Saskatoon Auto Body Experts at Preferred Collision Explain How to Avoid Collisions

31. May 2022 Admin Saskatoon Auto Body, Trusted Tips

What can you expect when you deal with the professionals at Preferred Collision and Glass Saskatoon? You can also expect seamless quality repairs! A faster turnaround for your vehicle (on average 25% faster!!) and assistance dealing with insurance! You'll find quality at every price point - from a few hundred dollars to a thousand or more. Preferred Collision and Glass is a Trusted Saskatoon Auto Body Expert.

5 COMMON CAUSES OF AUTO COLLISIONS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Auto Collisions are quite often referred to as accidents. However, the reality is that auto collisions happen for a reason and can usually be avoided. Here are 5 common causes of auto collisions and how to avoid them.

1. DISTRACTED DRIVING

Distracted driving is the leading cause of auto collisions. Driving is an important task, and it is imperative that the driver is fully aware of all surroundings and remains alert at all times. With the number of distractions for drivers such as texting, checking themselves out in the mirror, eating, changing the music, or even talking on the phone, it is no wonder distracted driving is the most common cause of collisions.

To reduce the chance of a collision, distracted driving should be avoided. Distracted driving can be avoided by only using your cellphone in emergency situations using the Bluetooth feature, and not eating, texting, or attempting to multitask when you are behind the wheel. The driver must prioritize driving free from distractions to avoid collisions.

2. EXCEEDING THE SPEED LIMIT

Speed limits exist and are enforced for a reason. When the speed limit is exceeded, the driver has less time to react to potential hazards. Even if you are running late, slow down. Speeding is not worth the risk to yourself, passengers, and other drivers. Following the posted speed limit will help to avoid collisions by giving the driver time to react to unforeseen circumstances.

3. IMPAIRED DRIVING

Impaired driving is an inexcusable behaviour that causes auto collisions and destroys lives. It is every driver’s responsibility to ensure that they are fit to operate a motor vehicle before getting behind the wheel. To avoid a collision, do not get behind the wheel if you are impaired, and always plan a safe ride home. With ride-sharing apps such as Uber, a safe ride home is more accessible than ever. There is no excuse for driving impaired, and we must ensure the safety of our community.

4. INCLEMENT WEATHER

Though inclement weather is a cause of auto collisions that is out of the driver’s control, it is important to exercise caution when driving conditions are unfavourable. Snow, ice, heavy rain, and fog are just some of the inclement weather conditions that are not ideal for driving.

If you do find yourself caught driving in a storm, avoid a collision by slowing down and staying focused on the road. When driving in a storm ensure your windshield is kept clear to optimize visibility, and always pay closer attention to the road than usual.

5. TAILGATING

Following too close behind the vehicle in front of you is known as tailgating, and this driving behaviour can easily cause an auto collision. To avoid a rear-end collision with the vehicle in front of you, always maintain a safe following distance of at least three seconds.

When you’re driving, you should focus only on the road that is in front of you and if you get in any collision or accident, contact Preferred Collision for all your vehicle repair needs.

If you are in a collision, Preferred Collision and Glass will look after all your and your car’s needs, during and after, with our Customer For Life program.

Preferred Collision and Glass is a Trusted Saskatoon Auto Body Expert.

Trusted Saskatoon Tire and Auto Repair & Service Winter Car Maintenance Tips

5. Dec 2019 Trusted Saskatoon Saskatoon Auto Repair & Service, Saskatoon Tires, Trusted Tips

Be Safe On The Roads This Winter

Safe driving is always important, but being on the road during winter warrants extra precautions. That's why we have written up our most important tips to stay safe in hazardous, wintery weather conditions.

1) Avoid slipping and sliding

Ensure your vehicle is ready for Canada’s changing winter weather, by switching your all-season tires to winter ones before the temperature drops below 7°C. Winter tires optimize the performance and safety of winter driving. The braking distance of a winter tire could be up to two vehicle lengths shorter than the braking distance of an all-season tire.

2) Replace Worn Tires

It’s extremely important to check your tires each winter season because worn or bald tires can be very dangerous. Tires have tread wear indicator bars moulded into them. A solid bar of rubber across the width of the tread means it’s time to replace the tire.

3) Make Sure Your Tires Are Correctly Inflated

For every 5°C drop in temperature, tires lose one pound of air pressure. To ensure optimum fuel efficiency and prevent irregular or premature wear, tire inflation should be checked monthly. Several tire manufacturers recommend that tire pressure should be higher in the winter, so check to see whether your tire pressure should be adjusted accordingly.

4) Fill Your Trunk With A Winter Survival Kit

Winter weather can be very unpredictable, so make sure you have a winter survival kit in your trunk in case you get stuck in bad conditions. Every car should have a scraper for the windshield, a small shovel, candles, and warm clothing such as a winter jacket, gloves and a hat. Also, make sure you bring a cell phone with you on every trip in case you need to call for help.

5) Defrost Your Vehicle Properly

Although it takes you a few extra minutes, make sure to properly clean your windows and remove any excess snow from the top of your vehicle. Ice and snow that is left on your vehicle can obstruct your view, causing potentially dangerous situations.

6) Top Up Your Fluids

Wintery road conditions can cause your windshield to get dirty quickly, so make sure your windshield washer fluid is filled up. Also, ensure your gas tank is at least half full, as on very cold days the condensation in the tank can freeze and cause problems.

7) Buckle Up & Adjust To Driving Conditions

Make sure you are always buckled up and adjust your driving to what the conditions are like. You will put yourself and others at risk if you do not change your driving style to suit the wintery conditions.

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