Essential Summer Vehicle Maintenance Tips From Trusted Saskatoon Auto Repair & Service Shop Epic Auto and Driveline

21. Jun 2023 Admin Saskatoon Auto Repair & Service, 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 share the importance of maintaining your vehicle's driveline.

Essential Summer Vehicle Maintenance Tips

As the summer season approaches, it's crucial to ensure that your vehicle is in optimal condition to handle the warm weather and long road trips. Regular maintenance can help prevent breakdowns, improve fuel efficiency, and increase overall safety. In this blog post, we'll outline some essential summer vehicle maintenance tips to keep your car running smoothly throughout the season.

Check the Cooling System:

The cooling system plays a vital role in preventing your engine from overheating during the hot summer months. Inspect the coolant level and ensure it's at the recommended level. Consider flushing and refilling the coolant if it hasn't been done recently. Additionally, inspect the radiator and hoses for any leaks or damage.

Test the Air Conditioning System:

Driving in scorching heat without a functional air conditioning system can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Before the summer heat hits, have your air conditioning system inspected by a professional. They can check for refrigerant leaks, clean the system, and ensure it's functioning correctly.

Inspect the Tires:

Proper tire maintenance is crucial for safety and fuel efficiency. Check the tire pressure regularly, including the spare tire. Underinflated tires can overheat and wear out more quickly, while overinflated tires can lead to poor traction. Additionally, inspect the tread depth and look for signs of uneven wear or damage. Consider rotating the tires if necessary.

Replace Worn Wiper Blades:

Summer showers can be sudden and intense, so having functioning wiper blades is essential for visibility. Inspect your wiper blades for any signs of wear, such as cracks or streaks. If they are worn out, replace them with new ones to ensure clear visibility during summer rainstorms.

Check and Top Up Fluid Levels:

Fluids play a critical role in the proper functioning of your vehicle. Check the oil level and change it if needed, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, inspect the transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid levels. Topping up or replacing fluids as necessary will keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Test the Battery:

Hot weather can put a strain on your vehicle's battery. Check the battery terminals for corrosion, and clean them if necessary. Test the battery's charge using a voltmeter or have a professional check it for you. If your battery is more than a few years old or shows signs of weakness, consider replacing it to avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Clean and Protect the Exterior:

Summer often means increased exposure to sunlight, dust, and road debris. Regularly wash your vehicle to remove dirt and grime, paying attention to the undercarriage. Apply a protective wax or sealant to the paintwork to prevent sun damage and maintain its shine.

Summer vehicle maintenance is essential for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable driving experience during the warmer months. By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of breakdowns, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance overall safety. Remember to consult your vehicle's owner manual for specific maintenance recommendations, and consider seeking professional assistance for complex tasks. With proper care, your car will be ready to hit the road and make the most of the summer season.

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 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.

Epic Auto & Driveline Trusted Saskatoon Tire and Auto Repair expert tip on Re-Torquing Tires

9. Jan 2015 Trusted Saskatoon 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 Tire Shop. In this tire tip they share why you should re-torque your tires!

Re-Torque Your Tires

Occasionally a customer will come into our auto repair shop with a concern of a noise; once in a while we find loose lug nuts that hold the tires and rims tight to the car. This usually happens shortly after they have had the vehicle in for servicing somewhere and the wheels were off or they have taken the wheel off themselves.

Re-torquing wheels after vehicle servicing

When you bring your vehicle to a Trusted Saskatoon repair shop, if we have had your wheels off of the vehicle, we will ask you to return so we can re-torque the wheels. Your invoice will also have a statement on it advising that the wheels need to be re-torqued. You can do this yourself if you like, but if we were the ones to work on the car we do this at no charge to you. We always use a torque wrench to tighten your wheels when we re-install them. This is more of a safety concern now than it was 20 years ago. Vehicles are much more reliable today, but they are made with lighter materials and some of these are very fussy about how they are put together. Even a slight decrease or increase in the tightness of bolts and nuts can have adverse effects, in that they can loosen or they can break.

Most automotive shops will use a torque wrench to tighten the wheel and this is the best way to make sure the nuts are tight but not so tight that the wheel studs break from too much pressure on them. Some vehicles are more prone to having the lug nuts loosen and will need multiple re-torquing to make sure they stay tight.

Loose wheels don’t happen often, but to be safe, have your wheels re-torqued within the first 100 KM after they have been put on. It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner/driver that this is done. Loose wheels can cause a lot of damage to your car and potential injury to you and others. It doesn't take long to re-torque wheels and could save you a repair bill and a big headache.

Relationships - Affordability - Transparency

Epic Automotive and Driveline is a Trusted Saskatoon Tire Shop

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