Your exhaust system is an essential part of your vehicle. Every time you start your car, your exhaust system is working hard. It routes fumes away from the passenger cabin, it increases your vehicle’s performance and at the same time, it lessens engine noise.

If your exhaust develops a leak, that may mean your engine will be required to work harder, which can reduce fuel efficiency, and may expose you to harmful fumes.

Here are the Signs of Exhaust Problems you should not ignore!
 

Decreased Fuel Efficiency

• Spending more at the gas pump could be caused by a whole range of things, but it is also commonly caused by an exhaust leak. You may notice a decrease in the “miles-per-gallon” you would normally get (or in Canada, ‘kilometres-per-litre”).

Louder/More Engine Noise

• One of the key indicators in telling if you need to have your exhaust system examined is a louder engine noise or new engine noise. This may sound like loud rumblings.

Vibrations/Rattling

• Strange vibrations coming from the steering wheel area or even the gas pedal could be a sign of an exhaust leak. The entire car may shake if the leak is large enough. 

If you find your car is experiencing any of the above issues, please consult a qualified mechanic to diagnose the issue and advise you on the repair.

In the Collingwood area, the experts at Kells’s Service Centre are able to diagnose and repair exhaust issues. 
Call us today at (705) 445-3421. 
We are located at 80 High Street, Collingwood.
 

Today’s vehicles include injectors that feed precise amounts of fuel into engine cylinders, maximizing performance and fuel economy.  but a clogged injector can affect the spray of fuel just like the clogged nozzle on a can of spray paint.
Fuel system components such as the intake manifold, injectors, combustion chamber and throttle valve should be cleaned whenever fuel economy or performance begins to suffer.

Your engine relies on steady supplies of air and oil, but components can also be damaged by the dirt and debris that can come along for the ride.  So remember to change your oil filter and inspect your air filter during every scheduled oil change.

If your vehicle is pulling from one side to another or if one or more tires are showing signs of premature or uneven wear, you may have an alignment problem.  Regular checks can insure proper alignment and avoid costly repairs.  Be sure to have it checked every six months or after you travel 10 000 KM.

All batteries are not created equal and price will usually determine everything from the battery’s capacity to the length of the warranty.

Maintenance Tips

When selecting a new battery, choose one that:

• Meets or exceeds the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating recommended in your vehicle owner’s manual.
• Will be properly held down in the battery tray. A proper fit will prevent damaging vibration.
• Offers the largest-possible capacity if you drive in the extreme cold. A battery will lose about 40% of its cranking power in the drop from 27°C to -18°C   – even if it’s fully charged.
• Has sufficient Reserve Capacity (RC), which indicates how long accessories can run while leaving enough power to start the engine.

Did you know?

Most people may be surprised to learn that warm temperatures are harder on batteries than cold weather. This extra heat can come from stop-and-go traffic on hot pavement, the draw of your air conditioner or an engine that faces a lot of stress. (Automakers are always looking for ways to get smaller engines to create more power. Heat comes along with that.)

You’re simply more likely to notice the problem on cold dats, when you can need twice as much voltage to start the engine.

Recommended Maintenance

*Inspect batteries, cables and belts – every 3 months/6,000 km
*Test battery – every spring and fall
*Replace battery after 3 years if required


(Information provided by NAPA)

Few vehicle components can have a bigger impact on your safety than your brakes and they should be inspected every 24,000 km or 12 months because of it. Not only will this ensure that brakes are there when you need them, but it will help spot worn components before they lead to costlier repairs. 

If your brakes are dragging, squealing, grinding, or pull your vehicle to one side or the other, or if the brake pedal seems low, come in for service right away! 

Maintenance Tips

Do your brakes need servicing?

• Noises – Squealing can indicate brake pads that have worn down to the indicators and a grinding sound can mean pads have worn down to their backings, which are coming in contact with rotors.
   
• Warning lights – “BRAKE”, “ABS” or “ANTILOCK” warning lights will briefly turn on when you first start your vehicle. If they stay on or continue to flash, there may be a fault in the anti-lock braking system.
   
• Pedal sensations – A pulsing pedal can indicated rotors that are our of round, while a low pedal can indicated the need to adjust rear brakes.
   
• Performance – “Spongy” brakes can indicate air is entering the brake system. A Vehicle that pulls to the side may indicate brakes are not balanced or there may be a caliper problem.
   
• Low brake fluids – Dropping levels of brake fluid can indicate wearing disc brakes. The fluid fills the space left by the caliper pistons as they are required to move outward. Frequent top-ups can be a sign of a leak in the hydraulic system that should be addressed by a qualified technician. Only use the type of fluid recommended in your owner’s manual (i.e. DOT 3 or DOT 4). 

Did you know?

Most of today’s vehicles are equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS) that use sensors to monitor the speed of a turning wheel. If the ABS determines the wheels are slowing too fast and are about to lock up, ABS will cycle the hydraulic brake pressure to create a pumping action where the brake pad contacts the rotor surface. 

Recommended Maintenance

*Inspect brake system, including brake linings, parking brake, rotors and drums – every year/24,000 km


(Information provide by NAPA )