I live in the Parksville area and recently had need of being in Victoria for an appointment. En route, my car started to ‘shimmy’ and make a kind of unearthly grinding sound. Not good. I dealt with my appointment and turned my car on hoping against hope that the sound would have mysteriously disappeared. It was worse. Metal on metal is unmistakable! I called Kerry, my trusted mechanic at Kerry’s Cars and Trucks in Parksville. He emphatically stated that I could I not drive safely home. Without hesitation, he directed me to Peter at Victoria Transmission and Auto Care. I was graciously received by Peter and his wonderful staff as Kerry had already kindly called ahead to alert them of my arrival. The diognosis was not good. It was already mid-afternoon on a Friday but Peter created the time to order and install new front brakes. That in itself was fabulous. But here is the thing…. I am part of a special support program for single mothers that Kerry has created at his shop in Parksville ( not enough words of gratitude for that). Between the two of them, they figured out the details. Peter honoured Kerry’s program. He also 200
Green Tips & Tricks
Tips & Tricks Postcards
Click on the postcard below to check out tips and tricks from Green Month, 2012.
Go Green!
Here are some more tips to keep you green every time you take your vehicle out on the road.
Avoid quick starts and aggressive driving
A smooth, steady speed saves gasoline and reduces wear and tear on the engine, tires, transmission and brakes. Aggressive driving and quick starts increase fuel consumption by as much as 39%. You only save 2.5 minutes for every hour spent on the road when you drive aggressively.
Slow down!
Fuel economy decreases about 1% for each kilometer-per-hour over 80. Driving 90 km/h vs 100 km/h for example, increase fuel economy by about 10%.
Use overdrive and cruise control
Overdrive gears slow engine speeds which saves gasoline and reduces wear. By helping to maintain a constant speed, cruise control reduces gasoline consumption. Use both features only when safe and appropriate.
Check your tire pressure
A single tire under-inflated by just 8 psi (56 kPa) can lose 15,000 ms from its lifespan and increase fuel consumption by 4%. Measure your tripe pressure at least once per month to ensure they are properly inflated.
Reduce drag
Remove roof racks and other heavy items from your vehicle when you’re not using them. An extra 100 lbs an decrease fuel economy by 1-2%.
Preventative maintenance is everything
Replacing a clogged air filter can increase fuel efficiency by 10%. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30%. Using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil can improve your gas mileage by 1-2%. A well-maintained vehicle saves you money, reduces harmful emissions and makes the roads safer for everyone.
Choose eco-friendly service options
Choose products, services and packages that are environmentally-sensitive to reduce your carbon footprint with every visit to the shop. Victoria Transmission and Auto Care is proud to offer products such as re-refined oil, recycled windshield fluid, bio-based grease, and eco-friendly anti-freeze as part of our many ‘Green’ packages.