Knowledge Centre

At Victoria Transmission and Auto Care, located in Victoria BC, we are committed to educating our customers, ensuring you understand your vehicle and its service needs.

Under the Hood Videos

Scroll through our YouTube Playlist below, where Adam and the team go ‘Under the Hood’ with common vehicle parts and systems:


Click here to check out the rest of our YouTube channel, featuring more informative videos!

 

Quick Tips

Here are some quick Tips & Tricks for keeping your vehicle in top shape. We update these every month, so be sure to check back regularly. Or simply sign up for our newsletter to receive quarterly vehicle maintenance tips.

[expand title=”Check your vehicle’s tire inflation regularly.”]The Office of Energy Efficiency reports that each tire that is under-inflated by as little as 2 pounds per square inch causes a one percent increase in fuel consumption for your vehicle.
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[expand title=”Check the your vehicle’s air filtration system.”]Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car’s mileage by as much as 10%. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your engine and extend engine life.
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[expand title=”Maintain proper fluid levels in your car.”]Have all fluids in your car checked regularly, including brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, and antifreeze. Fluids help to neutralize internal corrosion, remove debris that may have accumulated, and keep the vehicle’s temperature within normal range.
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[expand title=”Check your car’s battery cables and posts.”]Inspect your vehicle’s battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. The battery fluid also should be checked and filled if it is low, except in the case of maintenance-free batteries.
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[expand title=”Clear out the garage and make room for your car.”]Park in your garage and your car will stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and you won’t have to depend as much on your gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster when you drive.
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[expand title=”Inspect your vehicle’s engine belts regularly.”]A poorly tuned car engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 50%. Also, frayed belts can indicate incipient failure, potentially leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
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[expand title=”Keep your vehicle’s engine tuned.”]Worn spark plugs, old wires, or a restricted fuel injector can reduce your car’s fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.
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[expand title=”Check your car’s windshield washer blades.“]Examine your car’s blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them approximately once a year or sooner if streaking begins.
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[expand title=”Change your vehicle’s engine oil and filter.”]If you own a car, you need to change the engine oil regularly. The engine is the heart of your car. Without proper oil and lubrication, your engine could break down sooner than it should, leaving you to replace it or even having to buy a new car.
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Information and Advice

Victoria Transmission & Auto Care offers a complete range of maintenance and repair services for both foreign and domestic cars and trucks in Victoria BC. Our automotive mechanics are trained and certified to diagnose and repair problems quickly, at a reasonable cost, to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Prior to beginning any work we always provide you with a cost repair estimate to avoid any surprises when you return to pick up your vehicle. Click on the topic for more information.

[expand title=”Brakes”]Knowing when to have the brake system in your car or truck serviced is key to keeping repair costs down. Common signs of brake trouble include: the brake warning light in your dashboard coming on, brake fluid that is either low or dirty, grinding noises, a “spongy” feeling when depressing your brake pedal and others. Our automotive technicians are trained and certified to service all brake systems and we specialize in everything from brake rotor servicing to brake cylinder and pad replacement, and problems with Anti-Lock Brake Systems. We also perform suggested manufacturer vehicle maintenance such as a brake fluid flush to remove air and moisture from your brake lines and brake fluid replacement.

In short, you can trust the professionals at Victoria Transmission & Auto Care for repairs and to keep your brakes in top condition.
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[expand title=”Clutch”]We recommend that the operating linkage of your car’s clutch be checked periodically to help you avoid early failure. Trust the professionals at Victoria Transmission & Auto Care for repairs and to keep your clutch and your entire transmission in top condition.
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[expand title=”Suspension and Steering”]Your suspension system takes a lot of road abuse, causing many components to wear out or even break. Being aware of common warning signs can save you from expensive repairs, and keep you and your passengers safe: Does your vehicle tend to pull to one side when driving? Do the wheels wiggle and wander back and forth? Do you experience bouncing or dipping AFTER going over a bump? Do you notice the steering wheel slipping, difficulty steering, wheel vibration, or screeching/screaming noises when steering at low speeds? Trust the professionals at Victoria Transmission & Auto Care for repairs and to keep your car’s suspension and steering in top condition.
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[expand title=”Engine”]Keeping your car’s engine running smoothly, and efficiently, our automotive technicians are professionally trained and certified in every aspect of auto engine repair and maintenance. From overhauls, tune-ups, engine troubleshooting, timing adjustments, and performance to diesel engine repair, engine rebuild and replacement services, trust the professionals at Victoria Transmission & Auto Care for repairs and to keep your car’s engine in top condition.
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[expand title=”Electrical System”]Your car‘s electrical system operates many different components, including: the wiring and circuits, charging and starting system, mirrors and windows, instrumentation, lights, and antilock brakes.

If you are having trouble with any of these components or with starting, it could be your electrical system. Trust the professionals at Victoria Transmission & Auto Care for repairs and to keep your electrical system in top condition. Our trained, expert mechanics will use advanced electrical diagnostic equipment to locate any problems and get you back on the road, quickly and safely
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[expand title=”Battery, Charging and Starting Systems”]Your car’s battery stores electrical energy that is converted by the starter into the mechanical force necessary to start your engine. The spark plugs ignite the combined air/fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders, and this powers the pistons that make your car or truck go. The alternator produces the current for the vehicle’s electrical needs while the engine is running.

Various factors can contribute to the wear and tear of your vehicle’s battery, charging, and starting systems. For example, frequently turning your car on and off when running errands causes more battery/starter wear and tear than your daily commute. Wear and tear is also caused by driving and weather conditions, overall mileage, vehicle age, and components like in-vehicle entertainment systems that draw a lot of power.

Signs of possible battery trouble include the dimming of headlights and interior lights, the “check engine” and/or battery light coming on, and the failure of various car or truck accessories.

Trust the professionals at Victoria Transmission & Auto Care for repairs and to keep your car’s battery, charging, and starting system in top condition.
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[expand title=”Cooling Systems”]Your vehicle’s water pump circulates coolant throughout the engine system where it absorbs heat before being returned to the radiator. When the heated coolant returns to the radiator the heat is allowed to escape into the air. A thermostat regulates the temperature of the coolant to make sure your car engine is running at peak efficiency.

Over the years, technology has brought us advanced coolants and more efficient radiator designs and materials. The need to replace the various components of the cooling system – such as the water pump, thermostat, and radiator – can be affected by a variety of factors including driving conditions your driving habits, the type of vehicle and coolant being used, and the frequency of scheduled coolant changes. Possible signs of cooling system problems include leaks, overheating, a “sweet smell”, and the frequent need to add fluid. Trust the professionals at Victoria Transmission & Auto Care for repairs and to keep your cooling system in top condition.
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[expand title=”Emission System”]Using an array of sensors, computerized engine mechanisms and exhaust components, the emission system controls emissions and pollutants in your vehicle’s exhaust.

That flashing light on your dashboard could warn of an emission system problem that needs immediate attention to avoid poor fuel mileage and excessive pollutants such as: carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, unburned hydrocarbons, and oxides of nitrogen, going into the air.

Many factors can contribute to the wear and tear of your car’s emission system, including your driving habits, the age and mileage of your car or truck, spark plug electrode material, service history, poor spark and bad fuel, and damaged or worn sensors. Our automotive mechanics take care of them all. And, if you need an emission check, Victoria Transmission & Auto Care is your one stop shop!
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[expand title=”Exhaust System”]Your exhaust system protects you and your passengers by redirecting harmful engine gases away from the car. The exhaust system also helps ensure a quiet and peaceful experience by minimizing (“muffling”) engine exhaust noises. The catalytic converter lowers the amounumber of dangerous pollutants in the exhe it.

Various factors contribute to the wear and tear of your vehicle’s exhaust system, including your driving habits, road conditions (e.g. salt, bumps, road spray), the type of vehicle, and the age of the exhaust system parts. Signs you may have exhaust problems include loud rattling noises during start-up, acceleration and braking, and if you experience unexpected drowsiness while driving.

Victoria Transmission & Auto Care offers complete automotive exhaust repair and service at our automotive repair service center. Our mechanics are considered the exhaust system specialists in Victoria BC and offer complete exhaust system repair and replacement services for all foreign and domestic cars and trucks.
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[expand title=”Fuel System”]Your fuel system’s components work to minimize emissions and ensure optimal performance when driving. Causes of fuel system wear and tear include the quality of fuel used in your automobile, the age and mileage of your car or truck, driving conditions, and your car’s maintenance history. Poor fuel economy, trouble starting, and your dashboard “check engine” light coming on could signal trouble. If you think there is a problem or you smell gasoline, your car’s fuel system should be inspected immediately.

Victoria Transmission & Auto Care is the recognized leader in Victoria BC for the service and repair of automotive fuel systems.

Our mechanics can get you back on the road quickly with services like fuel filter and pump installation, fuel injector testing and replacement, fuel tank cleaning and removal, and more!
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[expand title=”Lighting and Wipers”]The lighting and wiper systems in your car or truck are there to help you drive safely. They need regular maintenance due to a number of factors including, operating conditions, how often they’re used, and the materials used to make their components. If you notice the wipers chattering or streaking during use, a signal light rapidly blinking, or any of your lights dimming, bring your vehicle to our repair and service specialists. Your safety is our number one concern. Trust the professionals at Victoria Transmission & Auto Care for repairs and to keep your lighting and wipers in top condition.
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[expand title=”Filters and Fluids”]The filter system in your vehicle helps keep your car on the road – and those inside, comfortable. The oil filter keeps contaminants from getting into your engine and making it less efficient. The fuel filter protects your carburetor or fuel injection system. Air filters catch particles of dirt before they can damage the engine’s cylinders, pistons, and piston rings. If your car has fuel injection, the air filter also prevents contaminants from harming the airflow sensor. Finally the cabin filter traps pollen, dust, and bacteria, and keeps dangerous exhaust gases from entering the ventilation system.

Your car filters should be checked and replaced regularly depending on your mileage and driving habits, the road conditions, and filter and vehicle types. Trouble signs include poor gas mileage, hesitation when accelerating, and unwanted odours inside your vehicle. Trust the professionals at Victoria Transmission & Auto Care for repairs and to keep your filters and fluids in top condition.
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[expand title=”Belts and Hoses”]Belts and hoses help run your car’s engine, air conditioning, charging, and cooling systems. The serpentine belt, fan belt, drive belt (V-Belt), and timing belt transmit power from the engine to various vehicle accessories, e.g. the air conditioning and charging system. Meanwhile, coolant fluid passes through the engine, radiator, and heater core via the upper/lower radiator hoses and heater hose.

Various driving conditions can contribute to the wear and tear of your vehicle’s belts and hoses. Other factors include the age and mileage of your vehicle, belt tension, hose clamp failure, contaminated oil, and electrolytic corrosion. Not following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule can also cause your car to break down, leaving you stranded and in need of an auto repair shop.

Symptoms to watch out for include squeaking noises from under your hood, coolant leaks, dashboard light warnings, failure of the air conditioning, and engine overheating.

Trust the professionals at Victoria Transmission & Auto Care for repairs and to keep your belts and hoses in top condition.
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[expand title=”Tires/Wheels”]While a nice set of wheels can really make your car or truck stand out, your tires rival the brakes as your car’s most important safety device.

Considered by many to be the best in the business, our tire experts know that your tires must be strong enough to resist damage and flexible enough to cushion against impacts. The rubber of the tire needs to last for thousands of miles of driving on hard pavement, but soft enough to grip the road when the surface is wet and slippery. Tire design is always a difficult balance between these conflicting needs. Talk to the experts at Victoria Transmission & Auto Care for repairs and about how to keep your tires and wheels in top shape.
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