Service Tips

As a vehicle's engine ages, its performance decreases and oil starts to break down at a faster rate.

Saving on Auto Expenses

Over time, seals begin to deteriorate, gaskets become brittle and oil consumption increases... all leading to a reduction in engine performance and the life of the vehicle, not to mention the cost to maintain it. Here are 10 ways to help you save on your vehicle expenses...

1. Make sure you change the oil and oil filter every 5,000kms or 3 months (whichever comes first).  No Exceptions!  Think of your engine as the heart of your vehicle and the engine oil as the lifeblood of the engine.  One cannot function without the other... so stay on top of your oil-change schedule.
2. Find a good mechanic!  Find a repair shop that is certified.  A good mechanic will listen to your questions, explain procedures clearly and will do only what is recommended for your scheduled maintenance.  If you do your own maintenance or go to a quick lube shop... the Zeemac Service dept. recommends you go to a certified repair shop to get a "FULL SERVICE" oil change and inspection about every third scheduled service. This will help keep the cost down on the maintenance and also contribute to finding possible concerns (like fluid leaks, uneven tire wear, brake wear, etc...) before they turn into expensive problems.
3. Have your tire pressure checked at least once a month.  It's the best way to prevent unexpected flats.  A service station attendant can quickly and easily perform the check.  Also make sure to rotate your tires and check their alignment as part of a regular tune-up (or with every other oil change).
4. Pay attention to warning signs... like that little yellow symbol on your dash that may light up every now and then.  There is always a reason for a unexpected noise, thump or ping.  But it also may not spell disaster either.  Vehicles, like people, have their peculiarities, and you are sure to quickly learn what is normal for yours.  With a high-mileage vehicle, however, its best to check out any symptom - be it a sound, smell or feeling - that seems the slightest bit abnormal.
5. Pay attention to the exterior of the vehicle as well.  If your vehicle is leaking fluids, it could mean serious trouble.  Keep an eye on the conditions of your driveway or regular parking space for stains or spots that can warn you of possible leaks.
6. Schedule regular tune-ups.  Even if your high-mileage vehicle seems fine, that's no guarantee it is.  Tune-ups help to ensure your vehicle's major components are running smoothly and that they stay that way.  Tune-ups also help to keep your vehicles fuel consumption low and is good for the environment.
7. Prepare your vehicle for the season.  If you live in a sunny climate all year round... you can skip this tip.  For the rest of us, your Owner's manual does have complete detail on how to maintain/prepare your vehicle for the season.  You can also go to ICBC, BCAA, Transport Canada or Automobile Manufacturer's websites to get complete recommendations/checklists for each season.
8. You can also check out all the Road and Travel tips throughout our website.  Here are a few 'Quick Clicks' to seasonal checklists on our site:
   
   Quick Clicks'

   Click to go to page...		Click to Print Checklist...
   Maintaining your vehicle		Checklist1 (.pdf format) or Checklist1 (HTML)
   Summer Travel / Maintenance Tips & Safety		Checklist2 (.pdf format) or Checklist2 (HTML)
   Winter Travel / Maintenance Tips & Safety		Checklist3 (.pdf format) or Checklist3 (HTML)
   Off-Road Maintenance Tips & Safety		Checklist4 (.pdf format) or Checklist4 (HTML)
   Commercial Vehicle Maintenance Tips		Comcheck1 (.pdf format) or Comcheck1 (HTML)
   Commercial Vehicle Travel Tips		Comcheck2 (.pdf format) or Comcheck2 (HTML)
   Fuel Saving Tips
   Tire Tips & Safety

   
   
9. Check your fluids regularly.  It's dangerous for your high-mileage vehicle to get dehydrated, so be sure to keep an eye on its vital fluids. Lift the hood and do a quick visual check.  Don't forget to check the dipstick for oil level and the coolant reservior.
10. Store your vehicle in a dry temperate location when it is not being used.  This will help to prevent disastrous wear and tear on both its interior and exterior.  Park in a garage whenever possible to protect its looks.
11. Stay on top of safety features.  Nothing is more important than your vehicle's ability to protect both you and your passengers.  Airbags, Anti-Lock brakes, check all seatbelts and other safety features you may have added.  Checking these features on a regular basis will help to ensure that in the event of an accident, they will perform their vital, lifesaving functions.

The number of people killed in traffic accidents is three times higher at night than during the day and 90% of a driver's reaction depends on vision, and vision is severely limited at night.

To avoid blinding other drivers, dim your high beam headlights when you are 150 meters from meeting or following a vehicle. Here are some other simple steps you can follow to improve your vision while driving at night:

• Prepare your vehicle for night driving by cleaning your headlights, taillights, signals and windows, even a thin layer of road grime on the lens can block up to 90% of the light and restrict your ability to see at night.
• Make sure your headlights are aligned properly.
• Reduce your speed and increase your following distance.
• Keep your eyes moving and focused at all times.
• Scan carefully for pedestrians, cyclists, animals and wildlife.
• Adjust your rear view mirror for night driving.
• Keep your interior lights off and instrument panel lights low.
• Most important... "SLOW DOWN"!

If You Breakdown:

• Stay in your vehicle.
• Do not try to walk for help.
• Run a stranded vehicle for short periods only (first making sure there is no snow blocking the tailpipe).
• Open a window slightly when the engine is running.
• Do stretching exercises to maintain blood circulation.
• Cover exposed skin to avoid frostbite.
• Melt snow to drink. (DO NOT use alcohol, since this hastens the loss of body heat).
• During the day, tie a brightly-coloured cloth to your antenna to alert police or rescuers to your predicament. (At night... use your vehicle's emergency flashers).
• Keep an emergency survival kit in your vehicle at all times... Which should include the following:
  • Shovel, Jack & Lug Wrench, Jumper cables
  • Warning light and/or Road Flares
  • Ice scraper and brush
  • Waterproof matches and a "Survival Candle"
  • Sand and/or kitty litter
  • Spare tire and tow chain
  • Extra clothing, blankets, extra footwear
  • Road Maps
  • Emergency Food Pack

The number of people killed in traffic accidents is three times higher at night than during the day and 90% of a driver's reaction depends on vision, and vision is severely limited at night.

Use Your Common Sense When Driving...

• Always wear your seat belt (passengers too!)
• Lock all your doors when in vehicle.
• When exiting the vehicle... make sure it is in Park and set the park brake as well.
• Always park in a well-lit area and observe your surroundings as you leave or approach your vehicle (especially at night).
• Keep your vehicle in good working order and ready with sufficient fuel.
• Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times... you never know when it might come in handy.
• In the event of a breakdown, use distress signals such as putting your hood up, putting your hazards on.
• Remain in your vehicle until help arrives. (And please be wary of accepting help from strangers).

to help keep you safe in your vehicle...

• Always check the back seat before entering your truck or car.
• If someone threatens you while you are in your vehicle, lock all the doors, blow the horn in short bursts to attract attention.
• Don't under any circumstances pickup a hitchhiker.
• If you are being followed or feel unsafe, put your hand on the horn all the way to the nearest Police, Fire, Gas station or lighted home.
• Use any method possible to attract attention to your vehicle.
• If you get into a fender bender (minor car accident) and don't feel safe about getting out to exchange information.
• Let the other person(s) involved know that you are going to pull over at the nearest Corner store, gas station, etc... (an area which makes you more comfortable about getting out of your vehicle).

Gas Advantages		Diesel Advantages
Gas engines are quieter		Diesel has a much larger tank
Gas engines weigh less		Diesel runs cooler (adds to life expectancy)
Gas is much easier to find in remote areas		Diesel allows full engine power at a lower ground speed (good for off-road control)
More engine choices		Diesel engines are extremely hard to ignite (safety)
Gas engines have better engine braking		Longer diesel engine warranty
Gas engines do not smell		Diesel engines - waterproof
Repair costs are less		Does not depreciate as much as gas engine vehicles
Easier cold starts		Fuel costs are less
Lower maintenance costs (oil & filters, tune-ups)