Many vehicle manufacturers recommend a lighter weight oil be used in newer cars because newer engines are built to tighter tolerances than before. This requires a lighter weight oil for proper lubrication when the engine is cold. Lighter weight oil also helps to improve fuel economy.

Most manufacturers will list a range of oils that can be used for different conditions, such as temperatures below 30°C, temperatures above 40°C, or while towing. These weight ranges will be listed in your owner's manual.

Synthetic oil helps promote longer life and better performance in most vehicles. It bonds to engine parts providing a layer of protection that surpasses the protection afforded by conventional oil. Synthetic oil will also continue to pump through your engine when conventional oil would start to thicken in cold temperatures or break down from heat.

Synthetic oil is recommended particularly for vehicles that are driven in cold climates – it will help you start your engine even when the temperature drops to -40°C. It is also good for high stress situations, such as pulling and towing. Remember, you can always switch back to conventional oil after using synthetic oil.

Synthetic oils are man-made in a chemical plant and cost more to produce. They provide better protection at extreme temperatures than regular or conventional motor oils. Conventional oils are mineral-based and come from crude oil that is removed from the ground and run through a refinery.

While synthetics can improve engine performance, they don't eliminate the need for regular oil changes. Synthetics can handle the heat longer than regular oil but additives only work for so long and the engine will still contaminate the oil.

Byfield Auto recycles all used oil and other fluids. Some is used to fire the shop furnace, helping to keep our heating costs at a minimum. Any fluids we can't use directly are sent to a reclamation facility where it is processed for use in other applications.

The fuel filter is very important, especially on a car with fuel injection. A fuel filter removes the dirt from the fuel that can get into the fuel injection or carburetor and cause driving problems. Replacing the fuel filter once a year is preventive maintenance. Check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s specific requirements.

During the hot summer months, contaminants such as pollen, dust, mould spores and smog can easily enter a vehicle's passenger compartment through the air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems. This can make the air in the car up to six times dirtier than the air outside.

Cabin air filters clean the incoming air and remove allergens. You can protect yourself and your passengers from contaminants by replacing the vehicle's cabin air filter annually or whenever heating or cooling efficiency is reduced. In areas with heavy contaminants it may require changing more often. If your vehicle’s model is from 2000 or newer, there's a good chance it is equipped with a cabin air filter. Check your owner's manual for more information.

If you have anti-lock brakes, then no, there’s nothing wrong, this is what an anti-lock braking system (ABS) does. When you brake hard in a car without ABS, you will often lock up one or more wheels depending on the speed, road conditions, etc. This wheel lock-up results over longer stopping distances. On a car without ABS you should manually pump the brakes to prevent wheel lockup.

On a car with ABS, the computer keeps your brakes from locking up. Your foot should remain firmly on the brake pedal, which allows the system to automatically pump the brakes. This on and off pressure to the wheels is felt in the brake pedal as a vibration or pulsation.

Depending on driving habits, most cars need a brake service between every 25,000-30,000 miles. However, this is merely a guide. Both parts and labor costs can rise dramatically if, for instance, the braking system needs an overhaul. It’s always good practice to consult your owner’s manual, but disc pads need to be checked regularly.

• Use the NHSTA vehicle search to look for recalls, investigations, and complaints:
  
      http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchVehicles
  
  
• Contact the dealer or manufacturer of your vehicle.
  
  
• To determine if your vehicle was involved in a recall and has not been corrected, you should contact the manufacturer and provide the vehicle's make, model, year, and Vehicle ID Number (VIN).

When the Check Engine light comes on, your car's computer system is letting you know it has detected a problem found by one of its sensors. You should have the car checked at the earliest possible opportunity.

A major cause of vehicle rust is the salt that is used on winter roads. To minimize rusting, have your vehicle undercoated. Byfield Auto is now offering undercoating services - contact us for details.

Also, be sure to wash your vehicle on a regular basis whenever the temperatures allow, or at the very least when the spring thaw starts. Washing should include an undercarriage rinse (available at most car washes) to remove salt from hard-to-reach areas that are likely to rust such as inside the wheel wells. If you’re washing your vehicle at home, be sure to spray the hose under the car and around the wheel wells.

It could be that your fuel system isn't as clean as it should be. Byfield Auto offers a fuel system cleaning service that cleans and conditions your fuel injectors, intake valves, combustion chambers and exhaust emissions by removing harmful deposits and moisture. This can help reduce hesitation and sluggishness, as well as improve fuel economy.

Radiator coolant, or anti-freeze, works to combat both heat and cold. This helps to ensure your engine doesn't freeze or over-heat. Over time and with exposure to winter cold and summer heat, the protective components of this fluid are weakened and its effectiveness can be dramatically decreased. Check and service your car's cooling system at the intervals recommended in your owner’s manual. Byfield Auto offers a Radiator Flush Service that will thoroughly flush your radiator and engine block, draining exhausted anti-freeze and replacing it with fresh clean coolant that meets the specifications found in your owner’s manual.

Your air conditioner will not operate as efficiently when air and moisture make their way into the system. An annual inspection of the air conditioning system will ensure peak performance and may help prevent costly repairs. We offer an A/C service and recharge package that can help revitalize old and inefficient A/C systems.

Automotive experts say that only a small percentage of vehicles sold in the U.S. require premium gasoline. For most vehicles premium gas will make little or no difference in terms of how well they perform. Follow the recommended octane requirement from the manufacturer and your vehicle will run properly.

Tires that are under or over inflated can cause uneven tread wear, reduce the life of the tire, reduce traction, and impact gas mileage, reducing your fuel economy. That’s why you should check your tire pressure at least once a month and adjust to the recommended pressure listed in your owner's manual. You can also find this information on a sticker in the trunk, on the door pillar, in the glove box, or on your fuel door.