Common problems, facts and tips

• If your vehicle starts to overheat you should roll down your windows and turn on the heater. This will help cool the engine. It is recommended that you have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible to determine why your vehicle is overheating. For more information see "Cooling System" under the Services heading "Maintenance".
• If you have left your lights on, turn them off and wait at least 10 minutes. Sometimes a battery will regenerate enough to get your engine started and then drive for at least 20 minutes to recharge the battery. For more about batteries refer to the services section.
• Check your tire pressure when the tire is cold or you have driven less than 2 kilometers. The proper tire pressure is very important for fuel economy, handling and tire life. It is also recommended that when you are putting air in your tires that you press the pin in the air hose to blow out any water that may be in the system. This is especially important in the winter as it may freeze your valve open leaving you with a tire flat. For more about tires refer to "Tires" under "Services".
• When driving on the highway, wind resistance dictates fuel consumption, which increase with speed. For very kilometer over 90 kilometers your vehicle will increase fuel consumptions by 1%.
• Revving your engine not only wastes gas but some gas may wash down your engine's cylinder wall and get into the oil pan, causing excess engine wear as well as diluting your engine oil.
• If your horn, radio or turn signals stop working you may have a blown fuse. Check your owner's manual for the location and rating of the fuse.
• If your vehicle vibrates at highway speeds your tires may need balancing or if pulls to one side it could indicate that you need a wheel alignment. If left unchecked excessive tire wear can result.
• When turning at slower speeds you hear a groaning sound it could indicate that you are low on power steering fluid or an indication of worn ball joints, wheel bearings or CV joints. A clicking sound may signal that your wheel bearings are damaged. You should have a trained technician inspect your vehicle.
• To check to see if your suspension is okay press on each corner of the vehicle. If it bounces more than once your shocks or struts are due for replacement. Remember they not only absorb the bumps on the road they also keep your tires in contact with the road, which greatly effects braking distances and the handling and stability of your vehicle. For more information on your suspension system refer to "Suspension" under "Services".
• A dirty air filter restricts air entering the engine and can impact fuel economy and performance. Air filters also serves as a muffler for your vehicle's intake system and should only be replaced with one specified for your vehicle. Your air filter has a big job as it cleans up to 40,000 litres of air for every 3.5 litres of fuel burned. Have your air filter checked when replacing your oil or as recommended by the owner's manual.
• Most us have never heard of a cabin filter but if your vehicle is a model year 2000 or newer, there is a good chance your vehicle is equipped with one. Cabin filters help trap contaminants, such as pollen, dust, mold spores and exhaust gases. If a cabin filter is not changed, it can cause musty odors in the vehicle, and over time, the heater and air conditioner may become damaged by corrosion. Refer to your owner's manual to see if your vehicle is equipped with a cabin filter.