REPAIR SERVICES

Car Battery

If your vehicle is struggling to turn over before starting, or your headlights seem dimmer than normal, of if accessories such as the heating and A/C fan seem weak, your battery is in trouble. Give us a call to book in your vehicle and our technicians can test your car battery, clean the terminals and/or replace it if needed.

NAPA AUTOPRO TIP: The average lifespan of a battery is five years but 70% of batteries don’t even last four. Have your battery charged regularly and tested annually by one of our technicians to ensure proper maintenance. Since we experience cold climates in the wintertime, you can always upgrade to an AGM battery or one with more CCA (cold cranking amps) capacity that will give you all the power you need. 

 

Brakes

Your vehicle’s brakes will tell you when something is wrong. If your brake pedal feels spongy, vibrates or needs to be pushed further than usual, or your vehicle pulls to the side when braking, or you hear squealing or grinding noises… It’s time to have your car serviced.

Brake pads are designed to wear out and they will tell you when it’s time to replace them by making squealing and grinding noises. After a thorough inspection, a common repair may be simply to replace the ceramic brake pads. If left unmaintained too long, a larger, more expensive repair may require replacing the rotors and calipers.

Generally, braking systems work with brake fluid and hoses connecting the master cylinder to each wheel’s brake. Pushing the pedal creates hydraulic pressure that sends fluid from the master cylinder through the hoses to the brakes. 

NAPA AUTOPRO TIP: Regular brake service is a prevention against rust and corrosion and will help avoid more expensive repairs in the long run. Even if your brakes seem to be working well, an inspection could reveal potential problems that can be solved before any costly damage occur. Have your braking system regularly inspected by one of our technicians. 

Book a 4-Wheel Brake Inspection – Call (613) 283-7444.

 

Check Engine Light

Most vehicles today are equipped with an on-board computer that manages all components, most notably the power train–from the fuel supply to exhaust gases–but also peripheral systems like the brakes, electric system, air conditioning, and even tire pressure, through a network of sensors linked to the computer.

When the main computer detects a problem, a light on the dashboard turns on. In some vehicles, a red light indicates issues that need immediate attention. In others, if the check engine light is flashing, the problem could also lead to serious damage.

Our automotive technicians will use a scan tool to get the diagnostic trouble code(s) that are logged in your vehicles engine management system. That’s just the first step. Then our technicians will put their training, equipment, databases and skills to use to further diagnose and fix the problem.

 

Exhaust & Muffler

The exhaust system has three main functions

1.    Suppress loud engine noise

2.    Remove harmful pollutants from the exhaust fumes

3.    Move exhaust fumes from the engine out through the exhaust pipe


The exhaust system includes a manifold that collects fumes from the cylinders, a flexible part that absorbs shocks in the engine, an exhaust fumes analyzer, a catalytic converter that burns off harmful gases and a pipe with a sound-suppressing muffler. Everything is held together under your vehicle with bands, clamps and supports.

The exhaust fumes analyzer and the catalytic converter are the two most expensive parts of the system. Without engine maintenance and tune-ups, these two parts could stop working and need to be replaced.

Signs of a Faulty Exhaust System: An increase in engine volume is the most obvious sign of trouble. However, even without any loud rumbling, if you see smoke, smell gas, feel strange vibrations and/or if the check-engine light comes on, your exhaust system may have a problem. 

Looking to Upgrade Your Exhaust System: We can fabricate and install custom exhaust system for your car, truck or hot rod. We can also purchase and install MBRP Exhaust Kits, and Magnaflow Mufflers and Tips.

  

Suspension

The suspension is part of the chassis, which includes the frame, the steering system and the wheels. The suspension system supports the vehicle’s weight, reduces the effect of shock forces and maintains proper wheel alignment. It’s critical for proper steering, stopping and stability. Every time you hit a pothole, a bump, or object in the road, your suspension absorbs that impact and maintains control.

Most suspension systems are made up of several parts (springs, shock absorbers, struts, torsion bars, leaf springs, pull rods, air springs, etc.) that connect the vehicle to its wheels.

As you can imagine, your suspension has a lot of joints and pivot points that allow your wheels to move up and down over bumps, and to turn as you steer. These joints simply wear out over time. When a joint is worn, the suspension parts don’t fit together as tightly as they should. Handling and steering feels loose, and you may hear strange noises. Your tires will wear unevenly because they are bouncing on the road. A loose joint has the effect of stressing other suspension components so they wear out faster than they should.  

Here are some common signs of suspension problems:

·       Uneven and premature tire wear

·       Excessive play in the steering

·       Front of vehicle slumps when braking, bottoms out when accelerating

·       Visible damage

 

NAPA AUTOPRO TIP: Proper maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendations means having your suspension inspected regularly and repairing or replacing it when needed. Address a small problem before it becomes a major repair alter and avoid additional costs by having parts replaced or the wheel geometry checked to ensure it respects the manufacturer’s specifications. Manufacturers also recommend replacing the shock absorbers at pre-established intervals.

 If you suspect a problem, ask one of our technicians to run a diagnosis and make the necessary adjustments to the front and back suspension.

  

Starter

A car starter is actually a small motor. The starter and solenoid engage the flywheel and turn the gear, causing the engine to start when you turn your key to the right position, or press the ignition button.

The solenoid is an electric relay that sends current from the battery to the starter, so the battery must have sufficient power to initiate the process.

Though simple, the whole process requires precise electrical components so the starter is able to operate during hot summers or on bitter cold winter mornings.

Signs of a Faulty Starter: There’s something wrong with your starter if the only thing you hear when turning the car key or pressing the start button is a clicking noise. And, of course, your car doesn’t start. A whirring and grinding noise when starting up your car can also be a sign that your starter is due for replacement.

Generally, a starter can last many years if the car’s electrical system is properly maintained. Frequent use as well as cold weather add stress and can accelerate wear. Our technicians have the expertise to diagnose starter problems, test the battery and replace the starter and/or solenoid.

 

Air Conditioning

More than cooling the air in your car, air conditioning also reduces humidity. When the system fails, not only are you driving in a hot car, but you may not be able to clear condensation from the inside of your windshield in rainy weather.

 For the A/C to function, the refrigerant fluid (Freon) is blended with a special oil that changes it from a liquid to a gas in just a few moments to cool the passenger compartment.

In newer car models, conventional R134 and R22 refrigerants have been replaced by more environmentally friendly R1234yf refrigerants. It’s important to remember that the air conditioning system in your car works throughout the year and not just in the summer!

There are several signs your air conditioning system is not performing at its best and that it’s time to visit our garage:

·       A lack of air freshness

·       Grinding or squealing noises (faulty compressor)

·       Odours

·       Excess moisture on inside of windshield

·       Oil or refrigerant leaks (need to recharge the A/C frequently)

Lack of refrigerant is the main cause of A/C problems. In the case of refrigerant leaks, the lubricant won’t work properly, which can damage the compressor, the most expensive part of the system. 

To avoid costly air conditioning repairs, it’s important to inspect the system regularly to make sure it’s properly sealed. Recharging the A/C system with refrigerant protects the components and keeps it operating at peak efficiency. Our technicians can recharge the A/C system. 

Note: The A/C system must be serviced by professionals (like us) with the right equipment. Freon is dangerous and can damage the environment. Our technicians know how to work on your system properly and recycle the A/C refrigerant.

 

 Wheel Bearings

A bearing is a set of steel balls held together by a metal ring. It reduces friction in the wheels, allowing them to rotate freely.

The bearing is placed within the wheel hub assembly and keeps the wheel attached to your vehicle. Wheel bearings are also a critical part for your anti-lock braking system (ABS) and your traction control system (TCS).

Signs of a Faulty Wheel Bearing: Wheel bearings are under enormous pressure and withstand a lot of heat. They eventually wear out and need to be replaced. You’ll hear an annoying whine and/or groaning sound. The sound may come and go at certain speeds or while turning. Also, looseness in the wheel may indicate a faulty bearing. Book your vehicle in for an appointment immediately. If you wait too long, your wheels may lock up or you could get stranded.

NAPA AUTOPRO TIP: Have your bearings inspected regularly to see if any maintenance is needed. Our technicians can quickly tell you if your bearings are bad by raising the vehicle and wiggling the wheels, which should not move along the vertical axis.

 

Alternator

The alternator powers your vehicle’s electrical system and keeps the battery charged. Without a functioning alternator, the battery would deplete and your vehicle would stop working. Alternators also work as crucial starters for vehicles equipped with start and stop systems.

Signs of a Faulty Alternator:

·       Battery warning light on dash stays lit after starting vehicle

·       Vehicle is difficult to start: battery isn’t charging properly

·       Not enough power for electrical accessories like the radio, the heater fan or your onboard computer


NAPA AUTOPRO TIP: If you use additional electrical devices in your car, such as computers, tablets or if you regularly tow a trailer with a battery that recharges as you drive, you can have it upgraded to a more heavy-duty alternator. Your alternator should be inspected, and the belt should be replaced regularly as specified by the manufacturer. Our technicians will test and install an alternator that meets your manufacturer’s specifications.