It's day 15 of the 31 day car care challenge

IT'S DAY 15 OF THE 31 DAY CAR CARE CHALLENGE

​You had the best of intentions but it's Day 15 and you've gotten behind on the challenges. We understand. Here is Day #1 through 15 all in a row. Grab your camera and get snapping. There are things to be learned and prizes to be won!! All entries must be submitted by May 31, 2019 by the stroke of midnight in Alberta.


DAY #1–
First things first. Send us a picture of you reading the fine print of our Car Care Challenge. The fine print explains how our Car Care Challenge works, some safety tips and what we agree to do and what you agree to do as part of the challenge.

DAY #2–
Let’s start simple. Open the hood of your vehicle. For some people it will be the first time you have taken a look of what is under there!
Send us a picture of what is under your hood!

DAY #3 –
An owner’s manual is very helpful in understanding your vehicles as well as finding important information about your vehicle. Owner’s manuals for vehicles contain a lot of information including information about: maintenance, what to do in case of emergency, do it yourself direction and vehicle specifications to let you know how to get the most out of your vehicle.
Send us a picture of, or link to the owner’s manual for your vehicle.

DAY #4 –
Maintenance Service Schedule. Many of our Car Care challenges are tied to the preventative maintenance needs of your vehicle. The very important thing about preventative maintenance is that it is done in a timely manner. This will save you time, money and extend the life of your vehicle. Your owner’s manual will tell you the different maintenance service schedules and how to choose which one is for you.
Send a picture of the service schedules for your vehicle and which one you are using based on driving conditions and habits.

DAY #5 -
Use the recommended grade of motor oil – Engine oil comes in different grades and formulations. Thicker oil is harder to pump, so using the right engine oil for your car can improve your fuel economy by one to two per cent.
·       Send a picture of the recommended oil weight for your vehicle. This can be found in two places on your vehicle. = one entry.
·       Bonus entry if you send us a picture of both locations recommended engine oil weight can be found.
 
DAY #6 –
Check your oil on a regular basis. Keeping an eye on your oil level between oil changes will ensure if the oil is low you will know about it before any major damage can be done. Since running low on oil can potentially destroy your engine this could save you thousands of dollars.
        
DAY #7 –
Fill up with the right octane – Your owner’s manual outline the octane of gas that is best for your car. Don’t buy premium gas unless your manufacturer recommends it. Similarly, if your owner’s manual indicates that you should use higher-octane gasoline, pay the premium price for premium gas.This will help your vehicle run most efficiently.
·       Send a picture of what octane level is recommended for your vehicle. This information will be in your owner’s manual.

Under the Hood

DAY #8 - Power Steering Fluid – Changing the fluid as recommended will ensure your power steering system continues to function well.
Check your power steering fluid. Follow the directions in your owner’s manual to check your power steering fluid. Send us a picture!

DAY #9 - Coolant is integral to cooling your vehicle’s engine. A head gasket repair is expensive ($2500.00 – 4000.00), checking and maintaining your coolant level and quality can help you avoid this expensive repair altogether.
Check the coolant – Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions for checking the coolant. Some general guidelines;

• Only check when engine is cold.
• Rather than open the cap on the radiator, just check to see whether the liquid reaches the “Full” line on the side of the coolant reservoir.

Send us a picture. Make sure we can see the line on the reservoir.

DAY #10 - Brake Fluid – The only thing stopping you is your brakes and brake fluid makes sure your brakes operate well. There are a couple of things to be considered: fluid level and quality of brake fluid. You can keep an eye on your brake fluid, your mechanic can test your fluid’s quality. The test measures moisture and copper content. When these levels get too high it’s time for a brake fluid flush.
Check your brake fluid level. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. Send us a picture.

DAY #11 – Windshield Washer Fluid – There are two kinds of washer fluid. There is a winter and a summer fluid. Which one is in your vehicle? Do you have an extra jug to top up as needed?
Send us a picture of you checking your windshield washer fluid. Bonus entry for a picture of a spare jug in the trunk!

DAY #12 - Find your air filter. The air filter is how your vehicle breathes. In most vehicles it’s a simple procedure to check and change it. A clean filter will keep your fuel costs down.
Using the directions in your owner’s manual check (or locate) your air filter. Send a picture!

DAY #13 - Check your battery – Corroded battery cables force your alternator to work harder and may interfere with starting. A battery service is a simple maintenance service and needs to be done regularly.
Check your battery is clean and well connected. Send a picture.
Remember, if you are handling your battery to wear gloves, be cautious of battery acid, follow all guidelines in your owner’s manual.

DAY #14 - Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) - Just like us batteries are happier in warm weather than cold. CCA rating is the battery industry's way of letting you know how well your battery is going to start in cold weather. The higher the amps the better the starting power. That's important information in our Alberta weather.

Take a look at your battery. What are the cold cranking amps listed on the battery? Send us a picture. Remember, if you are handling your battery to wear gloves, be aware of battery acid, follow all guidelines in your owner’s manual. 

Day #15 – Maintenance records for your vehicle need to be kept for several reasons:
Resale – a well maintained vehicle holds it’s value better than a vehicle that isn’t. If you are spending the money to maintain it keeping the records will ensure you get top dollar when you decide to sell or trade in.
Warranty – if you want warranty on parts or have an issue with a service having the receipts are the easiest way to get warranty approved.
Save money – it’s easier to know what services need to be done if you are keeping track. Keeping your records makes it easy to keep track and ensures servicing is done on time but not too soon.
Send us a picture of your vehicle’s latest service or repair record. If you aren’t in the habit of keeping these send us a picture of you promising to change your ways.