Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Vehicle
As we enter our second year of the COVID 19 Pandemic, keeping our sanity and getting away from home will now be more important than ever before. Many of us will rely on our vehicles more than ever this year as well. As we slowly come out of winter here in Alberta, we welcome the warm summer winds.
This also signifies that it is time after a long winter to make sure that your vehicle is up to date in maintenance, and it's time to think about getting the winter tires off of the vehicle. This is a very busy time for us here at Dale Adams so we strongly encourage you to book your service appointment ahead of time.
Here are some tips on the basic maintenance your car will need as summer approaches.
Get a Fresh Oil Change
The oil in your car or vehicle should be changed about every 5000 kms or three months. As Alberta is so dry and as cities spread dirt on the roads to melt ice, there are often dust particles that can contaminate your intake. The extreme temperature changes can also mess with the oil’s viscosity over a long tough winter. There isn't much better than a fresh oil change after winter.
Change and Inspect Your Tires
First of all, it's time to swap those winter tires for your summer tires. This is a great time to inspect both sets of tires now that you can view them off of your vehicle. Be sure that they are wearing evenly and you can use a Sharpie marker to mark the position you took the tires off from to ensure proper rotation next time you swap them. Be sure to check the tread depth and for any imperfections. If you need help, advice and new tires, be sure to ask us. We have access to the best tires in the city!
Check Air Filters
You really only need to change-or at least clean-your air filters about every second oil change. Similar to the above, as you know, we have a dry and dusty climate. Even when you think you are avoiding dust in the winter, that isn't true due to the accumulation of dirt on the roads during winter that gets whipped up by drivers.
Inspect the Belts and Hoses
It seems there is a trend here, but guess what else wreaks havoc on belts and hoses? Yup, it's the extreme temperature swings. Most vehicles in Canada are designer with cold winters in mind, but checking these belts and hoses regularly is key to avoiding break downs. You won't believe how many issues we see because of neglected belts and hoses. Though you can check yourself, we recommend letting a mechanic (namely, the Dale Adams team) inspect these, as they know what they are looking for.
How are those Wiper Blades?
Yes, temperature and thick ice and snow also do a number on wiper blades. As these are so easy and inexpensive to replace, and annoying when they don't work, we highly recommend changing these often. Don't wait for that April rainstorm to find out you can't see as the wipers aren't wiping. Don't forget those rear wipers too!
Check Your Radiator & Cooling System
When winter ends, it is not uncommon that you may have to top up radiator fluids. As cold as it can get in the winter here, we also know how warm it can get here in the hot and dry summers. We also live in the spacious prairies where there can be long stretches between service stations. Don't risk having your vehicle, especially older models, overheating and stalling out in the summer. Be sure to get all your liquid levels checked but this coolant will be key.
Don't Forget the Air Conditioning
After such a long winter, it may be easy to forget we even have AC in our cars. We sometimes see that AC systems have had some issues during the winter, but that never gets noticed until that first warm day. Be sure to have your AC checked to make sure it is performing optimally and that it is working as expected. Isn't it nice to think about needing your AC on a hot summer drive?
Closing Thoughts
We aren't going to tell you to floss your teeth, but as mechanics we do want to tell you a very true story. Performing regular maintenance saves you money. Otherwise, the need for more costly repairs due to neglected maintenance will happen. Regular maintenance also increases the life of your vehicle. We have an amazing maintenance program and we can even send you reminders to book again when you are ready. Booking is easy too. You can call or use our online booking system to find a time that works for you. We have very strict COVID protocols in place and offer a free shuttle service. Don't delay, book today and avoid the rush.
Your Dale Adams Team
When Dale Adams started his own auto repair and customization business from a bay in the Willow Park Texaco in 1977, he knew that we wanted to build not just a business, but a passion and a dream. He wanted to do it for himself, but also his family.
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Your NAPA AUTOPRO of Choice - Dale Adams Automotive
We here at Dale Adams pride ourselves on adhering to world-class standards of auto maintenance and repairs. We are a certified NAPA AUTOPRO service dealer. We are able to meet all you maintenance and repair needs. Below are just some of the services we offer. Please contact us today to book your next service, tune up, or repair.
Auto Maintenance
& Repair Services
OIL CHANGE
Engine oil should be changed frequently to prevent power loss, avoid engine wear, combat rust and corrosion, and improve performance.
BRAKES
If your brake pedal feels spongy or pulsates, the brakes grind or squeal, the wheels or steering wheel vibrate, or the vehicle shakes when braking, get immediate service.
CAR BATTERY
Getting your battery checked and replaced with a battery that meets your vehicle’s specifications, CCA requirement and driving conditions will ensure years of trouble-free cranking.
EXHAUST & MUFFLER
Exhausts may be better built these days, but a minimum of maintenance is a must. Get a NAPA AUTOPRO inspection and avoid expensive repairs.
TIRE ROTATION & BALANCING
Properly rotated and balanced tires last longer. Rotation assures treads wear evenly. Balancing avoids annoying vibrations with your vehicle on the road.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Poor alignment causes your steering wheel to vibrate or your car to pull to one side. Over time, it can cause your tires to wear quickly and unevenly.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
There are generally two reactions to an illuminated check engine light: people panic or just hope it goes away. Understandable but wrong. It could come on for anything from a serious engine or transmission problem to a loose gas cap. Best advice? See your NAPA AUTOPRO expert.
WINTER MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Your vehicle is subjected to tough conditions all year round, and winter brings its own set of challenges that must be addressed with specific maintenance tasks.
Original article by Kevin Woo at yourmechanic.com
Understanding Performance Vehicles
There are a lot of us who want a little red Corvette in our lives. It’s fast, handles well, and let’s face it, a high performance car makes you look good on an open and windy road.
You might be tempted to think that taking a regular coupe or sedan and pushing it to its limit might replicate the characteristics of a performance car. You’d be wrong. Regular cars aren’t even close to a high performance machine.
Performance cars are built for speed. Of course, along with speed comes superior handling and braking systems to support it. But traveling “fast” in an everyday car is nothing close to pushing it in a car built for speed.
Characteristics of a performance car
Many high performance car aficionados can feel its quality before the car even moves. High performance cars tend to come with high end seats that hold you tight. The reason? The tight, wrap-around seats are designed to keep you firmly in place as you whiz around corners or turns on the open road.
If the seats hug your body, you know you’re in a car built to perform.
Other characteristics of a high performance car include very tight and responsive steering, the ability to hug curves and turn into and out of corners flawlessly is unmistakeable.
Oh, and another characteristic that we can’t forget, the adrenaline rush when you and your car are in sync.
Muscle cars aren’t necessarily performance cars
Some people see muscle cars and performance cars as one in the same. But there’s a difference. Muscle cars are designed to go fast in a straight line. They’re often outfitted with “sports packages” that give the illusion of being a performance car but they’re not. They’re missing two key differentiators - superior handling and braking.
How do you measure performance
There’s no right or wrong way to measure the performance of a car. Some people judge performance based on their 0 to 60 mph (96 kmh) time. With that as the criteria, cars that are familiar to the masses, such as the Porsche 911 Turbo S would make the list at a screaming 2.9 seconds, as would the Nissan GT-R, which also clocks in at 2.9 seconds.
Handling is another measurement. When driving on test tracks, how does the car handle on successive left and right turns, and how quickly does it straighten out? This is a big differentiator between performance cars and muscle cars. The steering and suspension on a performance car is superior.
Performance is also measured by the car’s ability to brake. If you’re driving fast the ability to slow down is vitally important.
Price
Performance cars come in all price ranges. There are inexpensive cars (less than $30,000), such as the Ford Mustang that perform well around town and city highways. And there are mega expensive brands such as a Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita, which will set you back a cool $4.8 million. There are only three of these in the world so good luck finding one.
The downsides of owning a performance car
What downside could there possibly be when driving a fast car knowing that you’re the envy of everyone but the police?
Well first, you’re going to pay higher insurance premiums. Even if you buy a used performance car, such as a 20-year old Lamborghini, your insurance company will classify it as a car built for speed and handling. From the insurance company’s perspective, the driver of a high performance car is likely to behave very differently than if he or she were driving a Mini Cooper.
An insurance company will consider the Lamborghini’s engine size, top speed, handling, and safety ratings when calculating your premium. These numbers are going add up to more than the average car so you’re going to pay more in premiums.
And to add to your insurance woes, if you get a couple of tickets or you’re caught by the police driving over 90 mph you’ll get arrested in most states. If this happens you could find yourself without an insurance carrier. Let’s get real, 90 mph (144 kmh) is nothing in a high performance car, and you’re likely to push your car way past that when the opportunity presents itself.
Performance cars that won’t break the bank
Below are some performance cars that won’t break the bank. While they don’t offer the same performance as an expensive brand, they still provide better than average performance at a relatively inexpensive price.
- Ford Mustang (Then talk to us about a Shelby Mod!)
- Honda Civic Si
- Hyundai Genesis Coupe
- Subaru Impreza WRX
- Dodge Challenger
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Worst selling performance cars
These are some of the worst selling performance cars. But this is probably due to their higher price points rather than the car’s desirability.
- BMW Z4
- Nissan GT-R
- Kia K900
- Audi TT
- Audi R8
- Dodge Viper SRT
Owning a performance vehicle can add to your fun factor. Spend some time test driving some cars on windy roads to see how they handle. Take along a friend or two to get some feedback on how it feels in the passenger seat and backseat. You never know, when you find the right car and close the deal, you and your friends might be in for more spontaneous joy rides.
Dale Adams Holiday hours
December 24th: Closing at noon
December 25th: Closed
Closed Saturday & Sunday as usual.
December 28th: Closed
December 29th: Closed
December 30th: By appointment only
December 31st: By appointment only
January 1st: Closed
January 4th: Regular hours resume
Happy Holidays from all of us at Dale Adams Automotive
Dale, Derek and the Team
2020 Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale - Save 15% on Whipple Superchargers
Between 12:00 am on Thursday November 26, 2020 through 11:59 pm Monday November 30, 2020 Whipple is having a very rare sale on their products. Save 15%* on your order placed between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you have been thinking about a Supercharger now is the time to buy.
As one of only a handful of officially licensed Carroll Shelby Mod Shops, we have an ingrained respect for this seeker of speed, torque and pure awesome automotive power. This article was written by the great people at Motor Junkie. We will feature a few vehicles in this excerpt version, but please visit Motor-Junkie.com to read the full article as you won't want to skip out on any of his accomplishments. Enjoy friends.
The Dale Adams Team
Read MoreTimes they are a changing. We all remember our favourite TV shows and movies that were about, or featured our favourite vehicles from the past. But we now have access to the Internet, and video services like YouTube. There is so much amazing, and free stations for all your automotive cravings.
We have listed some of our favourites and combed YouTube for new channels we think you should try. We definitely lean towards North American muscle cars personally, but we feel these channels below will cover most of the bases.
WARNING!!: We cannot be responsible for your job or family getting upset with you because you've been watching hours of videos. Open these channels at your own peril.
Enjoy!
The Dale Adams Team
Read MoreWe see so many amazing vintage vehicles here at Dale Adams Automotive. We are often asked by enthusiasts and collectors, which vintage vehicles will hold their value the best. Owning a vintage vehicle will always require passion and the ability to keep it in good shape. Here are a few tips and vehicles we hope will help you in your next search for that amazing vintage vehicle to invest in. Enjoy.
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2020 SHELBY GT500 DRAGON SNAKE CONCEPT
Unveiled in the Ford Motor Company’s display at the 2019 SEMA show in Las Vegas, the Shelby GT500 Dragon Snake is a modern take on a proven Shelby philosophy. During the 1960s, Shelby American offered a drag racing version of the Shelby Cobra called the “Dragonsnake.” Given the new Ford Shelby GT500’s dual clutch transmission and stout 5.2L engine, Shelby American reimagined Ford’s new Mustang supercar for that same mission.
The Shelby team’s design for the Dragon Snake adds more power to the car (800 HP+), revises the suspension for maximum grip and straight line acceleration, lightens the car with specialty equipment and exotic materials, retunes the DCT and modifies the bodywork including unique wheels. A widebody option is also being considered. In addition to the engine tune, Shelby American added high-flow catalytic converters, new lightweight glasswork and other innovations.
2020 Shelby GT500 Dragon Snake Concept
Standard Features
Performance
- Shelby suspension system
- MagneRide enabled
- Front and rear springs
-Front and rear sway bars
- Shelby Supercharger upgrade
- Windshield and glass package
- Performance Half-shafts
- Full exhaust system
- Catalytic converters
- Mufflers + exhaust tips (Cat back system)
- Emissions complaint 50 state legal
Exteriors
- Carbon fiber hood
- Drag style carbon fiber spoiler
- One-piece forged aluminum wheels
- Hardened and extended wheel studs
- Performance tires
- Wide body option
- Shelby hood pins
- Striping and badging
Interiors
- Custom Shelby leather interior
- Serialized CSM numbered engine plate
- Serialized CSM numbered dash plaque
Order Details
If you are interested in this amazing Shelby or any other Shelby Mods, contact us today for a free consultation and we can get you in your dream machine.
The Dale Adams Team
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