Giving of your time and money to charities and community organizations is one of the most important elements of our society. The philosophy of giving dates back to early times, when those with resources helped those in need – and that is just as vital in today’s environment.

Donating time to charities or worthy organizations, from those that provide services to the poor or helping coach a youth sports team, allow each of us to give back and help others. In the process, it allows us a sense of satisfaction and our donation of time or money can make an immense difference in someone’s life.

There are many causes that require volunteers and donations today in order to provide important services to those in need. Some are grassroots groups working in local neighborhoods, while others are making a difference on a global basis assisting those plagued by famine or nature’s fury.

We have made it easy for you to donate to the cause of your choice. When your use our Online Appointment Scheduler, you get to choose the charity or organization you want us to donate to. You simply tell us where you want money donated and we will handle it on your behalf. It’s a Win-Win for all of us – and it’s a partnership that helps us all!

Effective Immediately there are new procedures for our Loyal Customers to obtain Roadside Assistance Benefits.

• You will need to have your Fourth Line Automotive Rewards Card in order to obtain service.
• If you have a Rewards Card Window Sticker it will not be enough to obtain benefits.
• If you cannot locate your Fourth Line Automotive Rewards Card please visit the shop for a replacement.
• Our phone system will prompt you to enter your 8 digit pin number from the back of the Rewards Card.
• You will be prompted to enter your phone number including area code (10 digits) in case you need to be called back.
• The number you enter into the system must be the same as the number you give to the Roadside Assistance Dispatcher.
• Roadside Assistance Benefits expire after 1 year unless you have returned to the shop for service at least one additional time following activation of your benefits.
• Fourth Line Automotive reserves the right to modify or terminate benefits at any time following notification via email.

We hope you never need to use your Roadside Assistance Benefits, but if you do we are happy to be there for you!

Sincerely,
Fourth Line Automotive Team

Shocks and struts are important to maintain as they affect your vehicle’s stopping distance, tire wear, and steering control.

The main purpose of shocks, struts, and even coil springs is to absorb the pressure when driving so you encounter a comfortable ride. Shocks dampen or eliminate spring oscillation (up and down movement) by using a plunger, a cylinder, and non-compressible liquid.

When you drive over rough roadways or encounter a pot hole, shocks and struts go to work to help maintain an even ride so your vehicle’s steering system is more in control and tires remain on the road surface.

Longterm spring oscillation or bouncing can cause shock and strut components to wear allowing for added bouncing and poor tire wear. It also takes longer to stop your car or truck when these parts are worn.

If you are encountering a bumpy ride, nose dives when stopping, or unusual tire wear, make sure to have your shocks or struts checked for worn parts. It really is all about driver safety and being able to properly steer, control, and stop your vehicle.

Bring your vehicle into Fourth Line Automotive and have your shocks & struts inspected!

We perform expert service on shocks, struts, and coil springs for your car or truck. Make sure your vehicle is both safe and handles properly by allowing us to service your suspension system!

Congratulations to Colin Bullen, our Spring Promotion Grand Prize BBQ winner!

Look for future promotions from Fourth Line Automotive!

What’s the Condition of Your Air Conditioner?

Summer weather is fast approaching and soon you will be switching on the air conditioning. Make sure that your A/C system is ready to go when you need it most. There is nothing worse than a hot car and no A/C to cool it down.

When is the last time you had your air conditioner tested?
If it’s been more than a year, your air conditioning system may not be performing at its peak or, even worse, it may not be functioning at all. Don’t risk it! Let us examine your air conditioner before you find yourself stuck in a hot car in a traffic jam.

Preventative maintenance is as important for your car’s air conditioner as it is for your home’s air conditioner. They both require regular service to avoid problems and consistently work properly. Your home’s air conditioner filter needs to be replaced every three months. Your car’s air conditioner needs to be tested on an annual basis to detect and repair damaged components before they become costly problems.

If you have any mold or mildew in your car, or experience a musty smell when you turn on the A/C system, it could be caused by fungus and bacteria that commonly grow on the evaporator (cooling) case on the A/C system. It can be a relatively quick fix by servicing the A/C system and using professional chemicals to eliminate the odors.

Bring your vehicle into Fourth Line Automotive and let us test your A/C system!

As summer approaches, it’s time to have your A/C system checked so you stay comfortable during those hot drive times.

With our professional A/C service equipment, we can review your system quickly and efficiently to determine if your system needs flushing, a new cabin air filter, or perhaps just extra refrigerant.

Fourth Line Automotive offers complete Air Conditioning & Climate Control System service. Our professional Licensed Technicians utilize state-of-the-art A/C service equipment to properly service or repair your car.

Call today or Schedule your A/C Appointment Online!

Spring Into Vehicle Maintenance

Spring is the perfect time of year to make sure your vehicle is ready for the upcoming travel season.

Click here to view the Spring Into Vehicle Maintenance Video!

Scroll down to Car Care Minute #7 and select Video to view live on the web.

Record Gas Prices Make it Perfect Time to “Be Car Care Aware”

With gas prices reaching close to a dollar a litre in some pats of the country, Car Care Canada is offering gas saving maintenance and driving tips that really work.

“Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gasoline is wasted every day by motorists, because simple and inexpensive vehicle maintenance is neglected,” says Car Care Canada’s Marc Brazeau. “Loose or missing gas caps, under-inflated tires, worn spark plugs and dirty air filters all contribute to poor fuel economy.”

Car Care Canada offers these fuel-saving tips:

• Vehicle gas caps – In Canada, the provinces with emissions testing programs suggest that this is a common cause for failing an emissions test – yet it is simple and inexpensive to fix. According to US studies, about 17 percent of the vehicles on the roads have gas caps that are either damaged, loose or are missing altogether.
• Under inflated tires – When tires aren’t inflated properly it’s like driving with the parking brake.
• Worn spark plugs – A vehicle can have either four, six or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as 3 million times every 1,500 km, resulting in a lot of heat and electrical and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plug causes misfiring, which wastes fuel. Spark plugs need to be replaced regularly.
• Dirty air filters – An air filter that is clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates a “rich” mixture – too much gas being burned for the amount of air, which wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.

Other fuel-saving driving tips include:

• Don’t be an aggressive driver – Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent on city streets, which results in 2 to 15 cents per litre.
• Avoid excessive idling – Sitting idle gets zero miles per litre. Letting the vehicle warm up for one to two minutes is sufficient.
• Observe the speed limit – Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 100kph. Each kph driven over 100 will result in an additional 3 cents per litre. To maintain a constant speed on the highway, cruise control is recommended.

Not only will maintaining your vehicle save you money, it will also help you to protect the environment by reducing emissions.

Read more at www.carcarecanada.ca.

The goal of Car Care Month is to build awareness and knowledge to prepare motorists to make sensible decisions about their vehicles.

Reversing unperformed maintenance will conserve energy, improve highway safety and benefit the environment.

Tips on Preparing for Summer

Car Care Canada offers tips to prepare for summer, to keep your vehicle dependable and safe, to protect the environment and to enhance and maintain your vehicle investment.

Conduct regular maintenance – follow a scheduled maintenance plan.

• Replace worn out parts, such as belts and hoses, before they break.
• Be sure to check all of the fluids (Brake, Coolant /Anti-Freeze, Power Steering, Transmission, Washer fluid) in your car, not just the oil and gas.
• Hot weather is the true culprit behind car-battery trouble – it actually shortens battery life. Summer is the season for major car-battery problems.
• Hot summer weather can be tough on a vehicle, even if you have your vehicle serviced regularly, be sure to have it inspected before a major road trip, and be sure to tell your technician your travel plans (in the mountains, towing a trailer, thousands of kilometres.)
• Clean your vehicle regularly and tend to nicks and chips immediately.
• Learn more and read tips on “Getting Ready for Summer” at Be Car Care Aware – Get Ready for Summer!

Learn more about Canada’s Car Care Month at www.carcarecanada.ca/cc_month.cfm.