Is a roadtrip in your summer plans?
If an unplanned – and potentially expensive – stop on the side of the Coquihalla or I-5 isn’t on your wishlist, your first stop should be your neighbourhood mechanic.
Hours of driving in the heat of summer can be hard on your vehicle, even more so if you’re towing a boat or RV, explains Mike Salkus, service manager at the North Saanich Canadian Tire, serving the entire Saanich Peninsula. Add towing fees to a shop kilometers away, perhaps from areas without cellphone service, and time taken away from your otherwise well-planned vacation, and a simple burst hose or broken belt can add up to far more than a holiday hiccup.
“You definitely don’t want to spend part of your vacation stuck on the side of the road,” Salkus says. “If you’re doing work with us, we provide a visual report and we could pick up on any of these things before they hit the road.”
Common problem areas a pre-trip check-up can catch?
• Belts and hoses
• Tires
• Brakes
• Fluids, including coolant and washer fluid
“A pre-vacation inspection will include the same visual inspection we always provide and we’ll also pull off the wheels to have a look at the brakes,” Salkus says. “And if you have a trailer or RV, it’s essential to include that in the inspection too, as overheated bearings can create big problems.”
State-of-the-art equipment + skilled technicians
As a brand new shop outfitted with the latest gear – not to mention convenient hours welcoming drivers from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday – the North Saanich Canadian Tire is THE place on the Peninsula to ensure your vehicle gets the warranty-approved servicing it needs.
Of course, the right equipment and premium-quality parts also require the right technical know-how. Led by Salkus, who offers an amazing 42 years of experience in the industry, the shop also boasts two fully licensed mechanics, a third-year apprentice and a first-year apprentice.
Confidence in a Canada-wide warranty
For even more peace of mind, drivers driving cross-country know that work undertaken at any Canadian Tire is under warranty from coast to coast, Salkus adds. And those new tires? Enjoy Canadian Tire’s five-year Tire Care Guarantee!
To book your summer vehicle inspection, stop by the new Canadian Tire at 10300 McDonald Park Rd. in North Saanich, or call the service department at 778-746-4120.