Specializing in fine
european automobiles since 1985
dedicated to servicing Northern
Ontario
T.E.Parolin & Sons Advantage
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All used car certifications are not created equal. A quick search of auto trader will reveal that there is quite a price gap between similar cars. Amongst non franchise dealers the difference comes down to how well the car has been re-certified for continued road use. How much money a dealer has to put into correcting both mechanical and cosmetic issues directly affects their profit margin. This usually translates into the bare minimum being completed to satisfy Ontario Safety Standards Certification. Unfortunately these standards allow for the most basic of road safety needs. The T.E. Advantage includes a complete review of the entire car, guaranteeing that all features and options, as well as all important road safety relevant items are completed to a much higher standard than required by law. The MTO Standards may look comprehensive, however the T.E. Advantage will outline what certification standards our cars are expected to meet, when a used car goes through our service shop. The Complete Ontario Safety Standards List Our certification check includes but is certainly not limited to the following:
Charging System | The charging system is fully checked to see that the car is recharging its battery correctly. We perform a test on both the battery to check condition and life left, and test the capabilities of the alternator under heavy electrical load. We use the same high quality batteries that both Volvo and BMW recommend Lighting System All lights are working and are in good physical condition. This may include us replacing the light due to breakage or polishing because they are faded. Headlights, Front fog lights (if so equipped), Marker lights, Position lights, Rear fog lights, Brake lights, Interior map lights, Courtesy lights, Switch lights etc… Starter System The starter is checked to see that it is healthy and can physically turn the motor over without fatigue.
Oil Change | One of the first things we check is the condition of the oil. Unless it looks brand new we change both the oil and filter. Only the factory recommended oil grade is used and the correct oil filter installed. The oil service light is also reset (requires special tools). Cooling System Condition of the following components are visually inspected for leaks: radiator, all cooling hoses for radiator and for heating system, heat control valve, thermostat, thermostat housing, radiator expansion tank, coolant temp sensor, heater core. Cooling system is pressure tested to verify the visual inspection for leaks. Coolant strength is checked to verify that it can withstand temperatures below -35C. If the car is equipped with a block heater, it is also tested to make sure it functions properly. Air Conditioning System The complete air conditioning system is checked for leaks and is tested to be sure that it blows cold. Leaking components that are found are replaced. After the repair the system is again pressure tested to be sure the problem has been corrected. If the vehicle is sold in the winter and the two month warranty cannot span into the summer season, a stipulation will be made on the purchase agreement indicating the air conditioning is warranted for the first summer of use. Check all fluids All fluids are checked for both condition and to verify they have the correct levels. We will replace the fluid if necessary. These fluids include: Transmission fluid, differential fluid, suspension oil, transfer case oil, viscous clutch oil (for all wheel drive cars), coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid, power steering etc… If they are found to be low on fluids they will be topped up while if they are found to be of poor quality they will be flushed and changed.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) | The airbag system and all other safety systems the vehicle possesses is guartenteed to be free of fault. Obviously we cannot test the airbags but making sure the system is free of faults is as simple as scanning the controlling module(s) for fault codes. Braking System The initial road test or subsequent hoist inspection will easily reveal any problems with braking system. The whole system is checked for leaks and overall condition. A highway panic stop is tested to insure and nice firm brake pedal and no vibrations (other than the ABS). Our policy on the linings (brake rotors and pads) is if they are under 75% wear rate we replace them. The brakes are also serviced to be sure that they are properly lubricated to avoid nasty squeaks. This guarantees the new owner should not be changing their brakes within the first year of ownership. Here is a run down of the braking system components that are checked; Brake booster, master cylinder, brake pedal, brake lines, control unit, calipers, pads, rotors, brake pad wear sensors ABS/Traction Control Systems These systems work in tandem and are checked for faults during the initial fault code scan listed above. These systems will trigger a dash light if there are any faults within either. Any potential faults are rectified prior to the sale. Should any faults be detected the appropriate repairs to this system are made and road tested to be sure it operates as intended. Steering/Alignment All steering parts are visually and physically inspected much the same as the suspension parts. The alignment of the car is checked in the test drive and if the car is not driving or braking straight a 4 wheel alignment is done. The customer is given their new car fully aligned so there will be no chance of uneven tire wear or bad steering characteristics. Suspension The initial road test will usually uncover any problems with either the front or rear suspension. Otherwise both the front and rear suspension is visually and physically inspected with the vehicle on hoist inspection. Here is a list of the components we check in our suspension check over: springs, shocks, shock tops, sway bar links, sway bar, control arms, ball joints, all bushings associated with the front or rear suspension.
Anti Theft/Alarm system | Much the same as the SRS system, the Alarm/Immobilizer system is checked for faults and Diagnostic trouble codes. Any fault with the system will be uncovered through a scan for fault codes. However we can actually test the system to be sure that the alarm works properly.
Full Diagnostic Scan of All Modules | Some of the latest Volvo and BMW products have well over 30 small computers (or modules) controlling various functions for the operation of the car. A simple “scanner” will only scan the engine control module for faults. Our state of the art equipment will allow access to the other 29+ modules. All of our cars get handed over to their new owners with zero faults in all modules. Software Updates All Volvo and BMW control modules are checked for fault codes. If their is a problem pertianing to software, the latest software will be installed to correct the issue. Our manufacturer specific diagnostic tools are used to perform any required updates.
Drive shafts, CV Joints, Wheel Bearings | All three of these (and any other drive train drive delivery component) are checked for noise and free unobstructed rotation capability. If they are noisy or hard to turn they will be replaced. Rotating components We check the following for condition/play and noise Drive belt(s) - a/c, power steering, alternator etc... Timing belt (any cracks at all and we change it regardless of age/miles) Timing chain Timing chain guides Belt/Chain tensioners Idlers/Rollers all accessories (a/c, Power Steering, Alternator, Water Pump etc..) Tune up items Including but not limited too: Spark plugs Ignition coil or ignition coil packs Spark plug wires (if applicable) Air filter Distributor cap (if applicable) Distributor rotor (if applicable)
Interior/exterior trim and accessories | Under interior will be listed some of the things that get missed with a basic certification. This section shows our attention to detail on our version of a vehicle’s certification. All the components listed are checked to be sure of their correct operation. Headlight washers/wipers Power windows Power locking system Power adjusted mirrors Sunroof Power seats/heated mirrors Heated seats Park distance sensor system Steering column adjustment Steering wheel hand controls Trip computer Folding rear seats Child seat anchors Integrated booster seats All dash related switch gear (heater controls, radio, cruise controls etc…) Cup holders Glove box Dash/Instrumentation lighting Audio system (working as it should and no blown speakers) Remote lock/unlocking (if so equipped) 12 volt power sockets/cigarette lighters That summarizes the additional systems and components that we check to satisfy our own standards for certification. This certification standard puts us in line with the standard of the Volvo and BMW dealers, with their “Certified Series” used car programs. All the components you have read about above are covered for the first 60 days of new ownership, through our in house “bumper to bumper warranty.” |
