Auto Services in Kitchener

Get in touch with Downtown Auto Centre for a wide range of auto services in Kitchener. From automobile repairs to auto maintenance, we do them all.

Our technicians are well-trained and use state-of-the-art equipment to provide you with quality automobile services. Whether you need preventative maintenance or major repairs for your car, you can count on us. We can also help you with your auto insurance claims.

Our Services

You can trust us for the following automobile services:

Auto maintenance:  

Auto mechanic services for:

We also offer:

• RV and propane tank inspection
• Bearings and seals: complete diagnosis, installation, and repair
• Belts and hoses: complete diagnosis and repair
• Drive trains: installation of CV joints, boots, and universal joints
• Fuel pumps: complete diagnosis and repair
• Gasket installation: complete diagnosis and repair
• Heating systems: diagnosis, repair, and maintenance
• Lighting installation: headlights, interior lights, marker lights, and back-up lights
• Mount installation: motor, transmission, and torque mounts
• Propane conversion: complete conversion to propane or dual fuel
• Propane repairs: service and repair to propane-powered vehicles, tow motors, and welders
• Safety inspection station: licensed safety inspection station for certificate or inspection
• Timing belts and chains: installation and maintenance

Brakes

When the brakes in your car are of good quality and are properly maintained, you are able to drive safely. We can repair the drum and resurface the rotor of your brake, and provide you with high-quality brakes when required.

Warning Signs to Consider for Brakes

You can look for the following warning signs in case of brake damage:

• The warning light of the brake comes on
• The brake pulls to one side
• The brake pedal is difficult to press
• The brake needs to be pumped to work
• The tires become excessively hot after short distances
• There is a grinding sound or metallic noise when you apply brakes
• There are fluid leaks visible around the wheels or in the engine compartment near the master cylinder
• Your vehicle jerks to a stop on applying brakes

Premium Brakes

Premium brakes have a long life, offer exceptional performance, are fade resistance, and reduce brake dust which helps to keep your wheels clean.

Economy Brakes

We also have options for cost-effective brake systems.

Preventative Maintenance (Engines)

We offer expert routine maintenance, tune-ups, and engine diagnostic services.

Engine performance warning signs:

Platinum spark plug tune-up will help maximize the performance of your engine and time between tune-ups. This tune-up includes:

Maintenance tune-up is required to keep your vehicle running smoothly. It includes:

Diagnostic services for vehicle starting issues include:

• Diagnosing and determining the cause of no starts
• Assessing if the problem is mechanical, related to the ignition or induction
• Determining necessary repairs

Computerized diagnostic services allow us to diagnose poorly running vehicles and include:

Oil changes and fluid services

With the help of periodic oil changes and fluid services, you can increase the performance and life of your engine, and improve engine transmission, power steering control, and more. Downtown Auto Centre will ensure your vehicle’s fluids are full and clean.

Warning signs for oil and lube problems:

Synthetic oil and filter changes

The synthetic motor oils we use help your engine last for a long time. These oils work better in heavy traffic or short trips. Synthetic oil also works better in extreme temperatures.

Our synthetic oil and filter changes include:

Semi-synthetic oil and filter changes include:

High-mileage oil and filter service for vehicles with 160,000 km or more includes:

Standard oil and filter service includes:

Transmission fluid exchange service is recommended every 50,000 km. This will prolong the life expectancy of your transmission. The transmission fluid exchange service includes:

• Complete service using a computer-controlled exchange unit
• Complete exchange of all transmission fluid from transmission converter and cooler cleaning check
• Adding conditioner

Transmission maintenance service includes:

• Draining and refilling the transmission pan
• Replacing the filter (draining of torque converter not included)
• Repairing the gasket

Powers steering flush service is recommended every 50,000 km and includes:

Cooling Systems

Freezing and overheating can occur if your vehicle’s cooling system is not maintained. Check for the following warning signs for cooling system repairs:

Cooling System Flush and Fill

The flush and fill process includes:

• Inspection of the cooling system for leaks or oil
• Pressure checking the cooling system and rad cap for leaks
• Checking temperature gauge
• Checking crankcase oil and transmission fluid for water content and levels
• Testing the coolant thermostat
• Using chemical flush compound
• Draining the system
• Cleaning foreign matter from rad fins
• Checking engine core plugs
• Inspection of all hoses
• Refilling the system, checking, and bleeding air
• Checking the condition of drive belts

Cooling system drain and fill includes:

Radiator hose changeover includes:

• Cooling system draining and filling
• Installing upper and lower rad hose with hose clamps

Preventative Maintenance (General)

Preventative maintenance will keep your car in good condition, helping you avoid costly repairs in the future. As a courtesy to our clients, we maintain records of each preventative service and send reminder notices when these services are recommended. Our winterization and spring maintenance packages include:

Battery

At Downtown Auto Centre, we will service your existing battery, install a new one, and check your charging and starting systems. Our battery installation services include:

• Cleaning trays, terminals, posts
• Coating terminals with anti-corrosive protectant
• Installing new battery

Our charging/starting system diagnostics include:

• Testing the battery, starter, alternator, and regulator using state-of-the-art electronic equipment
• Checking for parasitic draw
• Inspecting belts and hoses

Wheel Alignment

To maintain safe vehicle handling and longer tire life, we recommend wheel alignment services annually or every 20,000 km. During an alignment, our technician will inspect your steering and suspension systems, and make adjustments to restore specifications. Below are the warning signs for alignment problems:

• Strange noises come from your suspension system
• Vehicle wanders
• Steering wheel is not straight when travelling on level road conditions
• Squealing noises are heard when making turns
• Uneven or premature tire wear
• Steering feels too loose or too tight
• Steering wheel or seat vibrates
• Vehicle pulls or drifts to one side

Suspension and Steering

Get a smooth ride with well-maintained suspension and steering. Trust Downtown Auto Centre to provide quality shocks and struts for your vehicle. When shocks and struts are in good condition, they will reduce the bouncing effect after hitting bumps. Excessive wear and tear of your tires and suspension will also be eliminated. A wheel alignment is required after most strut installations.

Shock and strut warning signs:

Shocks installation:

• Replace old shocks with new shocks, front or rear

Strut installation:

• Replace old struts with new front or rear struts

Air Conditioning

At Downtown Auto Centre, we offer air conditioning diagnostic services using environmentally-friendly refrigerants and quality parts.

Air conditioning warning signs include:

An AC inspection service gets your AC system working through recovery, evacuation, and recharge. It includes:

• Inspection of the system for leaks (evaporator, hoses, valves, and couplings)
• Recovery of old refrigerant
• Component performance evaluation
• Testing outlet temperature
• Testing and determining the condition of the AC system

Tires

Our specialties include the following tire services:

Brands We Carry