With the transition to the winter season, we start to make changes to our wardrobe to keep warm and comfortable. Your car might will need a winter makeover as well to be in optimal working order. Maintenance and auto repairs need to be performed throughout the year, but your vehicle needs a bit more thought in winter. Road conditions can become very hazardous during winter weather, which can make driving dangerous. It's essential to plan ahead for the conditions and situations that can arise as winter conditions develop. Proper winter car preparation prevents a breakdown or even an accident. Our mechanics have compiled the following list of helpful tips to best prepare your vehicle for the winter season. Ways to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Install Winter Tires: Winter tires will provide a rubber compound that stays pliable in cold weather for better control and traction when maneuvering in snow and icy conditions. Check for wear before installing the tires and ch ... read more
There are billions of vehicles on the road around the world. The average lifespan of a vehicle is about twelve years. This, however, depends on several factors such as maintenance, how often you drive, and where you drive. Technology has now made it possible for longer-lasting vehicles. Improvements in efficiency, emissions, safety, reliability, and longevity are now enhanced by microprocessors on board your vehicle. These improvements are increasing not only cars' lifespans but manufacturer warranties. As technology becomes more advanced, vehicles will have the potential to run even longer. Keep in mind that no matter how innovative your vehicle is, regular maintenance makes all the difference between a vehicle that is troublesome and one that is hassle-free. Without taking the time to take care of your vehicle and perform regular maintenance, your vehicle won't last as long. Not all manufacturers have been able to build vehicles that can chug along for at least 200,000 miles. What ... read more
Your vehicle's oil change is a simple service with high importance. Oil change services are vital to the overall operation of your car because it helps to ensure the overall health of your vehicle's engine. Low or dirty motor oil can lead to heat damage, corrosion, and metal-to-metal contact between parts. Engine repairs can be costly, so it is best to avoid major engine troubles by staying on top of your car's regular oil changes. Oil changes are an essential part of owning a car. Clean engine oil circulates throughout your vehicle's engine to lubricate components and regulate heat. It also helps to carry dirt and debris back through the oil filter to prevent grime build-up over time. Oil quality, car age, and how the car is driven on a day-to-day basis are a few factors that can affect how often your car may need an oil change. Check your owner's manual for specific recommendations for oil changes. Visit your auto repair shop for quality oil changes and fluid check-ups that meets yo ... read more
The power steering system relies on several mechanical parts. Power steering systems function to provide easier manoeuvrability and a better degree of control over the vehicle, making driving all the more effort-free. It is sometimes referred to as the steering assist system or SAS. Without it, steering would be physically strenuous and challenging to perform. Power steering systems can either be hydraulic, electric or a combination of the two. Steering a vehicle involves getting its front wheels to turn synchronously, either to the left or right. This is achieved with the help of different gear systems. The two main steering gear systems are the rack and pinion and the recirculating ball steering gear. The power steering system uses intermediate electric or hydraulic devices to reduce the effort necessary to steer the front wheels of the vehicle side to side. It multiplies the force applied by the driver through the steering wheel to achieve a smooth and quick directional change of t ... read more
It has happened to most of us. We're on our way to school or work, and we hear that dreaded sound of a flat tire or a blowout. Some sort of debris in the road has left you with a damaged tire and an immobile vehicle. This situation always brings on frustration. Now you must deal with getting your car to a tire repair shop. The tire has to be properly assessed to perform the necessary repair or replacement service. Depending on where the puncture is located and the severity of the damage, the tire will either only need a simple repair or be replaced. Tires are crucial to the safe performance of our vehicles. For the continued safety of your car, mechanics must utilize the best possible way to fix your tire. The availability of options leads to some debate over what is the "best" way to fix a tire and keep your vehicle safe. Is a plug repair sufficient, or do I need to replace the tire? Here are some considerations to determine which tire repair method is the best option for you. When ... read more
Determining your tire age is very important for your driving safety. Driving with a tire over six years old could be putting you and your passengers in danger. Tires dry rot with age from the inside out. When the tire gets older, it is exposed to the elements, and the strength of the bond between the rubber and the steel belts is reduced. This can cause cracks in the rubber, which may appear on the tire’s surface and can also appear out of sight within the structure of the tire. Keeping a record of your tires and understanding their age will help you save money on repairs and take proper care of your vehicle. Driving on damaged tires is extremely dangerous and can lead to a fatal accident. It is recommended that drivers have a professional auto mechanic inspect all tires that are in use for six years or more to ensure they are still safe for use. Proper tire maintenance will also help to keep your tires working effectively and lasting longer. Keep up with tire rotation, tire repairs ... read more
Your vehicle should always drive straight and true. If your car veers to the right or left, there could be several possible causes — some more severe than others. The problem doesn’t always have an obvious cause. There could be an issue with tires, wheel balance, and other factors that can cause the vehicle to drift. You will need the help of an expert auto mechanic to properly diagnose the problem. It is hard to focus on safe driving when you’re constantly tugging your wheel so you can keep it straight. Not only is this inconvenient, but it’s also dangerous. We can narrow down the possibilities by looking at some of the issues that can cause this particular problem. The following are the most common culprits of why your car veers to the side. Wheel Alignment If your wheel alignment is off, this can cause your vehicle to pull to one side and can also cause uneven wear on your tires. This the most common cause of your car veering to one side. This happens overtime due to poorly mainta ... read more
Tires should never be neglected. The safety of your vehicle depends on it. Your car’s brakes, along with the tires, are two of the most crucial components of your vehicle. Ensuring you are driving a safe vehicle is important not only for your own safety but for other people on the road as well. Having a tire safety checklist is an important part of making sure you are driving a safe vehicle. When you get behind the wheel, especially to travel long distances, you should perform a quick safety check on your vehicle, including an inspection of your tires. Regularly check your tire safety and maintenance checklist for some of the common issues your tires can have. Tires take more abuse than almost any other component of your automobile. They have direct contact with the road and all its elements that may cause them to wear, lose pressure, or puncture. Your tires may be easily inspected for wear and damage. How well you maintain your tires will impact your safety, vehicle performance, fuel ... read more
You are stepping into the new year with a shiny, brand-new car. You can’t wait to take it out on the road and break it in. But how exactly do you do that? Breaking in a new car is a practice that has been recommended by manufacturers for decades. The ritual is often referred to as conventional wisdom. It involves a combination of driving techniques, precautions, and maintenance tasks to help extend a car’s lifespan. Properly breaking in your automobile will ensure that early engine wear is kept to a minimum, oil flows smoothly and evenly through all moving parts, and components such as the piston rings and transmission adjust to each other. There are some techniques you can use to give your new car time to adjust to everyday driving conditions. Here we will highlight some of the things you need to do to break in your new vehicle. Your new ride deserves to be eased into the demands of its owners so it can perform effectively and last longer. Techniques for Breaking in a New Car Avoid E ... read more