Calgary Auto Repair

When people contemplate using water instead of windshield washer fluid, they do it for three very good reasons: Using water instead of windshield washer fluid saves money. Using water instead of windshield washer reduces the use of chemicals that pollute the environment. Water does not contain solvents that can damage the car's paint finish. However, does this mean that you should replace your windshield wiper solvent with water? The answer is no! Why You Should Never Use Water Instead of Window Wiper Fluid If you use water in your window wiper system in the winter, the water freezes, swells up as it turns to ice, and damages your entire system. If you use water in warm weather, especially tap water, is that the minerals in it crust in the wiper's reservoir, tubes and pump, eventually rendering it useless. Water does not have the solvents and soporific agents needed to dissolve bugs and rinse your windows so that they are crystal clear. Water can be used in your window wiper ... read more

Imagine you're driving along the road on your way to a pumpkin patch or apple orchard and you press on your brake pedal to stop at the next light, but you only hear an eruption of a squealing noise. You panic because even the radio can’t drown out the sound. If you are experiencing noisy brakes ever time you apply pressure to the brake pedal, there’s a good chance that your brake pads need replacing. Let's examine all the signs of worn brake pads.   If you drive a car, SUV, or truck, you most likely have brake pads on the front, rear, or both ends of your vehicle. Similar to tires, front brake pads usually will wear down quicker than the ones on the rear of your automobile. However, we recommend replacing them all at once to make your life a little easier.   Brake pads generally need to be replaced after 50,000-75,000 km or so, but your braking habits, the quality of the brake pads, and the make, model, and age of your vehicle also factor in your brake ... read more

A timing belt is a simple device that keeps your engine's valves and pistons operating in synch. Without one, your car won't run properly. If unsure how often to change your timing belt, you should check with the manufacturer or a mechanic working on this type of car. But here are some general guidelines: When Should You Replace Your Timing Belt? Replace the timing belt when worn, broken, slipping, noisy, leaking, or cracked. If you are experiencing any of these problems with your belt, it is time to replace it. Replace the belt if any of these conditions apply: When your car reaches 50% of its original length (this will depend on your car's age), it is time for a replacement. A sign that oil or coolant has contaminated the belt. It could lead to premature failure, which could cause engine damage. What Is a Timing Belt and How Does It Work? A timing belt keeps the valves opening and closing at the right time. The timing belt connects your engine's crankshaft to it ... read more

The heart of your car is the engine. It is vital to keep it in optimal shape for the best performance. One of the ways to keep the engine in top shape is to keep it cool. An excellent car cooling system rids the engine of excessive heat. A faulty system may cause overheating and therefore damage the engine. When the engine gets damaged, your car will be grounded until the issue is fixed. Quick Pointers to a Faulty Cooling System There are a few signs that will indicate a cooling system issue. If you see any of these issues, it is time to call your mechanic. Low coolant level, especially if there are signs of leakage Discolored coolant; a brown discoloration or presence of dirt and debris is a warning sign Engine heat/temperature light is on The engine fails to start (this may also result from other things such as a battery or electrical fault). A faulty cooling system can be a result of a myriad of issues. Some of these issues include the following. Leakage caused by a worn-ou ... read more

Shocks and struts are the backbone of your vehicle’s suspension system. They are in charge of providing a smooth and comfortable car ride, and they keep your wheels properly on the road. Both shocks and struts combine a spring and a damper into a structure. Without a functional suspension system, your car ride can get really bouncy. The damper is the enclosed cylinder that shifts a piston up and down as the wheel makes contact with the road. The cylinder contains a fluid that flows through the holes and valves in the piston, which help control your speed.  Over time, your shocks or struts can wear down. As a result, it won’t control your vehicle’s bounce as well as it used to. You may need suspension replacements more often depending on the roads you drive. If you frequently drive on gravel or bumpy surfaces, shocks and struts replacement may be required every 80,000 km. However, if you drive in normal conditions, you should expect to change them every ... read more