Service FAQs

  1. When should I get my oil changed?
    1. You should schedule an oil change around every 8,000 km or so. Make sure to reset after your maintenance appointment so you don’t forget!
  2. Why are my brakes making noise?
    1. It’s never safe to drive with noisy brakes. If you’re hearing a grinding or squealing sound, it’s most likely because you need new brake pads or shoes. But whether the repair is minor or otherwise, having your car serviced as soon as possible will ensure your safety and avoid other costly repairs down the road.
  3. My car overheated – what should I do?
    1. If your car starts overheating, immediately find a safe place to pull over, turn the vehicle off and call a tow truck to bring your car in for service. A car that is overheated should be looked at right away – you don’t want to permanently damage the engine.
  4. Can I drive with my Check Engine light on?
    1. Essentially yes, unless it is flashing. But even though the car may seem to run fine with the Check Engine light on, you will probably experience decreased performance at some point as it indicates there is an error which needs fixing. Bring your vehicle in for service as soon as you can to prevent long-term problems.
  5. What should my car’s tire pressure be?
    1. It varies. Locate the PSI (pounds per square inch) pressure specs on the side of your tire, which is provided by the tire manufacturer. Your tire pressure should always be set to this suggestion, as properly inflated tires not only give you better gas mileage but help optimize vehicle performance.
  6. What causes tire damage? What can I do to prevent it from happening?
    1. Many things factor into tire damage but the two main issues are inadequate tire pressure (see above question!) and not having appropriate tires for current weather conditions.
  7. When should I change my wiper blades?
    1. If you use the wiper blades often or keep your vehicle outside, up to three times a year is recommended. Once a year should be fine if your car is parked indoors or whenever the wiper blades start streaking, whichever comes first!
  8. How often should I check the anti-freeze?
    1. Aim to have your anti-freeze checked once a month.
  9. How long do spark plugs last?
    1. This depends on what year your car was produced. After 2001, most models use iridium-tipped plugs that will last up to 125,000 km. Vehicles 15 years or older will likely have standard spark plugs that last 50,000 km.
  10. When should I replace the timing belt on my car?
    1. Because the mileage recommendations differ for all makes/models, it’s essential to refer to your owner’s manual when scheduling timing belt maintenance. If you’re unsure, just give us a call for a diagnosis! Not replacing the timing belt can result in serious damage to your engine. It’s also important to note that certain vehicles might have chains instead of timing belts, which don’t require regular maintenance and can last up to 320,000 km before being replaced.