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How to Handle Potholes

Potholes can be a thorn in any driver’s side. They’re not only dangerous and cause vehicle damage, but they can even cause accidents. Every year, potholes force drivers and Canadian municipalities to pay for costly repairs. While drivers are tasked with repairing their vehicles, cities like Edmonton are tasked with repairing the roads. Fortunately, for drivers, there are a few key tips to help you steer clear of potholes and potentially costly repairs.

Drive Over Puddles Carefully

Puddles indicate holes in the road and should be avoided at all costs. However, if you can’t avoid a pool of water, drive over it carefully. Since it’s impossible to judge the depth of a puddle, driving slowly and cautiously could minimize the risk of damage. Hitting a pothole at full speed can cause several issues of varying degrees, such as:

Misalignment and shaking

Pulling to either side while driving

Suspension damage

Flattened or deflated tires

A damaged undercarriage leading to fluid leaks

Dented rims

Cracked and/or bulging tires

If you encounter any of these issues associated with pothole damage, contact a trusted team for an auto repair. Edmonton drivers contact us at Computerized Auto Pro for quality service and workmanship.

Drive at a Sensible Speed

Hitting a pothole at full speed can be disastrous. It can cause irreparable damage to your vehicle or cause a major accident. Speeding may also make it impossible to spot a pothole in the road. Thus, to better avoid potholes, you should always maintain a sensible speed. This means driving at or below the suggested legal speed limit. Additionally, if you spot a pothole and can’t navigate around it, slow down, grip the steering wheel with both hands and slowly roll over it. 

Maintain a Safe Distance Behind Other Vehicles

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Winter weather is particularly harsh on vehicles. In fact, icy roads and cold temperatures are top facilitators of vehicle damage and wear and tear. Consistently harsh winters make this even worse for Canadian car owners. To minimize damages and properly address wear and tear, your vehicle should be inspected once the winter ends, or every spring. Early spring maintenance is essential to ensuring your vehicle performs well throughout the spring and summer. This maintenance includes an inspection of several vehicle components, such as: the filters, the tires, the fluids, and the belts and hoses.

Inspect or Change the Filters

A vehicle has several filters that must be periodically inspected and replaced to heighten safety and longevity. The most important filters to have checked and possibly replaced, include the cabin air filter, engine air filter, fuel filter, and oil filter. Cabin air, engine air, and fuel filters should be inspected for clogging and damage and replaced as necessary. The oil and oil filter should be changed as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Changing your oil and oil filter at regular intervals will prevent engine problems and keep your vehicle’s fuel consumption as low as possible.

Inspect the Tires

Tires are the only part of the car that have contact with the road. This makes them subject to greater wear and tear than other vehicle components. Thus, tire maintenance is essential to good vehicle health and performance. During the spring checkup, make sure your tires are checked for optimal pressure, damage on the sidewalls and more, and uneven wear on the tire tread. Damaged or worn tires should be replaced. On the other hand, normal wear tires should simply be rotated.

Check the Fluids

Coolant and fluids in the brakes, power steering, windshield wipers, and transmission should be checked as often as the oil and oil filter are checked. Low fluids should simply be topped off or flushed and replaced. However, since brake, coolant, and power steering systems are closed, low fluid levels may be caused by a leak. If you suspect one or more of these systems is leaking, contact an auto repair shop like Computerized Auto Pro for trusted Edmonton and Sherwood Park auto repair services. Also, don’t forget to have the wiper blades checked for tears and cracks when the wiper fluid is checked. For safety, broken blades must be replaced.

Inspect the Belts and Hoses

A car’s belts and hoses are rubber, and unfortunately, the cold weather can damage and/or harden rubber structures. On a vehicle, hardened rubber components can quickly soften, creating more problems or masking winter freezing. So, in the spring, belts and hoses should be checked for hardening and softening, as well as issues caused by this activity. Hardening can cause your belts and/or hoses to blister or develop leaks or cracks. It can also cause your belts to fray, loosen, or glaze. Damaged belts and/or hoses must be replaced along with their pulleys and tensioner.

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Canadian winters are harsh on vehicles, and especially their tires, which is why winter tires were designed to guard against the cold, icy, snowy roads. Depending on the manufacturer, they are available in winter/snow, ice and snow or performance winter/snow and ice. Installing winter tires can help keep your vehicle in good condition, protect against extreme damage or wear and tear and prevent a loss of control in harsh conditions. But, like many products, there’s a science to buying the right winter tires. The wrong tires could cost you time, money and security. So, before the winter season comes on in full force, learn how to shop for winter tires by checking out the tips below:

Select Tires that Match Your Location

The winter tires you purchase could depend on where you live and how you drive. For example, if you live in a busy urban city, you will probably need ice and snow tires to prevent sliding and to account for all the starting and stopping that can occur on city streets. When in doubt, choose tires that fit the most common weather conditions in the areas where you live and commute, and always buy tires from a reputable dealer. For a large selection and competitive pricing on some of the best winter tires Edmonton offers, check out Computerized AutoPro.

Buy the Right Tires for Your Car

Obviously, tires aren’t one-size-fits-all. Small sedan tires can’t fit on an SUV, for instance. The vehicle’s drive type must also be considered. Four-wheel (4WD), front-wheel (FWD), all-wheel (AWD) and rear-wheel (RWD) drives are the four drive types. And, just like the tires that complement them, they all provide distinct driving and traction capabilities. All-wheel drive types provide the most traction and are considered the best for navigating Canadian winters. However, if you visit us at Computerized Auto Pro, we’ll match the right tires to your vehicle’s drive type, size, shape and weight.

Consider the Tread

When shopping for tires, tread wear should always be a consideration. The depth of a tire’s tread affects its durability, functionality and performance, especially in snowy or icy conditions. Since the specifics of treads and tread wear can be complicated, your trusted mechanic or tire dealer can help you choose the best tires with suitable treads. Just make sure your tires are long-lasting, aren’t abnormally vulnerable to tread wear and come with a warranty.

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Engine noises can put any vehicle owner on high alert – and for good reason. Noises from your vehicle’s engine can indicate a serious problem and should not be ignored. Here are a few of the noises you should be aware of, including a description of the noises you can expect from a vehicle that’s running properly.

Not all Engine Noises are Bad Noises

Although a noisy engine can indicate damage or serious issues, this isn’t always the case. Occasional engine sounds are normal and not indicative of trouble. This includes temporary clinking, knocking or hissing. These short-lived sounds are usually caused by oil settling at the bottom of your engine when your vehicle starts, stops or accelerates. Slow oil settling usually occurs in colder temperatures when oil becomes thicker and takes longer to settle.

Clicking Noise While in Motion

If there’s an issue with a vehicle’s camshaft, timing chains, rocker arms or other valvetrain components, it might make a loud clicking or ticking sound while in motion. This is especially common when a vehicle is in need of an oil change. Worn components with low oil levels often make these sounds during vehicle acceleration, so they’re not often indicative of major engine trouble. Of course, neglecting to get an oil change could cause major engine damage and lead to issues with other vehicle components. However, low oil levels aren’t the only reason your vehicle might make these noises. In some cases, clicking indicates that one or more of your valvetrain components needs to be replaced and this is why it’s always a good idea to take your vehicle for an inspection at a trusted source for auto repair. Edmonton drivers regularly bring their vehicles to us at Computerized AutoPro to help avoid or minimize damage and save money.

Noisy Acceleration

Loud engine noises during acceleration usually indicate worn engine parts. Worn parts require immediate inspection and replacement. If you notice any strange noises during acceleration, take your vehicle to the auto repair shop right away. Although these noises may initially indicate small, easily addressed issues, such issues can quickly become severe.

Knocking or Pinging Worsened by Acceleration

A knocking or pinging sound that is worsened by acceleration could also indicate worn engine parts. Worn rod bearings are typically the cause of engine knocks or pings. If this issue isn’t addressed immediately, the worn rod bearings will eventually stop functioning. Broken rod bearings could lead to additional engine damage and other problems.

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An ailing transmission can be one of the most alarming issues for a vehicle owner; in the majority of cases, it requires a replacement, and transmission replacements can be expensive.  The sooner you notice the signs, the less damage it causes and the faster your vehicle can be diagnosed and fixed. Learn how to identify the signs of transmission trouble here:

A Burning Smell

No matter the source, a burning smell in a vehicle can indicate a serious problem. Although it can be indicative of many issues, it’s a common sign of overheating transmission fluid, which can be a sign of a failing transmission. Since it’s impossible to diagnose the source of a burning smell in your vehicle, you should visit a mechanic as soon as you notice the smell.

A Buzzing Sound

Unusual sounds coming from your vehicle is never a positive sign. They’re also usually a strong indicator of serious issues, for instance a buzzing or humming sound can indicate transmission problems. If these sounds are ignored and your vehicle unchecked, additional damage may occur. Never ignore any buzzing, humming, whining or clunking.

Leaking Transmission Fluid

Fluid shouldn’t leak from your car, especially transmission fluid. Leaking transmission fluid can be one of the most obvious signs of a failing transmission, but it’s not one of the easiest signs to identify. If you suspect fluid leakage, perform a simple test to confirm. When your vehicle is parked, place cardboard underneath, and after a few hours, remove the cardboard to check for wet spots or stains indicating leakage. If your vehicle is leaking, take it in for an inspection.

No Response When Switching Gears

No response when attempting to switch gears is a sign of transmission trouble that most people recognize. A transmission’s primary purpose is to allow the vehicle to switch gears immediately. Failing to switch gears right away or a delayed response indicates major transmission problems. If your transmission isn’t responding properly, take it in for the best transmission repair Edmonton has to offer – trust the experts at Computerized AutoPro.

Makes Unusual Sounds While in Neutral

Once again, your vehicle shouldn’t make unusual sounds. These sounds, however, can be helpful warning signs. For example, a bumping sound that occurs only when your vehicle is in neutral points to transmission troubles. Fortunately, in most cases, it indicates the need for fresh transmission fluid, but you should still take your car in for an immediate checkup if you notice this symptom.

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If You Drive an Older Vehicle, Regular Maintenance is Key

Wear and tear can take its toll as a vehicle ages, especially if that vehicle isn’t properly cared for. Older vehicles need more maintenance than newer ones to run well and remain in peak condition. Routine maintenance is the key. It’s beneficial to your vehicle in numerous ways, including extending its lifespan, ensuring a higher resale value, improving gas mileage, and reducing repair costs and frequency.

Extends the Lifespan of Your Vehicle

If your vehicle is older or has more than 100,000 kilometers on it, regular maintenance is the best way to extend its life. But the maintenance schedule varies from one vehicle to another. While some parts may require monthly maintenance, others may only require yearly maintenance or checkups after a certain number of kilometers. To ensure your car lives a long, healthy life, you’ll need to stay on top of these schedules. If your warranty has expired, ask the best auto mechanic Edmonton has to offer, Computerized Auto Pro, for a comprehensive maintenance schedule.

Ensures a Higher Resale Value

Vehicles are major investments. And most people only want to purchase vehicles that are worthy of their monetary and time investments. Regular maintenance can help ensure your vehicle is a worthy investment for the next buyer. However, this can only be achieved if your car has accurate maintenance records and is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. A well-serviced car should provide the maximum resale value, meaning your own time and money won’t be wasted.

Improves Gas Mileage

Well-maintained vehicles with good tires, oil changes according to the factory guidelines, clean oil and fuel filters and more, usually have better fuel economy or miles per gallon (MPG). Routine maintenance could increase your vehicle’s gas mileage by as much as ten percent, and it should at least help your vehicle maintain its original MPG and efficiency. This will help you save money, travel farther and possibly meet the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) rating for your vehicle.

Reduces Repair Costs and Frequency

It’s obvious that the better your vehicle is maintained the less repairs it will need. This doesn’t mean it won’t ever need repairs, but it does mean they won’t be as frequent and there will be fewer major repairs. Fewer major repairs equals lower costs. Just remember to follow the maintenance schedule. For example:

•          Change the oil according to the manufacturer’s guidelines

•          Rotate the tires and inspect the belts according to the manufacturer’s guidelines

•          Check the tire pressure and oil level every month

•          Wax the exterior to prevent rust and check the power steering liquid every six months

•          Change the transmission fluid, inspect the shocks for leaks, inspect the spark plugs and replace the PCV valve, rotor and distributor cap according to the manufacturer’s guidelines

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Buying Used Tires: Should You or Shouldn’t You?

Buying used tires is not uncommon for vehicle owners on a budget. New tires are an expense, and one which may not have been planned if replacement is unexpected. Although this is an option, buying used tires to save money could be a mistake. Because they’re used, you won’t know their true condition, where they came from, how safe they are or how they were used. The tires could have been overinflated, underinflated, or driven in treacherous weather or road conditions. All of these things could lead to internal damage that the seller is unaware of or won’t warn you about. Learn the pitfalls of buying used tires:

Tires Aren’t Inspected for Internal Damage

It’s impossible to check for internal damage when shopping for used tires – whether you buy them online or in-person. Moreover, most retailers don’t check for or warn customers about possible inner tire damage. However, inner tire damage can be caused by a variety of things, including:

·         Vehicle impacts that cause tread separation, weaken belts and cords or cause external bulges or cuts

·         Tiny pinholes that allow water to enter the inner tire

·         Small shards of glass embedded in the tire rubber

Used Tires May Have Old, Worn Rubber

Like many things in life, rubber ages. After about five years, the compounds in tire rubber begin to dry out and deteriorate. This can be caused by ozone, ultraviolet ray (UV ray), dust or salt exposure and more. Poor maintenance can exacerbate wear on the rubber or increase the aging process. Tires over the age of the five should be inspected annually, but this isn’t often the case with used tires.

Before buying a used tire, check the age on the four-digit Department of Transportation (DOT) date code within the tire’s sidewall. The first two numbers in the code indicate the week of manufacture, while the second two numbers indicate the year. For example, 3216 means that a tire was manufactured in the 32nd week of 2016.

Of course, if you buy new tires from the best tire shop Edmonton has to offer – Computerized AutoPro – you won’t have to worry about aging or wear. Our shop sells tires at just 10% over cost, giving you the opportunity to save money and providing you with new, worry-free tires.

They Aren’t Inspected for Overall Damage

Without a proper inspection, it’s impossible to determine the true condition of a used tire. These tires could possibly have a mountain of problems, including: cracks and dryness, improper repair, leading to anomalies or decreased performance and excessive tread wear. However, an inspection could detect major and minor damage, preventing possible road accidents and the sale of recalled tires. Since proper inspections aren’t usually performed by used tire retailers, experts suggest you never by tires that have:

·         Exposed inner parts or cords

·         No warranty or tire registration

·         Less than 2/32” of tread

·         Beads, tread shoulder or sidewall repairs

·         A manufacturer’s recall

·         Wide punctures

·         Unclear or non-existent DOT code

·         Any signs of damage, especially cord, ply or tread separation

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