Calgary Auto Repair Blog

  When Should I Put My Winter Tires On? Imagine you're driving along a snow-kissed road, the temperature dropping with each passing mile. This raises an important question: when should you put your winter tires on? With winter's icy grip affecting road conditions, the timing of this switch is crucial. This guide will help you identify the optimal time to swap your tires, understanding the cues from the weather and nature. You'll also gain insights into why winter tires provide superior traction during the frosty months. We'll even delve into the legal requirements in some areas for winter tire use. By the end, you'll be well-equipped to make your vehicle winter-ready, prioritizing your safety on the road. Understanding the Importance of Winter Tires Understanding the importance of winter tires, it's crucial you're aware they aren't just a luxury, but a necessity for safe winter driving. These tires are special ... read more

Have you ever been driving on a hot summer day, and wondered why isn’t my air conditioner blowing cold air? Your air conditioning system uses refrigerant to create cold air. The most common reasons Calgary drivers lose their cold air have to do with the refrigerant. The first is not enough refrigerant. Refrigerant is a gas in the system and if there are very small holes in a hose, seal or coupler it can allow enough gas to leak out to prevent the creation of cold air. Another potential problem for Calgary auto owners is contamination. Over time the inside of the rubber hoses can deteriorate and little bits of rubber can clog up various filters and other vital parts of the vehicle A/C system, preventing proper circulation of the refrigerant. And a component could also be worn or broken. So the first step for Calgary drivers who can't cool their vehicle is a thorough air conditioning inspection, looking for leaks and ... read more

What's the deal with motor oil? Why synthetic over conventional? You’ve probably already heard that regular oil changes in Calgary, and any city for that matter, are extremely important for the health of your vehicle’s engine. That’s sound advice. But what you might not know is when it comes to motor oil, the real thing may not be the best thing for your engine. I know, if you're here in Alberta than this might sound crazy! But let us explain. There are different types of motor oil: Conventional oil, extracted from the ground and refined. Synthetic oil, manufactured from high-quality base oils and artificially-made chemical compounds. Synthetic oil blend, a mixture of conventional and synthetic oils. The first thing you need to know is that most new engines require synthetic oil.  If synthetic oil is recommended for your car – you MUST use it. For the rest, there are many advantages to using synthetic oil over conventional oil. Synth ... read more