A power steering pump is an integral piece of your car’s steering and suspension system. It sends fluid to your car’s steering components to help you quickly and easily steer. Identifying when your pump is having trouble can prevent costly repairs and dangerous driving situations. Here are six signs of a worn-out power steering pump. 1. There’s a squealing sound when you start the car…
Read MoreMany drivers will need to deal with a flat tire at some point in their lifetime. It may seem daunting, but changing a flat tire is a relatively simple process. Follow these nine steps to get moving again quickly. 1. Pull over If you suspect you have a flat tire, slow down and find an area on the side of the road away from traffic…
Read MoreAn engine block heater can help ensure your car will start on even the coldest Canadian winter day. Freezing temperatures can damage your car’s engine, and a block heater will prolong the life of your vehicle if you live in a cold climate. Here’s everything you need to know about this device. What an engine block heater does A block heater helps keep your car…
Read MoreRoad salt makes streets and highways less icy and safer to drive on in winter. Unfortunately, the chemicals it contains are corrosive and can damage your vehicle. Here’s why road salt is harmful and some tips on how to protect your car from corrosion this winter. What road salt does and why it’s harmful Road salt contains sodium chloride, which lowers the freezing point of…
Read MoreAlso called a parking brake, many drivers are unclear about when and how to correctly use their emergency brake. However, being familiar with this essential component can make your vehicle safer and prolong its lifespan. Here’s what you should know. How your emergency brake works Your emergency brake is part of your vehicle’s overall braking system, although it functions independently from your primary brakes. Using…
Read MoreGlare from the sun and the headlights of other vehicles is more than just an annoyance: it’s dangerous. An extensive study conducted at Canada’s largest trauma hospital in Toronto found the risk of being in a life-threatening crash was 16 per cent higher during periods of direct sunlight than it was in normal weather. To reduce blinding glare, follow these eight safety tips. 1. Avoid…
Read MoreFlooded roads are dangerous, and if you happen to come across one, it’s best to turn around and drive the other way. This is because standing water can hide hazards such as logs, rocks and potholes. Plus, it’s all too easy to lose control of a vehicle traversing even small pools of water. In fact, it only takes 15 centimetres of water to flood your exhaust…
Read MoreThe tires you choose will impact the way your vehicle handles and how safe it is to drive. Though getting all-season tires may seem like a good idea, are they better than summer tires? Here’s what you should know about summer and all-season tires. Summer tires These tires are designed to provide superior traction in warm weather, and they’re made from rubber compounds with sticky…
Read MoreIf your car vibrates, makes noise or pulls to one side when you brake, it’s important to get your brakes checked as soon as possible. In most cases, replacing the brake pads will resolve the issue. However, there are three types: organic, ceramic and metallic. Here’s what you should know about each kind. Organic brake pads At one time, brake pads were made of asbestos.…
Read MoreIn addition to stopping you from getting where you need to go, driving on empty can damage your vehicle. Here are four specific ways not having enough fuel in your tank can cause problems. 1. It can clog your fuel filter Your fuel tank can collect debris and sediment over time. Usually, this isn’t a big deal as the material simply settles to the bottom…
Read MoreMINIT-TUNE BLOG
Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres Address Common Issues
Here at Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres in British Columbia, we’re always pleased to help our customers get the most out of their cars and trucks. To that end, we’ll add a relevant blog topic from time to time to keep you up to date and getting the most out of your vehicle.