Ottawa Auto Repair

Your car's battery is the unsung hero that powers everything from your morning commute playlist to your headlights at night. However, like all good things, batteries don't last forever. Understanding when and why to replace your battery can save you from unexpected breakdowns and keep your wheels rolling smoothly. The Battery Basics Think of your car's battery as its heartbeat – it provides the initial jolt of energy needed to start the engine and keeps the electrical system running. Over time, as you start your car and use accessories like lights and air conditioning, the battery gradually loses its ability to hold a charge. Signs Your Battery Needs a Replacement Slow Engine Crank: If your engine is slow to start, it's often a sign that your battery is struggling to provide the necessary power. Dimming Lights: Are your headlights less dazzling than usual? Dimming or flickering lights can indicate a weak battery. El ... read more

Misaligned tires are an issue that happens to every car. Many car owners view it as an inconvenience, but it can be a problem that damages their vehicle significantly. To properly maintain your car, these are the top signs that your car needs a wheel alignment: Off-Center Steering Wheel One of the easiest ways to know if your vehicle requires wheel alignment is if your steering wheel is off-center. If the wheels are properly aligned, the steering wheel should be straight. When the tires are misaligned, the steering wheel will have a slight tilt in the direction of the misalignment. Even if you try to adjust the steering wheel to the center, the car will veer in one direction. Pulling To One Side If the car automatically pulls to the left or the right when driving, it is a clear sign that you need a wheel alignment. When you hold the steering straight, the car will move slightly in one direction. Pulling to one side is the most common way drivers know they need a wheel alignment ... read more

Every car engine has and needs a timing belt. A timing belt is a belt with teeth connecting the crankshaft to the camshafts. The belt is responsible for regulating the timing of the engine's combustion process. Without the timing belt, the engine will not run. The timing belt undergoes significant wear and tear. The following is how to tell if your car needs a new timing belt: Engine Misfires A damaged or old timing belt will negatively affect the engine's timing. The result is the engine will misfire or run roughly. A loose timing belt will cause the cylinders to close and open earlier than usual. With such poor timing, the engine will run erratically or not run at all. If the engine has a loose timing chain, it will produce a lot of noise. Therefore, once you feel and hear your engine misfiring, check the timing belt immediately. Squealing, Ticking, or Clicking Noises A worn-out timing belt can cause ticking and clicking noises in the engine. They are sounds that indicate ... read more

Imagine driving down the highway to enjoy the open road when suddenly you notice something unsettling. Your speedometer seems to be displaying a speed that doesn't quite match your actual movement. It's a scary and frustrating situation, and you can't help but wonder if your speedometer is accurate. This is where speedometer calibration comes into play. If you're wondering what the benefits of speedometer calibration are and how it can enhance your driving experience, keep reading. Accurate Speed Readings: The primary advantage of speedometer calibration is ensuring that your speedometer displays an accurate reading. Over time, speedometers can become faulty due to factors such as tire size changes, modifications, or instrument cluster malfunctions. By readjusting your speedometer, you can have confidence that the displayed speed matches your actual speed, allowing you to comply with speed limits and avoid potential legal issues. Improved Safe ... read more

As the Ottawa weather warms up, there's one thing that drivers should pay attention to: the A/C system. Otherwise, a failing A/C system can lead to discomfort for you and your fellow passengers. Here are some tell-tale signs that indicate your car needs A/C service so that you can stay cool for the upcoming months: Warm Air Blowing from Vents If you feel warm air coming from your vehicle's A/C vents, this is a sign that the A/C system may not be working properly. The cause could be a refrigerant leak, a faulty compressor, or a malfunctioning condenser. Weak Airflow Inadequate airflow from your vehicle's A/C system could be caused by an old air filter, a broken fan, or a failing compressor. Low airflow reduces the effectiveness of the A/C system and can make it harder to keep the cabin cool. Unusual Noises If you hear odd noises coming from your vehicle's A/C system, such as grinding, hissing, or squealing, it could be an indication of a failing compressor or a re ... read more

The check engine light is a warning signal in your vehicle that alerts you to any issues with your car's internal systems, and we believe that most people should familiarize themselves with it. When the signal goes off, it's important to address the problem as soon as possible to avoid any serious problems down the road. Today, we will discuss the potential reasons why your check engine light may illuminate. Faulty Oxygen Sensor The oxygen sensor in your vehicle measures the amount of oxygen in your exhaust system and helps regulate fuel injection and emission control. If your oxygen sensor is not working properly, your car may consume more fuel than necessary and emit more pollutants than allowed. It can be the culprit of your check engine light. Loose or Damaged Gas Cap A loose or damaged gas cap can cause a vacuum leak in your vehicle's fuel system. This leak can trigger the check engine light to go off. Fortunately, this is an easier ... read more

As a driver, you may have noticed that gas stations now only offer unleaded gasoline, but that wasn't always the case. In the past, leaded gasoline was a common fuel option. So, what changed? And what are the differences between the two types of gasoline? Leaded gasoline was once the standard in Canada and the US, but it was phased out beginning in the 1970s. Lead was added to gasoline to improve engine performance, but it was later discovered that it was a major contributor to air pollution. The combustion of leaded gasoline releases harmful lead particles into the air, which can lead to health problems and environmental damage. In response, the Canadian government mandated the phase-out of leaded gasoline. Today, all gasoline sold in Canada is unleaded. But what does that mean for your car? Unleaded gasoline does not contain lead, but it may contain other additives to improve engine performance, such as detergents, octane boosters, and ethanol. These additives can help keep yo ... read more

Winter weather can be a hard time for your vehicle, but with a little preparation, you can help it survive the long and dreary season. Here are some tips to help keep your car running smoothly during the colder months: Tires: Winter tires are designed to provide better traction on snow and ice than regular tires. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread depth. If you live in an area with frequent snow and ice, consider installing winter tires. Battery: Cold temperatures can reduce the performance of your battery, making it harder to start your engine. Have your battery tested before winter arrives to ensure it is in good shape. Windshield wipers: Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition and replace them if they are worn or damaged. Consider using winter-specific wiper blades that are designed to perform well in cold temperatures. Fluids: Check your vehicle's fluids ... read more