Also 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 MoreAre you throwing away hard-earned dollars on car maintenance you don’t need? There are many myths about car maintenance that people still believe. Knowing the truth can help you make better decisions about how to properly care for your vehicle. Here are four common car maintenance myths. 1. You must change the oil every 5,000 kilometres This may have been true a long time ago,…
Read MoreWhen you pull up to the gas pump, do you choose premium or regular gasoline? Premium gasoline sounds like it should be a better choice for your vehicle, but this isn’t the case. Learning the difference between premium and regular gasoline can help you decide which type of petrol you should use. Understanding Premium Gasoline Premium gasoline has a higher-octane rating (91 to 93) than…
Read MoreDriving on gravel roads is very different from driving on paved streets and highways. If you don’t adjust your driving habits accordingly, you’re likely to lose control of your vehicle and end up in a ditch, or worse. Here’s why gravel roads are more dangerous and some tips to navigate them safely. Why Driving On A Gravel Road Is Dangerous Several things make gravel roads…
Read MoreBefore you buy a used vehicle, consider getting a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). A PPI conducted by a professional mechanic will provide you with the assurance you need that the car you’re buying is safe and reliable. Here’s what you should know about getting one and how it can help you when you’re buying a used vehicle. What is a pre-purchase inspection? A PPI is an inspection…
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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.