Category: Auto Repair

a mechanic standing near car taking notes

Tips To Get Your Car Winter-Ready

Is your car winter ready? Canadian winters are just around the corner and, like every other year, showing no signs of letting up on your prized gas guzzlers. There is nothing more frustrating than defrosting your car just to find out that you’ll be running late for work due to a dead battery, thickened oil or our classic ol’ tire deflation. 

 

Since you are already on the lookout for ways to winterize your car, we are off to a great start! Let’s discuss a few simple checks that can save you a lot of downtimes and hassle down the icy road.

NOTE: Before conducting these checks, go through your owner’s manual so it can guide you through the specifics of your car. 

Organize a winter emergency kit:

Rational people know to stay well prepared for uncertainties. Make a list of all the possible supplies you may need in the face of an emergency. Your winter survival kit may include jumper cables, LED roadside flares, a shovel, energy bars, water bottles, first aid kits, a blanket and so on. Make sure not to go overboard but also to cover any possible contingencies.

Call the reinforcements and replace your regular tires:

You know it’s time to switch to your winter tires when you feel that first nip in the air.  Although it is legal to use any tire marked “M+S” (Mud and Snow), it is definitely not recommended. If you plan to brave the elements, you must swap out your regular tires for snow tires. They are specifically designed to withstand extreme weather conditions of the Canadian winter, have a better grip and will stop quickly if the need arises.

Make sure to check the tire pressure once a month. In extreme weather, it’s common for the tire to expand and contract. It causes the tire to wear down and flatten out, leading to diminished performance and even accidents.

Fluid check:

Driving in this bone-chilling cold? Then you need to get your car fluids checked periodically to scope out if anything needs to be refilled or changed. You may refer to this guide for a better understanding:

 

  • Your ride needs an oil change every 8000 km. Specific oil types are recommended for winter. These are different from the regular ones as they have less viscosity and do not thicken quickly– helping the engine work more efficiently. If your car is due for an oil change, get one now. 

 

  • Coolant- flush out every 4000 km or after every two years. You may also check if your coolant needs a top-up. The coolant you use must have the correct ratio of anti-freeze to water, i.e., 50:50 or higher.

 

  • Your transmission fluid needs a change after covering 60000 km or once every three years. Its viscosity changes and gets thicker in the cold weather making it difficult for the fluid to lubricate the moving parts of your engine. It may also leak and damage your engine. Therefore, it’s advisable to swap out the regular one with synthetic fluid to accommodate the cold weather. 

 

  • You may top up your windshield washer fluid as per your requirement. Since it does not get recirculated for each use, you do not have to replace it often. However, you must note that the washer fluid that works flawlessly in summer may cause problems in the winter. The low temperatures can cause it to freeze in its reservoir, or worse, on your windshield, obstructing your visibility. So you want to get the one with a higher concentration of methyl alcohol than the typical fluid. 

 

Check your wiper blades :

When braving the winter fog or snow blizzards, clear visibility is particularly crucial. And for that, you need fully functional wiper blades in your arsenal. However, they do tend to wear out quite frequently. If you start noticing streaks on your windows after a wipe, usually, it’s a sign that you need to replace your wiper blades. Winter-specific wiper blades are built ruggedly to wipe heavy snow and freezing rains. Make sure to swap your regular ones to avoid any mishaps.

Change your battery before the weather dips:

When was the last time you checked your batteries? Typically car batteries die out in 3-5 years. Get them checked via a load test to ensure they have enough strength to start your car on a cold winter morning. OR You may replace them every four years as a precautionary measure. Remember, old batteries die out in cold temperatures. 

Additionally, you may check the cable connections, remove any corrosions and tighten them to ensure consistent contact.

Protect your car’s paint job:

Prolonged exposure to cold weather conditions can cost you your expensive paint job. In order to avoid hefty repairs to remove scratches from brushing and scraping the snow, you must follow some preventive measures. 

 

  • Avoid leaving your car exposed to frigid cold conditions. If you have a garage, prepare it to make space for shielding your ride from the weather. If not, invest in a high-quality car cover. 
  • These two practices are only effective so long as your car is parked. But what when it’s on the road? You can schedule regular car washes or get a protective wax coating on your car’s surface to prevent snow and rock salt damage.  

 

Replace your air filters:

You must replace your air filters every 20000 km or once every year. These often get overlooked during preventive checks or maintenance routines. Did you know? They play a significant role in maintaining your car’s performance! It prevents dirt particles from reaching the engine and causing damage. A regular replacement maximizes performance and prolongs engine life by increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

Keep your gas tank full:

Keep your gas tank full, especially in winter (trust me, you do not want to put it off till the fuel indicator tips to “E”). In addition to thwarting the threat of getting stranded in the harsh weather, a regularly topped-up tank has several other benefits. It prevents the fuel lines from freezing due to the icy condensation. A frozen fuel line obstructs the fuel from reaching the combustion chamber, preventing the engine from running.

Other than these straightforward yet necessary checks, you may also want to ensure that your car horn is working to its full degree all the time, invest in good quality car floor mats and give it a general tune-up. If you feel at any time that you may need professional help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Harrad Auto Service. We specialize in all thing auto repair and maintenance. 

We hope you find this blog helpful. What are the topics that you would like us to talk about next?

car blowing air

Why Your Car Isn’t Blowing Cold Air?

Summer means that it’s hot outside and your car has an air conditioner running at full speed inside. Chances are, your car’s air conditioner will be most useful when it stops blowing cool or warm air. Why is your car’s air conditioner not cooling?

This is something we see a lot at Harrad Auto during car AC checkup in Brampton. We find that mildly cold or warm air blowing from your A/C can be caused by many factors, from simple to complicated to costly. They could be due to normal wear or damage to the parts.

Harrad Auto’s car repair Brampton team has certified mechanics who are capable of diagnosing and fixing any problem, no matter how serious. These are six possible causes for your air conditioner not cooling.

  1. Freon Leak

Freon is the chemical refrigerant that cools the warm air and then blows it back into your car. A leak in an air conditioner can cause serious problems.

A damaged hose, loose gasket, or a loose connection could cause a leak. We need to locate the leaky part, replace or fix it, then recharge the system using Freon.

  • Recharging Your Air Conditioning

Even the most efficient air conditioners will lose some refrigerant over time. This happens often so slowly that you don’t notice any difference. You may not realize the difference between your current A/C temperature and that of your car’s previous one.

If your car’s air conditioner isn’t cooling down, it could be due to low Freon. It’s actually one of the leading causes of your car’s A/C not being as cold as it should.

We can tell you if your air conditioner is leaking easily. Bring your car in for us to run some tests. We can recharge your A/C if your refrigerant level turns out to be low.

  1. The Blend Air Door is Clogged

Warm air from your engine heats your car. You can turn on your car’s air conditioner and cool it by using a “blend door”. This is a device that swings across your ventilation system and closes off warm air entering your car. It allows the cold air from your A/C system to enter.

Sometimes, the blend air door can get stuck and you’ll continue to get warm air no matter how efficient your A/C system is.

Although it is not necessary to replace the entire door, it can be hard to access because it is deep under your dashboard.

  • The A/C compressor doesn’t engage

A compressor is the heart of an air conditioning system. It is responsible for compressing Freon. The Freon becomes very cold when it expands. The Freon cools quickly when it is blown on metal.

The compressor won’t cool the air if it isn’t running. Low Freon levels, electrical problems, or overheated engines could all cause compressor failure.

  • Broken Condenser

The condenser is responsible for turning Freon gases back into liquid. The refrigerant won’t flow if it is blocked by debris or damaged. If this happens, the refrigerant won’t flow and you won’t be able to get cool or cold air from your air conditioner.

  • Electrical Problems

There may be an electrical problem that causes your car’s air conditioner to not cool. Your compressor is one of the electrical parts in your A/C system. A simple blow to a fuse can cause your AC system to stop functioning. At this time, you need to contact the car AC repair Brampton team.

The weather usually gets hot in summer in Brampton. Therefore, it’s crucial that your car has air conditioning. Harrad Auto can help you if your car AC isn’t working properly and you need a car AC checkup in Brampton. Harrad Auto can perform a complete diagnostic on your vehicle and diagnose the problem.

You’ll soon be able to put out the fuse with any luck. If the problem is more severe, our ASE Certified Mechanics can diagnose and do the car AC repair job correctly.

Harrad Auto, a car repair Brampton shop, can help you if your car AC checkup or car AC repair in Brampton. Call us at 905- 494-0279 or email us at info@harradautoservices.com for the best AC repair service in Brampton.

tools

Reasons for Having automotive tools kit in your car

Neither are we mechanics(usually) nor can we do their job the way they do. But, what if you are out on the road, and your car starts to give some trouble? Or what if it breaks down in the middle of the road where there is no stance of a human being wide away? What would you do? You aren’t a mechanic and also do not have one around. 

But if you have a bunch of essential tool kits in your car, you have a slight chance of reaching back home or your destination on time. Also, a little knowledge about car tools and equipment can increase your odds of survival. First of all, let us look at the reasons for having automotive tools kits in our cars or what emergencies.

While you are traveling out on a business trip or adventure, your car might come up with the N number of troubles. The most common problems you might face are as follows: 

  • Batter Drains Out
  • Flat Tire
  • Brake Troubles
  • Engine Failure
  • Fuel/Gas Outage

All of the above problems show up just when you least expect them. Always make sure your car battery is running properly before you head out for a trip. Also, nobody wants to fix their flat tire and spoil the fun of the whole trip. Be proactive about your tire health, pre-check your tire’s pressure and age. If your tires are worn out, feel free to contact Harrad Auto Services for tire replacement in Brampton. Get your brake pads, fluid, rotors, and drum checked to avoid dangerous circumstances. When you are out, you can’t anticipate you can make it to the next fuel station. There could be certain other troubles that you might face. So, Choose the Right tires for any season, summer or winter, and enjoy a stress-free trip.

Basic tools that will allow you to do the basic mechanical repairs all by yourself are as follows: 

  • Hand Wrenches/Spanners
  • Pliers and Wirecutters
  • Screwdrivers

The above three are the most essential tools to keep in the car as they are used to provide grip, turn, twist, or cut. 

small tool kit
  • Jack– Well, you might need the jack to lift your car for tire replacement or other mechanical fixations.
  • Empty Fuel Can– It would be easy to fetch fuel from a nearby station if you carry it along with an empty fuel can.
  • First Aid Kit- well, their need comes in handy when you are out from your comfort zone for an adventure. Always carry a first aid kit. You never know who might need it.
  • Spare Tyre– Always carry along a spare-tire because who knows when you will need it.
  • Fire extinguisher– It’s not always about the car but the circumstances where you might need them.
  • Flashlights and Batteries- In times of the night excursions, you might need flashlights to manifest the problem and give it a fix.
  • Jumper Cables– They can be life saviors in times of battery outage to start your car or truck.
  • Service Manual– This contains important how-to-dos and diagnosis information regarding every repairable part of your car. 

They are never enough because there are hundreds of other automotive/electrical tools each having its purpose. And that’s what repair shops are for. Harrad Auto Services offers a variety of Auto Repair Services in Brampton that can save you both time and money. 

Mechanic do auto repair in Brampton

Essential Qualities Of The Best Auto Repair Shops In Brampton

People are often worried about getting scammed from auto repair shops that illegally surcharge over unnecessary repairs. Recognizing ethical and trustworthy repair shops has become another job for people already facing repair troubles. Checking out is necessary to ensure that your vehicle is in the right hands. To locate a credible auto repair shop in Brampton, you need to look out for the following essential qualities that an auto repair shop must possess. 

Good work ethics

Auto repair shops are always preferred if they are honest with their work. Good work ethics always go for the long run. Always remember that good auto repair shop mechanics possess more information about your car than you do. 

Good work ethics include:

  • Reliable Workmanship
  • High-quality repair service at an affordable price
  • Offering price estimates to customers before repair
  • Highly skilled technicians
  • Clean and kempt services
  • Notify about the repair duration
  • Upholding the integrity of all the working members
  • Effective communication with customers

Good and reputed auto repair shops always promote goodwill between customers and workers. They take pride in operations and excellent customer service.       

Problem diagnostic skills 

Professional and experienced mechanics can easily diagnose system breakdowns and give a permanent fix to them. A good auto repair shop carries out quality inspection and tells you the real cause of the problem. Also, a good repair shop will give wise and genuine suggestions irrespective of their benefits. 

Certified Mechanics

A good auto repair shop not only has certified mechanics, but they are also professional and experienced as well. Possessing a valid mechanic certificate makes them skilled workers. And the hands-on experience with repairing auto parts helps them improve the quality of their work. We have years of experience in the auto repair field. You can call us the pantomaths of car mechanics. 

Good Market Reputation

Well, in today’s super busy schedule, we do not have much time to look out for a good auto repair shop. The most preferred way to identify a good repair shop remains online reviews. Because people tend to share their good and bad experiences with others. People will surely let others know if that someone has given them extraordinary services. However, you need to draw your attention towards the negative reviews, if any. Harrad Auto Services has the Best mechanic in Brampton that have strong analytical abilities and problems solving skills. They have quite a good knowledge of self-driven cars, computerized safety features, etc. It becomes our duty to keep them up-to-date.

Customer satisfaction

Our qualified mechanics are always willing to guide our customers well. They always give their best to put customers at ease. Good and reputed auto repairs keep your work, big or small, on priority. We are always committed to the care and safety of your vehicle. 

Auto mechanic doing car safety inspection in Brampton

Always keep in mind:

  • Credible and wise auto repair shops cover warranty on spare parts. However, some take advantage of it and do false marketing. Therefore, always care to read the spare part yourself.
  • You can check if they keep you on priority and if they schedule your maintenance on time. On-time service is the most essential quality an auto repair shop can possess.
  • auto safety tips for future

A well-established auto repair shop is always certified and committed to customer satisfaction. 

If you are also looking for a professional and reliable auto repair in Brampton, you can blindly follow Harrad Auto Services. They can go that extra mile to take care of everything and give a lifelong fix to it. Bring your car to our facility and leave the rest on us.  

Summer Tires in Mississauga

Choosing the Right Summer Tires – Spring Tire Season Is Here

The spring season always gets you wondering in Canada. As soon as the spring arrives in Canada, the first thing you could think of is to replace your winter tires with summer tires or all-season tires. Thinking of not getting replaced may pose some safety threats and this is surely not recommendable by Harrad Auto Services, who are in automotive services for quite a long time now. Now, the whole thing rolls around choosing the right summer tires in Brampton. And let us lend you a hand with making the best choice today.

All about summer tires

Summer tires are primarily used on dry roads to yield high performance and deftness. They are often called regular tires or performance tires. They are always preferred over all-season tires when it comes to speed and highly advanced braking and cornering capabilities. Summer tires are abundantly known for damp-road traction. They are often accredited with rubber compounds that aid in high precision and advanced tread patterns that provide an efficient grip on the road. Summer tires put more rubber in touch with the dry roads which results in a pleasant drive. Less grooving and deeper tread pattern engraving incorporate higher stability during warm weather driving. 

How are summer tires better than other tires?

Summer tires provide better traction in warm and dry conditions. As I said earlier, summer tires contribute to less grooving mich makes more rubber to touch the ground for balance and smooth drive. 

Summers tires are manufactured in a way that supports a longer shelf-life. 

Summer tires have sipes to alienate water during rainy times that make good contact with rubber with the super-wet roads. 

Special tread pattern ensures improved braking capabilities as well as cornering capabilities.

To procure optimal safety while driving in summer, every automobile owner should go for summer tires. 

How to make the right choice?

Choosing is really not simple but preferably contemplates your driving conditions such as the weather, the region you are driving in, and the type of tire that goes perfectly well with your automobile. Here are some of the factors to look upon while making a summer tire choice:

Tire Size

The most prominent thing to look for is your tire size. They do come in different inches ranging from 13 inches to 22 inches. These inches are diameters usually. But now how come you know about your tire size? 

Well! Your vehicle’s driver-side door contains all the information about your wheel’s diameter. 

Budget

It becomes difficult sometimes to choose the best-fitted wheel for your vehicle, that too in the right budget. But know that quality and cost go hand in hand in every aspect. 

Simply set a budget keeping good comfort and safety in mind for your summer wheels including the wheel alignment cost in Brampton

Commute 

There’s a wide gamut of summer tires that fit variably with vehicles, however, some summer tires support daily commute or some aids in flexible long-range trips. So while making a choice you must know your run. 

In summing up, go for a tire which has the following:

  • Outstanding grip on a dry surface
  • Water evacuation grooves during wet road performance.
  • Tread design that brings out car stability.
  •  Premium tires in an affordable range.

Well, to avail all the benefits play a part in looking up for the best Summer Tires in Brampton.

Know when to change your tires

It is usually recommended to rely on your thermometer to help you know when to make your tire switch. As the spring season itself keeps you wondering sometimes. Although the shift in temperature up to 5-7 degrees Celsius towards warmer traces makes you think about getting your winter tires removed and weather-efficient summer tires affixed. Summer soft tires do good in urban areas with warm climates with some rain to avoid aquaplaning. And the soft rubber gets hardened when the temperature drops which loses friction and makes you switch back to your winter tires. 

Winter tires should always be replaced by summer tires as winter tires start losing their grip over roads in summers. Know the hazards of using summer tires in winter.

Winter Car Maintenance service in Brampton

Winter Car Maintenance Tips For Your Car To Last Longer!

Winter is coming! The saying of house stark is affirming true. In Canada, summers are about to end, and winters are approaching near. Changing season divulges drivers to anticipate when driving in winters. Furthermore, this season is challenging and testing for a car – which demands vehicle owners to be prepared with the machinery to overcome this grueling season. To add, vehicle owners, can also hire a professional for car repair service in Brampton to become winter ready!

Here we have a checklist which includes maintenance tips to keep the car in a healthy state:

    • Check For Fluids- First and foremost, ensure all the fluids are clean and replenished for the proper functioning of the machinery. For example: if the coolant is old i.e. close to 5 years, advisable to get it to change.
    • Swap To Winter Tires- To make your car winter-ready install tires specially designed for winter conditions. And, they are flexible to have good control over the car. Moreover, after installing the tires, do check the proper balance, pressure, and wheel-alignment.
    • Check Hoses And Breaks- Winters can be very harsh which demands vehicle thorough inspection. From professional have the hoses, brakes, suspension, pads, and belts checked for the proper functioning of the car. Moreover, the roads in winter can cause serious suffering to the vehicle braking system. Thus, ensure your vehicle brakes are in good shape.
    • Fresh Coolant – Another crucial aspect for winter is to check the vehicle’s coolant level. To avoid rust and collision congestion on the cooling system its recommended to wield fresh coolant in winters.
    • Good Wiper Blades– If you feel your old wipers are showing signs of damage then before winters it is advisable to replace them to get clear visibility. Additionally, after a few days do check the wipers for cracks and damage.
    • Have A Look At Lights System – Lights are often overlooked by car owners. Howbeit, they ask for monthly maintenance. Low beam, high beam, reverse light, and signal lights through check are must for the safe and proper functioning of the vehicle.
    • Battery Check– Canada’s winters can be harsh on battery and they tend to get degrade faster. It is recommended to visit the Auto repair service professional mechanic to test the condition of the battery. And, if a replacement is required – replace it there and then only! On average battery lasts for close to five years. Furthermore, as per the golden rule for driving if the performance issue is there change the battery after three years.
    • Close Look At Oil Filters– At the time of replacing oil you should also replace oil filters. They are vital for your engine longevity as they safeguard the engine from dirt and harmful pollutant that can clog or damage the machinery. And, for the smooth running of the car ensure they are in a clean state.
    • Opt For Washer Fluid– As said earlier, winters in Canada can go up to -40 C so water should never be used for wipers instead use washer fluid to hold against harsh cold conditions.
    • Handy Emergency Kit- Prevention is better than cure- If your car breaks down suddenly in a snowstorm or you got stuck in the middle of nowhere. Then, it’s better to carry an emergency kit loaded with basic stuff such as flashlights, candles, lighter, snow brush, reflectors, shovel, and thick blankets.

     

  • Conclusion
     

    Driving a car in winters can be a taxing task for drivers and can take a serious toll on the car’s health. Hope with the above-mentioned tips your vehicles run smoothly in harsh conditions. If you are looking for highly trained and professional car mechanics in Canada look no further! Harrad Auto Services is the best auto repair service provider in Brampton for offering world-class repair services.

Tips while buying used car

Top 7 Tips To Follow When Buying A Used Car

Buying a used car is like going for a scavenger hunt. In today’s technology-driven market, you may end up with a surprisingly good deal as the internet is engulfed with car shopping tools. Moreover, there are a plethora of benefits to investing in a used car, such as save money on registration, taxes, and depreciation. However, one needs to do good homework first to make an informed decision for buying a used car. Do not worry! We have got you covered. Below is the comprehensive list of tips that need to follow to make this daunting process a breeze.

Decide on Budget
First and foremost, figure out the budget you will be investing in the used cars. Buying a used car means unlocking the doors for other expenses such as insurance fees and license fees. Plus, follow the golden rule – ‘spending only 20%’ of your current salary for used cars. Additionally, one needs to make a rational decision of either obtaining the vehicle out of loan or by paying the cash. Moreover, used car demands for maintenance– be prepared with some “additional hidden costs” you may come up in the future.

Check out the best Car Repair Service Brampton for professional services:

Extensive Research
The Thumb rule for any purchase is to do extensive research and apply the same for a used car. Look out for the cheapest cars, their functionality, and compare their prices. For instance: you want a family car with enough legroom or safety is your priority, or something sporty or a hybrid one because you are planet conscious. Then it is recommended to consider all these aspects along with budget, mileage, and other decisive factors to finalize a car.

Buying from Dealer or Private Seller
If you opt for a dealership, they usually have a host of options, and cars will be in mint condition- thus making them expensive in comparison with private sellers. Additionally, dealership proffers certified pre-own cars with complete history report inclusive of insurance records, registration details, and accident background. And, if you opt for the private seller, then there is no lucidity what you get- chances of treachery rise with a private seller. Where as buying a used car in a dealership will be under industry rules and regulations. So the chance of getting scammed is low!

Explore the Web
In this era of technology, everything is available on the internet – the used car being no exception. There are many websites such as – eBay Motors, True Car, and Craigslist that offer outstanding options for used car inventories at a fair price. Moreover, shopping for the car in the comfort of home is convenient, and getting the lowest price is a bonus. However, the other side of the coin is there is no safety and protection from fraudster sellers. So, one ought to be very prudent when shopping online.

Test Drive Is Must
About 20-30% of buyers of used cars do not go for a test drive. And the statistic is different for new car buyers – they test drive at least 7 to 8 cars before finalizing the deal. It is imperative and crucial for a used car buyer to go for a test trial at least 30-40 minutes for a thorough examination of the machine. There are myriads of factors to consider when navigating the automobile like doors are easy to access when opening and closing, whirl the car to listen to breaks and engine sound, check the system for climate control, and navigation system is working properly. Further, to inspect the suspension breaks, and transmission go for a challenging ride on the road. At last, check for the parking space that is of the exact size of your garage- this will ensure that motor one intending to buy has ample space in the garage.

Probe History
Investigating the history of the secondhand car is often neglected by the used car owners. Howbeit, one should always ask for a complete vehicle history report to get useful insight on many things like who owns the car, why the owner selling it, how frequently the ownership has been changed, etc. These crucial pointers will bestow that buyer to make an informed decision. For instance, in a short duration car has changed hands then it can be a cause to raise an eyebrow- may be an issue with the repair. Similarly, no emission record signals car is illegal. It is highly recommended to undertakes these pivotal aspects before making a secondhand car purchase.

Time To Hire A Mechanic
Once you have settled for the car it’s better to hire professionals to inspect the car. There are some bespoke garages such as Harrad Auto Service holding expertise in the car inspection in Brampton; they keep an eye on key details such as paint over spray’s, cloning scam, or clocking fraud. Plus, this investment is worth as you will get a clear picture of the inside and outside of the car. Are you looking for exceptional wheel alignment service in Brampton? No further searches now, just visit Harrad Auto Service to get solutions for all your vehicle problems!

Power Steering wheels

Major Reasons of steering wheels not turning smoothly

The steering system of any vehicle is one of the most important components, without which the vehicle moves only in a straight direction. Various problems are concerned with the steering system that a driver may face while driving. One of the biggest problems is; when it becomes hard to turn the steering wheel, especially when the vehicle is at low speed. This problem can put you at high risk and can affect the vehicle also.
The steering system is built up of variant parts, each of which serves a specific purpose. Any damage to any of the components can cause difficulty to the driver and can also risk the life of the driver as well as the members riding the vehicle. Therefore, it is important to understand the major causes behind the steering wheels’ stiffness and how it can be fixed. Delayed service or lack of maintenance are some major causes of the steering wheel not able to move swiftly. This is why most of the car repair services in Brampton suggest regular maintenance of the car and other components of the vehicle.
To help you understand the reasons for the stiff steering wheel, we have mentioned some major causes for the same. Also, we have listed below some of the major tips to fix the issue.
Let’s discuss step causes first:
Leakage in steering fluid
The steering fluid helps in the proper functioning of the steering system. Thus, it will get very difficult to work properly if there is any leakage in the steering fluid. The leakage usually takes place when the pressurized hose area gets loosened or develops a leak. Due to an insufficient amount of lubrication in the steering system, it becomes difficult for the steering wheel to function smoothly, therefore the steering it gets quite difficult for the driver to turn the steering wheels in such a situation.
Thick Steering fluid
Lubrication in the steering system is very important as it helps in the easy working of all the other components. With time, the fluid is obvious to collect dirt and debris, which causes the fluid to become thick. This tricked fluid further causes problems such as restricting the flow of the fluid while turning the vehicle swirly and easily.
Adverse/ Worsen steering rack
The steering rack is adjoined to the wheel through a set of shafts and U-joints. Due to everyday driving, the shafts and the U-joints tend to get worsen and the steering wheel gets damaged. In case you experience stiff steering right after you start the car, then this is a sign that there is a problem with the steering rack. The steering wheel will work freely, once you keep driving, as the rack gets hotter as the engine ignites and allows the lubricant to get settled. You must ensure to replace the steering rack before it gets more damaged.
Failure of the steering pump
The working of the power steering pump is very important as it produces the amount of pressure that helps the steering wheel to work smoothly and swiftly. In case, the pump stop working, then this will become very difficult for the vehicle to turn especially at a slow speed because eventually speed gets reduced while turning the vehicles.
Let us now discuss how to fix these issues related to the steering wheel not working smoothly:
Check for the fluid levels:
This is suggested because the inadequate amount of the fluid makes it difficult for the steering components to freely work without causing any issue. This further results in the stiffness of the steering wheel and thus it becomes hard to easily move the steering.
Check the steering pump properly:
It is always advised to inspect the steering pump properly, if you find any damage, then you must ensure to repair or replace it on time before it worsens and causes risk while you drive the vehicle.
Conclusion
No matter what, once in your driving journey, you might experience this situation, where it becomes very hard for you to turn the steering wheels especially at a slow speed. This is why it is always a better move to keep a regular check on all the components of your vehicle so that the situation doesn’t get worst. Also, major damages include huge costs, so to prevent it is always good to take your vehicle for the best auto repair services in Brampton just like Harrad Auto Services.
6 Tips to avoid hydroplaning and how to prevent it

6 Tips to avoid hydroplaning and how to prevent it

Have you ever experienced a skid while driving your vehicle on a rainy day or on a wet road? In case you have experienced it, this is commonly known as Hydroplaning. Hydroplaning means when the vehicle skids across the wet roads. It occurs when the water on the road causes the tires to not function properly and can impact the loss of steering and the brakes.

One must understand why Hydroplaning is so dangerous and how can they prevent it in order to stay safe while driving. In order to help you out, we have mentioned below some of the major ways to avoid hydroplaning and how to handle it in case you experience hydroplaning.

Let’s discuss what are the preventive methods that you can consider to avoid hydroplaning:

Limit the speed

It is suggested by most professionals that hydroplaning takes place when the speed is high. Thus, it’s a good option to drive at a very slow speed as soon as you find that it is about to rain. The higher the speed will be of the vehicle, the more the damage will be experienced by you. This is the reason why car repairs service in Brampton ensures to suggest to limit the speed during the rainy season.

Rotate your car wheels on a regular basis

It is very important to maintain the car on a regular basis in order to keep it away from any major damage or wear or tear. Rotating the car wheels regularly not only makes the wheels run smoother but also enhances the durability of the wheels. In order to avoid hydroplaning on wet roads, it is very important to balance the car wheels over time you visit the repair service station for an oil change.

Avoid Cruise control

No doubt, using a cruise control system is quite suitable, but it doesn’t alert the driver about the speed and control of the vehicle. it is advised to avoid the usage of cruise control systems on wet roads or during the rain.

Avoid sudden brakes

Sudden brakes at the time of the rain can damage the braking system. this is why it is suggested to slowly release the foot from the accelerator while stopping.

Make use of properly inflated wheels

It is obvious that after driving for a few miles, tires tend to lose their pressure and cannot drive carefully; This is why it is important to make use of inflated tires. This is the reason that car inspection in Brampton fully inspects the tires and repairs them if required. You should also inspect the air pressure of the tires on your own in order to eliminate any major risk of losing the grip.

Avoid driving in the area where water is more accumulated

Areas which are prone to collect standing water, try to avoid driving at those areas. So, you must avoid driving in those areas where water accumulation is more.

What to do to handle hydroplaning?

  • The first thing you should do is to stay calm and slowly drive the vehicle as sudden braking or speeding can cause high risks.
  • Must keep your foot away from the accelerator to avoid further accidents.
  • Steer the car in the direction of the skidding; it will help in raging the control of the vehicle.

Conclusion:

Hydroplaning is a situation that can take place even if it has just started to rain; this is why knowing how to handle and prevent it is very important. With the above-mentioned tips; hope you will be able to deal with the situation when it arrives. It is very important to stay calm and perform the required steps in order to eliminate further accidents. Maintaining your car wheels is also important so that it remains inflated and runs smoother on the roads. If you are looking for any car repair service in Brampton, then you must visit Harrad Auto Repair services, who provides world-class car repair services.

5 Major tips to avoid scratches from your car

5 Major tips to avoid scratches from your car

Most people think that cars represent their personality and give their best to keep the car well-maintained and spotless. But, we have to admit that no matter how protective we are about our vehicles; they tend to get scratches and dents on it. Although there is no complete prevention of the car getting scratched, you can still take some measures to protect the car’s paint going off so that; you don’t need to pay frequent visits to the car repair services. However, in case of serious troubles, it is suggested to take it to the car repair services in Brampton.

A spotless and dent-free car is not only a treat to the eyes, but it also increases the value of the car in the market. There is no way that you can look after your car 24X7, so here we have mentioned some of the major tips to avoid scratches to ruin your car’s appearance.

Wash your car with hands & dry the car

We know, in this busy world, you hardly have time to wash the car all by yourself. But, if you do have time, it is best that you can give to your car. Hand washing and drying the car is one of the smartest ways to reduce the car from getting scratched. You can use a cotton cloth to wash the car. You should make sure that the products you are using to wash the car can be applicable and recommended. Make sure to use non-detergent products as they won’t affect the wax to come out.

Must polish your car occasionally

As you groom yourself to look good, the same should be done with the car. In order to make to look brand-new and good all the time, you must often polish your car or wax it. Wax is one of the most essential parts which helps in grooming your car as it adds a layer of protection on the car’s body and protects it from scratches. It also reduces the spot to get noticed easily and behaves like an exterior shield of your car.

Select a smart area to park

While parking your car in the public areas, you should always choose a space wisely for your car. Security is one of the most essential requirements for you as you have to spend thousands and thousands to buy your car. Parking at a safer area will reduce the risk of the car getting damaged by any of the external factors. Also, you must avoid, to park your car beside a vehicle which is not parked correctly or forcefully. You should also not park your car under the low-hanging shrubs as they can also cause great damage to the car.

Protect the car by a car cover

Covering your car with a car cover is one of the best measures to protect the car from the scratches. If you are one of those who have to park their vehicle outdoors quite often, then shielding your car with a cover will do wonders for your car. Leaving your car at the public places might become dangerous sometimes, however, covering your car can protect it from elements that can ruin your car’s look as well as value.

Repair rust and scratch ASAP

Even after all the hard work, you were not able to avoid scratch or rust then, it is suggested to take action as soon as you see them. Rust in a smaller area might not affect but with the passage of time, it will get bigger and can fully change the car’s look. So it is always advised to act as soon as you see a scratch or rust on your car by taking the car to the best auto mechanics in Brampton.

Conclusion:

A car that looks good is not only pleasing to the eyes but it also adds value in the market. whether you want to sell it or not, a well-maintained car will always help you in saving lots of money and reduce the repairing cost. The above-mentioned points will somehow ensure to prevent the scratches. Even if you can’t fix the problems all by yourself, then it is always advised to seek professional help from Harrad Auto Services, one of the best and affordable auto mechanics in Brampton, which offers you the best car repair services in minimal time with maximum quality.