Tag: Car Wheel Alignment Brampton

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.

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.

maintain your vehicle

Why it is so important to maintain your vehicle?

As COVID-19 has hit the world with massive destruction people owning vehicles are also facing various problems. Although we are trying to accept the ‘New Normal’ that demands every individual to stay inside the homes, wear masks, and maintain social distancing. But, there are various other factors that are being affected directly or indirectly.
Remaining house-bound is also affecting our vehicles. People are getting back to their normal routines which are helping their vehicles to no longer stay parked at home. However, there are a huge number of vehicles that are still standing in the garage unused.
As most of our vehicles are spending more time on the driveway than on the roads, there are more risks that can affect the car and may require auto repair services quite often. So, if you have car parked insurance, then in most cases your car will remain covered. Well, this house-bound has also affected us in a good way as we have ample full of time to maintain the vehicles.
But before discussing the maintenance tips let us know the importance of car maintenance :
Importance of car maintenance 
We know that you have contributed a huge amount to buy the vehicle; so not maintaining it can lead to a complete loss of the vehicle which is more likely to worn out if they are kept unused. The damages can vary accordingly, there could be damage in the brake system or there might be a need for an oil change if the vehicle is kept untouched for a longer duration. Thus, in order to eliminate huge costs on repairing or replacing the vehicle’s components, it is always better to maintain the vehicle timely.
Tips to maintain your vehicle timely:
Give it a start once a week at least We know you are stuck inside our homes and cannot plan a long route journey. But you can ignite your engine at least once a week so that it doesn’t get damaged fully. Starting your vehicle
will help the engine to stay active and even if you are not allowed to take your car for a ride, the engine will still run smoothly.
Safeguard the battery
As mentioned above, starting the engine once a week will boost the working process of the engine as well as it will also uplift the battery’s performance. A car’s battery gets charged when the engine is ignited and when you start the car, not only the engine or the battery but the other components of the car also works properly.
Look out for the electrical connections or wires
If your car is standing in the garage for a long time now, then there is a high possibility that the electrical wires might have been attacked by rodents present in the garage. If this happens, then there would be a fluid leak or electrical connections that might not work when started. To check for any electrical damage, you just need to open the hood and check thoroughly for any damage. Also, you can place naphthalene balls to restrict the entry of rodents.
Oil Change
An oil change is one of the most important factors to look for if your car isn’t in action for long. As the vehicle was not in action for long, there is a high degree possibility that dirt or sludge can get corrode and damage the engine. So it is always advisable to keep changing the oil and also check for its levels frequently.
Keep a check on the brake pads
Brake pads are more likely to get rusted if the car is standing idly in your home. If the car is standing at an open place then it is more likely to attract dust, dirt, and filth. This can further cause trouble to you while you are trying to apply the brakes. In case there is dirt in the brake pads you will also hear some grinding sound, by which you can estimate that there is a need to change the brake pads.
Look out for the fuel pump
When the car is not on use for a long time, the fuel pump is more likely to break down. Because fluids in the car only flow when the engine is running, thus, if the car is not been used for a long period, then there are chances that the fluid pump might have been damaged. Therefore, you must lookout for any damage that might have caused the fuel pump.
Conclusion
It is suggested to keep your vehicle in a good shape even during these tough times which is lead by the COVID-19. Maintaining the vehicle will help in increasing the vehicles’ durability. You can follow the tips mentioned above to ensure that even at the time when your car is standing, it is free from any damage. It is always a wise move to seek guidance from professionals just like Harrad Auto Services in Brampton, who provides world-class auto repair services.
car heater

5 Signs that says your heater core is damaged

Imagine it is chilled winter morning and you just turned on your car’s heater, but after waiting for a minute or so, you realized the heater isn’t working. Frustrated right? You might not know what exactly has happened to your heater! But the answer to this question is covered in the following blog.
First, let us know more about the car’s cooling system. It comprises a radiator, water pump, freeze plugs, heater core, thermostat, hoses, electric cooling fan, and a fan clutch. In case any of these are not working it will cause a lot of trouble for you and your car.
Failing of the heater might be also caused due to the damaged heater core. The heater is an element of the cooling system that performs like a radiator and takes away the heat from the hot engine coolant all the way through the hose and allows heat to pass into the cabins. Thus, it is important to take notice when your heater core gets worn out.
This is the reason, car inspection in Brampton is mandatory in order to eliminate any damage to the car. We have here mentioned some of the major symptoms of a damaged heater core, which you can look for before it gets fully worn out.
A Sweet Smell starts
If the heater core of your car has been damaged, then you might observe a smell that occurs from the vents of the car. This is the smell of the radiator fluid which signifies that something is not right with it and thus it omits the smell. Not only inside of the car, but you can also experience this pungent smell outside your car. In case you experience smell on the outer surface of your car, then you must check under the car, that how much amount of fluid has leaked already.
Foggy Windows
This might be very common in the winter mornings but, you definitely need to take care of this sign. An unexpected collection of moisture and fog on the windows inside the car is a major symbol of a damaged heater core. Here we are not talking about a little mist or moisture around the windshield edges, whereas, we are talking about a complete fog that has covered the window from inside due to the non-functioning of the heater core.
Blows cold air instead of hot air
If there is any hole in the heater core, the hot air may get disperse before it reaches the end of the heater ducts. According to the size of the hole, you might experience warm, or cold air coming to you through the heater.
The engine is hot but the cabin is cold
We all know that overheating is one of the major issues that your car faces. There are high chances that all the components of the car will be damaged if there is a lot of heat. It is necessary for the engine to have a full amount of coolant in order to prevent overheating of the car. Therefore, a leaking heater core might cause engine overheating. Experiencing an engine overheating with a cold cabin is surely a major sign that the heater core of your car is prone to be damaged.
Car is consuming more coolant than usual
In case you notice that your car is consuming more coolant than it usually consumed then it is a sign that your heater core is facing serious issues. Check for any leakage in under the passenger seat if you can’t find the leakage easily as there might be a leakage in the cabin when the car is cold.
Conclusion:
The heater core is one of the element of the vehicle which requires minimum maintenance but, it should also be checked on a regular basis as it includes high-cost repairing. It is always suggested to maintain your car regularly so that in case of any damage in your car it is fixed in time. Choosing professional help is a great move as they offer great services at minimum cost just like car repair services in Brampton.
a white car right side profile

How Do You Know The Wheels Are Not Properly Aligned?

Wheel Alignment is a process of adjusting angles of wheel. The wheels might be pointed outwards, inwards or tilted to one side. When this happens it is really important to get tires realigned from a Tire Repair Shop in Brampton, so as they stay straight and make your journey smooth.

Why do you need to get wheel alignment done?

Aligning wheels is really important so that your drive is safe. There can be many reasons why the alignment gets displaced.

  1. It can be because of improper driving and not taking care of speed when driving on uneven roads.
  2. When met with an accident.
  3. When rubber bushings wear out.

How do you know your vehicle needs wheel alignment?

It is easy for a car driver to tell if tires are aligned in right direction or not. When car starts pulling to one side or when steering seems to be unbalanced and vibrating then you need to get the angles adjusted. You should always get it checked from a certified technician. People working at Wheel Alignment services in Brampton are mostly experts and have certificate of the same.

The wheel alignment process is not the same process for all. It depends on how the tire of your car as changed its angle. There are 3 possible ways in which a tire can shift from its supposed position.

  1. Toed-in or Toed-out:

When viewing from top; if wheels are pointed inwards then it is called toed-in. However, if wheels are pointed outwards then these are toed-out.

  1. Caster Angle:

Caster angle manages the stability of steering; it is viewed from side. There are two ways in which it can move, either towards driver or towards front. If it is the former case then it is call Positive Caster, if latter then Negative caster.

     3. Camber:

This angle can be checked from front of the vehicle. If the tires are tilted inwards; it is called Negative Alignment, if inclined outwards then it is called Positive Alignment of Camber.

How Wheel Alignment is done?

For adjusting angles of tire; the car is driven to a platform which is an alignment rack. Some sensors are attached to each tire. Then using computer, toe, camber and caster angles are measured. This can also be done with the help of lasers as well. Now every vehicle might not have the same angular displacement. It depends from vehicle to vehicle, for example if you drive a heavy loaded truck then its angular displacement is going to be different from an ordinary streetcar. After the whole process is done, the technician checks it and checks the suspension of vehicle along with that he or she maintains tire pressure.

Lastly it depends your driving skills and situation that when do you need to get the alignment done. There is no specific frequency. However, do pay attention when tires have worn out because then it needs replacement.

In Canada, it snows a lot due which tires do get displaced from its actual angle. However, you need not worry because in Brampton, Harrad Auto Services have team of experts who are well trained in car services. It is one of the oldest running service stations in Brampton. We have best auto mechanics who provides you auto repair service in Brampton, modification. If you think your car needs a repair or wheels are misaligned or imbalanced, drive to our station and leave with a happy face.