There’s a vast difference between vehicle maintenance and repair. The former is part of the vehicle’s service schedule, as specified in the owner’s manual. This routine maintenance keeps your car in optimal condition and can be conducted in any dealership. Meanwhile, repairs mostly happen only when there’s an issue that needs fixing.

Dealership or third-party auto shop?

These repairs can range from fixing the brakes to repairing the vehicle’s body. Meanwhile, complicated repairs include electronics system malfunctions and transmission overhauls. Check with your dealership if the original warranty covers these fixes, and if you can get the repairs for free. The dealership can also perform service campaigns to correct vehicular defects.

However, determining where to take your vehicle when it is out of warranty is often a concern among many vehicle owners. It’s best to visit a shop that specializes in a particular brand because they have the proper training and updated information on how to handle the vehicle. Competent technicians will also suggest whether or not the dealership can handle the repair job better.

Problems that are exclusive to your model like electronic and navigational systems merit a visit with the dealership. Safety recall work is also for dealership mechanics only.

Finding a great car mechanic

Annual surveys reveal that car owners experience a better level of satisfaction in independent shops over dealerships. However, identifying a mechanic you can trust takes more than answering a survey. Instead, you must take the time to find these traits that signify a great mechanic.

1. Recommendations – Ask people who have vehicles similar to yours and find out where they brought their car for repairs. If they mention a specific shop in your locality that satisfied their need, that’s where you must go.

2. Search the Internet – Look for information about local mechanics through online directories or car websites that review mechanic services. You can also subscribe to Consumer Reports for estimates on car repair as well.

3. Certifications – A certification from accredited bodies like the National Institute for Automotive Service is an assurance that the auto shop provides quality service. Otherwise, they will get a lousy reputation by losing their accreditation.

4. Warranties – Warranties differ per shop, and you can ask them ahead of time. Ask for their warranty on brake repairs as a guide for their offerings.

5. Convenience – Find an auto shop that won’t take long for you to reach. Even the best shops are not worth the visit if it takes you hours to get there. Make sure that there are several public transportation options around the shop to make going home easier.

6. Give the shop a try – Try local shops for small repairs like oil and filter changes to assess the quality of their work. If they turn out to be good, commission them for advanced repair tasks as well.

7. Check their supplies – Aside from assessing the quality of their repair equipment, determine the level of the spare parts they offer. Inquire if they use high-class material, especially with the tires they suggest when your set needs replacement.

Determining whether to go to an independent auto repair shop or a dealership can be difficult at times. With the seven considerations mentioned above, you’ll be able to determine which option will best suit your needs. If you’re looking for an auto repair shop in Ontario, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

The tires on your car add to its overall appeal. Aside from your driving style and budget, here are the factors that you must consider when looking for a new set of tires for your car.

Compatibility with your vehicle

Check your owner’s manual to see a list of compatible tire types. You can also check your tire’s sidewall for key characteristics that give clues on tire compatibility. It’s best to use the same tires on each position to maintain control and optimal performance throughout your ride.

Tire size is one of the crucial details on the sidewall, and it shows numbers that correspond to the tire’s width, diameter, and aspect allotment. The width comes in three digits that quantify the measurement from one sidewall to another in millimeters. Likewise, the ratio can be a two or three-digit percentage that dictates the proportion between height and width. On the other hand, the diameter is measured in inches that must match the car’s wheel size.

Construction, load index, and speed rating

The letter R in the tire indicates the material used for its construction. Cross-ply tires were the standard option until the 1970s, and they have since become rubberized cord plies for its casing. However, this tire type gave way to radial tires that have perpendicular cords that run in a circular shape when viewed from the side. 

Tires also have a load index, which indicates its capability to support the vehicle’s load. Check the index to determine its weight and multiply it by the number of tires in the car to get the total capacity. Meanwhile, the speed rating reveals the top speed the tire can support. Tires with higher maximum speeds absorb wear and tear faster. Therefore, the grade must be as high as the car’s maximum.

Tire pressure

The manufacturer provides details on ideal tire pressure to make the car run smoothly. However, using tires that are near its maximum pressure will change the vehicle’s performance and escalates tire wear. Likewise, always check the sidewall for important information like size and safety codes that meet common tire standards.

Varying tire treads

Choose a tire that suits your driving style and your budget. If you are looking for a comfortable ride, choose tires with treads that minimize noise. However, these tires are suitable for paved roads only because the soft rubber increases wear and tear.

Meanwhile, treads with lower resistance for rolling improve fuel mileage. Driving on unpaved or off roads call for tires with sidewall protection. Specialty truck tires like mud tires provide traction for different terrains. Take time to adjust to your new set of tires primarily if you used a different brand previously because new tires give a different reaction when accelerating and braking.

Tires depending on the season

Since driving conditions vary throughout the year, you must consider the prevailing climate where you live. You may be better off alternating between summer and winter tires or opt for all-season tires instead.

Winter tires have treads that are effective in withstanding snow and freezing temperatures. They also offer better handling and braking on icy roads. On the other hand, summer tires provide better grip and braking on dry roads. They can also handle slippery roads following heavy rain.
All-season tires work for drivers who live in regions with mild winter conditions and other weather types except for excessive freezing. Since they work well in most weather conditions, this set of tires can save you expenses for seasonal changes.

Original or OEM

Your car often comes with pre-installed tires chosen by the manufacturer. These sets of tires meet their standards after going through rigorous tests, and you’re better off using the same type when a tire change is due. Meanwhile, some drivers choose OEM tires because it is often the readily available stock.

If you’re looking for a one-stop tire shop for your car, get in touch with us to see how we can help.

Vehicles must undergo regular maintenance to detect potential issues that may hinder them from running smoothly. Aside from the typical oil change, maintenance visits also involve engine belt inspection, fluid flushes, and a general vehicle assessment to detect parts that are due for replacement. If these items are no longer working well, it’s best to use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts or the accurate replica of that part when it came out of the assembly line.

Though there are several replacement parts available in the market, using OEMs will ensure the car’s continuous optimal performance. Using factory-correct parts during repairs helps you avoid complications down the line. Likewise, aftermarket car parts may not perfectly fit the vehicle, making you burn more money in adjustments. 

That said, here are the most vital benefits of using OEM parts for car maintenance procedures.

Maintains Warranty

Do not jeopardize your warranty by using aftermarket parts. You may save some money at first but losing your warranty means that you must pay for succeeding repairs. Likewise, aftermarket items can cause more damage to your engine. You will ensure the safety of your vehicle by only using OEM parts.

Assurance of Quality

OEM parts undergo a rigid inspection process before being released in the market. Therefore, you have the assurance that every piece is of superior quality because of the tests done on them. Compare that to aftermarket items that are not subject to the same standards, making their quality questionable. Manufacturers of these parts use estimates to make replicas of the original, and it may not fit perfectly despite their calculations. Aftermarket parts are more of a band-aid solution instead of a permanent one.

Ease of Replacement

OEM parts fit perfectly in a specific car model without additional adjustments. In contrast, aftermarket manufacturers mass-produce car parts that fit multiple models to earn more significant profits. If OEM’s parts can easily fit in your vehicle, aftermarket parts are not because you must manipulate the space around the car part to make it fit.

This reality is not to go against aftermarket parts. After all, some of them end up being more efficient than OEM’s. Likewise, OEM availability can be scarce that aftermarket car items are the only answer. However, you can avoid the struggle that comes with car adjustments by sticking to the original parts.

Easier Insurance Claims

Insurance companies may point out your use of aftermarket car parts as the reason for non-payment, even if it’s not the root cause of the damage. You can prevent this hassle and patch up the loopholes that the insurer may throw at you by only using OEM parts.

OEM parts reduce maintenance times and retain your warranty. When it’s time for your vehicle to undergo a tune-up, choose auto repair shops that use OEM parts only. These high-quality replacement parts ensure your vehicle’s safety while driving and reduce the possibility of it breaking down.

Aside from OEM parts, give your vehicle the full maintenance it deserves by mounting a new set of tires. Worn out treads won’t give you enough traction to drive safely, and tires that are ideal for one season will not work in another. Because of this, purchasing summer or winter tires help you get the most from your vehicle.

If you’re looking for a one-stop auto repair shop, get in touch with us to see how we can help.

When it comes to car repairs, you have the option to either work with a dealer or a local auto repair shop. Many benefits come with the dealership, such as specialized technicians and brand authority, among others. However, your local mechanic outweighs the dealership service in terms of pricing and customer satisfaction. 

If you are still unconvinced, below are five valuable advantages of using a local auto repair shop.

Level of trust

One primary reason to work with a local repair shop is the level of trust that you will receive. Chances are, you may have brought your vehicle for servicing with a trusted and reputable local mechanic over the years. 

Trust is hard-earned, but once established, you’ll heavily rely on such service from the same respected company. As much as you believe in its services, from the diagnostics to the repairs themselves, you might want to take advantage as well of the loyalty discount programs offered by the repair shop. 

In the end, nothing beats the level of trust that you have already established with a local auto repair shop.

Local service

Another good reason to work with an auto repair shop is the ‘local’ aspect of it. The locality is a key factor when needing urgent repair or immediate solution. In this instance, local repair shops are more conveniently located when compared to dealerships. 

There is a wide range of repair services and a vast array of shops in your locality. If you have a minor repair, you can head to the nearest shop for a quick and easy solution. Even if your vehicle requires a major repair, there are bigger shops at your disposal. Also, there is a good chance that local repair shops will offer a variety of parts for your choosing. 

Having this option in times of need will be such a great convenience for you to deal with a local auto repair shop.

Aftermarket work 

The aftermarket work is one advantage that you can get from a local auto repair shop. An aftermarket part is any part for a vehicle that is not sourced from the car’s maker. This means that you’ll be able to modify your vehicle based on your own specifications and install parts you’ll purchase by yourself. This is because some companies make parts designed to function the same or even better than the original. 

Most dealerships won’t allow doing that, as they won’t risk installing aftermarket products that are not backed by the manufacturer. With a local auto repair shop, you have more flexibility regarding the installation of parts and repairs.

Labour cost

The labour cost is the biggest factor in choosing an auto repair shop over a dealership because of its affordability. If you work with a trusted local shop one, you’ll only have to shell out a small amount of money yet expect a quality fix for your vehicle needs. 

On the other hand, most mechanics at dealerships have specialized training provided by the manufacturer. For this reason, the dealership chargers a higher fee, passing on the labour expenses to the consumers themselves. 

There are good reasons to obtain the service of a local auto repair shop. The benefits mentioned above can attest to the valuable advantages of working with an auto shop. However, as the vehicle owner, you will decide as to how and where you will want the vehicle serviced.

If you’re looking for a one-stop auto repair shop, get in touch with us to see how we can help.