A car’s tires and wheels shine brightly in the eyes of thieves. Not only is it easy to steal, but the expensive variants can reach up to thousands of dollars if thieves were to resell it. With a hefty price tag on its head, thieves are keen on stealing vehicle auto parts, like tires and wheels, on an unguarded spot. 

The unsettling fact remains that alarm systems don’t help in deterring thieves once they’ve set their eyes on the prize. Thieves with the experience and talent can easily take your wheels in a matter of minutes, which is enough time to pull off a successful looting operation. 

How do thieves steal your car tires and wheels?

Car parts thieves typically work in groups to expedite and streamline the whole process. First, they elevate the car to get the wheels off the ground. Then, there’s at least one thief for each tire who works to get it off the vehicle. 

Some groups can do the whole thing in under ten minutes. The fast time it takes for them to finish is enough to force every car owner to set-up preventive measures. When successfully done, it can lengthen the process of removing your wheels and tires which can discourage thieves.  

Once they are successful, however, the remnants of their operation leave you with a car that’s unable to take you anywhere. Without insurance, you’ll find yourself shelling out a lot of cash to get your vehicle back to its former glory since a tire change can get expensive.

Car Tire and Wheels Anti-theft Hacks 

• As much as possible, park your vehicle in an enclosed area, preferably a garage that grants limited access. If that’s not possible, you can park in a populated area where high foot traffic is inevitable. Remember that with a lot of watchful eyes, thieves wouldn’t even dare commit an atrocious act.
• For an extra layer of protection, you can opt to buy wheel-specific or tire-specific insurance in case the unwanted happens. In doing so, it protects you from the financial burden that comes after the theft. 
• Invest in a reliable car alarm with wheel sensors. Car thieves might get scared by the roaring sirens and give up immediately. Your local auto parts or tire shop might have one. 
• Before going out of your parked car, turn your wheels as it makes them hard to remove. A turned wheel stuck to your wheel crack is more difficult to remove. 
• Invest in a trustworthy wheel lock for each tire, including your spare tire. Each wheel lock makes your wheels and tires challenging to remove without the corresponding key. Thieves would have to invest more than the usual amount of time to remove each tire successfully.

Car parts don’t come cheap. As such, a massive investment needs to remain in your possession so that you can enjoy every penny you spent on it. Aside from the added aesthetics and better performance, car wheels and tires often hold sentimental value, especially to owners who invested time and energy to find the perfect piece to add to their vehicle. 

Are you looking for a reliable tire shop in Richmond Hill, Ontario? Contact us now to see how we can help you.

Dear Valued Clients,

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, we will be taking certain new measures in an attempt to do our part to promote safe business practice and social distancing.

Starting Tuesday, March 24, 2020, we will be operating on a LOCKED-DOOR POLICY. This means that we will still be open, however no clients will be allowed into the office waiting area.

We ask all our clients to DROP OFF their vehicles in our front door drop box and arrange a pick-up since no one will be permitted to stay inside the premises.

We will still be taking measures to thoroughly disinfect all vehicles both on the way in and out of the shop for the health and safety of the clients and co-workers.

We concede that this remains a fluid situation and certain steps remain subject to change as we monitor communal and local affairs.

We also understand the inconvenience of this decision however it remains our best option to allow us to serve you.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

Thank you,

TrilliTires Management

If there was an award for the most underrated car part, it would definitely go to tires. No one is excited at the prospect of buying them. Shopping for tires does not seem as exciting as finding new rims, for example, or looking around for a new detailing store. It seems as though if you have seen one, you have seen it all. 

However, your tires are among the car parts that need the most care. A busted tire can spell the difference between a safe trip and your plans going south for the day. This makes shopping for them all the more important. When finding a good tire supplier, you need to remember a few things. Taking note of the following will help you narrow down stores and find out which are the most reliable ones:

Examine their stock

A quality shop should have a variety of types like all-season, performance, winter tires, and all-terrain tires. All-season tires are the most common and are usually 14-18” in diameter. Performance tires give more traction and can withstand the wear of cars moving at greater speeds. Other types of tires are crafted for specific reasons, like all-terrain and winter tires.

Though you might not use all of these types, seeing that the shop has a wide selection is a point in their favour. This means you are likely to find a set in your specifications. You will also be likely to get them on the day you order, instead of waiting for a shipment.

Check the tires for their UTQG code

This is a series of three characteristics you will find stamped on one side of the tire. This code shows tread-wear, traction and temperature resistance. Tread-wear refers to a tire’s life expectancy. The baseline for this measurement is 100. If a tire has a tread-wear of 200, it will last twice as long as the reference tire. The higher the number, the more durable the tire.

Traction shows how well a car resists wet surfaces. This refers to the tire’s performance in “straight-ahead” break tests. The scale for this indicator goes from C (the lowest possible score) all the way to AA (the highest). 

Finally, temperature resistance shows the speed at which the tire safely dissipates heat. C safely dissipates from 85 to 1000 mph, B from 100 to 115 mph and A can go for speeds over 115 mph.

Tires with UTQG codes mean they meet the approval process of the Department of Transportation. If tires do not have UTQG codes it means they are not legal for street use in the United States or Canada.

Observe their customer service practices

Does this tire provider have a program for purchasing used tires? Second-hand tires are a good short-term solution in case you are not ready to purchase brand new ones. A shop that provides economical solutions is more interested in giving value to the customer than taking it from them.

Aside from seeing if they offer secondhand tires, consider soft skills. Are they welcoming from the moment you walk in the door, or do they ignore customers even if they are already at the counter? Do technicians talk to customers and attempt to build rapport or are clients left to fend for themselves while waiting for cars? Details matter.

When you are looking for a shop, you might feel overwhelmed by how similar the options are. Add to this the wide range of prices among the choices, and you will probably feel like you are in over your head. If you choose the right tire shop, you will be better informed about your purchases.

If you are looking for a tire shop in Richmond Hill, get in touch with us today. We are your one-stop-shop for vehicle needs from tires to auto parts and auto repair. Shop for tires on our site or get in touch with us to learn more!

Wheels are no stranger to the wear-and-tear caused by daily use. In general, your car’s wheels are always going to be rugged over time since they’re always in direct contact with the ground. In the long run, your wheels will end up unbalanced and misaligned whenever your vehicle drives over jarring roads. 

A pothole or any object in the road will cause the vehicle to suddenly bounce, putting stress on your wheels and forcing them to misalign. Misaligned wheels will cost you a lot of money over time when not addressed right away, and not to mention, are unsafe.

For this reason, you need to have your misaligned wheels secured right away. Here are five indications that your wheels are already misaligned:

Vehicle starts to pull on one side

When your wheels are misaligned, the first thing you will notice is that your vehicle will start to lean on one side as the direction a wheel or more points towards becoming uneven. To check this, let go of the steering wheel for a few seconds and let the vehicle direct itself. If it starts swerving to one side, then this indicates that your wheels are already misaligned.

A vehicle that involuntarily veers away from a straight line is unsafe to drive as it’s harder to drive straight and could even cause you to shift to other lanes, especially when the steering wheel is left unattended even just for a few seconds.

Vibrating steering wheel

If your wheels are misaligned when in motion, the steering wheel is likely to start rumbling and vibrating. It’s important to have your car checked once this symptom shows since a vibrating steering wheel can indicate other problems as well.

Uneven tire wear

Another indication that your wheels are not properly aligned is that a tire or two will wear out faster than the rest. If the treads on a certain wheel seem more stressed than the others, it’s a sign that your wheels need realignment as aligned wheels should typically wear out evenly.

Check your tires’ tread depth on both sides, preferably with a tread depth meter. Properly aligned wheels should show equal or close rubber depth.

Squealing tires

When your tires start squealing, it is a sign that they’re already misaligned. Try to gauge if your tires make a high-pitched noise whenever you accelerate or make a turn. Squealing sounds, however, can also be caused by other issues, such as brake pads that need to be replaced, among others.

Loose steering

A vehicle with misaligned wheels may cause sloppy and loose steering, which can be as dangerous as the movement in the road becomes inaccurate. Response time will also be decreased, and a mere second of late action can be the difference between life and death.

Of course, you wouldn’t want to be driving a car that’s almost sentient. Because of this, you need to address misaligned wheels as soon as possible.

Your vehicle is your armour on the road, and you want to be able to trust it at all times. By being a responsible car owner and having it checked and maintained regularly, you decrease the chances of a sudden misfortune and keep it safe on the road. This is why it is of utmost importance to make sure that your vehicle is on topnotch condition.

If you’re looking for a place to align your tires in Richmond Hill, get in touch with us today, we’ll be happy to help you!

If you go to school or work almost every day, you’re probably using your car as your regular mode of transportation. As it’s constantly used on the road, it’s easy for your vehicle to get subjected to wear and tear over time. That’s why owning and running a car entails regular upkeep to ensure it’s in top shape and working condition.

A car tune-up should be a part of the regular preventive maintenance performed on your vehicle to ensure its optimal performance. Regular maintenance includes cleaning or replacing the spark plugs and the distributor cap and rotor on older cars. For the most part, you have to check your engine and charging systems to make sure they’re working properly.

There are a few signs indicating that you may need to have your car tuned up. Here are five common signs you should be wary of:

Misfiring engine

For the uninitiated, a misfiring engine occurs when the spark plugs ignite at the wrong time. The plugs might have already been damaged or fouled, causing them to spark inappropriately. The problem is that bad spark plugs can cause low fuel economy, difficulty in starting, and slow acceleration.

Dirty or clogged engine air filter

The air filter of your engine can get dirty, and if left neglected, it can get clogged. The problem is that dirty or clogged engine air filter can reduce acceleration and fuel economy. This is based on tests conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You might see your car accelerating so slow over time.

Engine deposits

Using low-quality gasoline or having your gasoline contaminated can lead to engine deposits. These engine deposits can cause problems in driving, which restrict fuel delivery and trigger the engine to run lean. These can even lead to lean misfires, rough idle, hesitation, poor fuel economy, and increased HC emissions.

An illuminated check engine light

It’s easy to ignore an illuminated check engine light. However, this indicates that something is wrong with the emissions control system. Depending on the exact issues, this can also impact the fuel economy or engine performance. For instance, a faulty oxygen sensor affects the engine computer on how to set the air-fuel mixture, thereby causing a poor fuel economy.

Outdated oxygen sensor

Sure, an old oxygen sensor may still be working. However, this can trigger the check engine light, which can affect the fuel economy. Other factors that can impact engine performance include valves not seating properly, worn-out piston rings, or limitations in the exhaust system.

The five common symptoms mentioned above can indicate varied problems. For this reason, different causes ought to be determined in order to provide the proper remedy. That is where a professional mechanic comes into the picture. 

Head off to the nearest auto shop and have professionals diagnose the car problem. They can provide the right solution to any issue to get your car back to good performance.

Trilli Tires auto center is your one-stop-shop for all your vehicle’s needs. These include tires, wheels, mechanical repairs, and OEM or aftermarket parts and accessories. If you need help with your car tune-up or are looking for an auto repair service in Richmond Hill, get in touch with us today. We’re happy to help.

Car oil keeps your engine cool and helps reduce wear and friction because it acts as the car’s blood. Knowing how to read your engine’s interaction with oil helps you gauge your car’s functionality. If your engine burns through too much, or if the oil is dirty, it is a sign that something needs to be repaired. Likewise, a leak should not be left unpatched for long, because it can cause corrosion to other parts of your vehicle. 

In this article, we’ll share with you more about how oil keeps your car healthy and how you should use it for maintenance.

Preparing to check for oil

To get the most miles out of your car, check your oil at least once a month. The oil cap is under the hood, in the front portion of your car. When you’re checking for oil levels, you need a dry rag and the dipstick, which will be used to check the levels. 

Car manufacturers usually place it to the engine’s left, with a yellow or orange handle. If you can’t find the dipstick, use your owner’s manual to locate it. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with the rag to clean before use. Remember, do not check your oil while the car is running, for your own safety. Turn the engine off, wait for around five minutes until the system is down to a low-level warmth, and then pop your hood.

Checking for oil level and clarity

To check the oil level, you need to replace the dipstick and pull it out again. The stick typically has a way of indicating the recommended oil level, which is usually a line or a textured area. The oil should be a clear amber, so you should have no trouble inspecting it. 

Then, read the oil level and cleanliness; if the oil is low, check the consistency. Clear oil means that you just need a refill by using a funnel and pour a fresh supply in. If the oil is dirty, on the other hand, then you must change the oil as soon as possible.

Monitoring how your car uses oil

If you are driving an older car, you usually need to have your oil changed every few thousand kilometres. In the past, the rule of thumb was an oil change every 5,000 km. However, cars built after the 2000s do not normally need the oil changed as frequently. The exception is if you use your car heavily. 

If you frequently travel on rough terrain, drive in extreme temperatures or use your car in a humid climate, you are a heavy car user, and you need to monitor car oil more closely. You may also need to ask a specialist about maintaining your car in these conditions.

When to have an oil change

No matter how lightly you use your car, the oil will eventually wear down, turn black, and need replacing. Dirty oil is less effective and will start to corrode metal. While you can change your oil by yourself, it requires several tools like a car jack and socket wrench, which you may not have lying around. You will also want to know the right type of oil for your vehicle. If you are pressed for time and resources, the best step is to get your car serviced by professionals.

Staying safe on the road is not just a matter of driving safely, but it is also being prepared off the road. You can do this by making sure your car is in working condition, and an important part of this is the car oil. While you can check your car oil levels yourself, changing the oil might need a little more equipment than you have at home. In such situations, consulting with professionals will be your best bet when it comes to road and vehicle safety.

TrilliTires has over 50 years of experience in automobile servicing. Our large auto facility and speedy service ensure that we can take care of your concerns immediately. Our technicians are licensed to provide repairs and services on vehicles and can help answer your questions about your car. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Every car owner knows that taking good care of their big toys is a must, and cars need to be serviced every now and then. Cars are regularly used, and even the ones often left in the garage are subject to wear and tear over time. 

By getting your car serviced regularly, you can ensure that any issues are promptly addressed. Also, you can make sure that your vehicle is in top shape and working condition. Finally, you can avoid any potential accidents on the road and ensure your car will last for as long as possible.

The biggest questions are: What does a standard car service entail? And how often should you get your car serviced? We’ll answer these questions in the following section.

What standard car service entails

A standard car service entails basic examination, cleaning, repair, and maintenance of your car. On a more specific note, the service includes the following:

• Checking your engine oil and filters
• Repairing and replacing your spark plugs
• Flushing and changing the fluids in your car
• Checking your brakes

How often should you get your car serviced?

When it comes to the frequency of getting a standard car service, it really depends on your car, its age, and condition. It is logical to immediately get your car serviced if you feel it’s no longer in top condition and optimal performance. The same is true if you see any potential issues arising, or worse, damages on its parts and components.

But even if your car is in good condition and working, experts suggest getting it serviced frequently. Most car manufacturers will give you specific time-frames and maximum distance intervals before your next service is due. Your local mechanic or dealership will do the same thing as well. But to answer the main question, most recommend that cars be serviced every six months or 12,500 km.

Practical tips when servicing your car

Now, before getting your car serviced, there are 2 steps to take. Here are some practical tips when getting a standard car service:

• Examine your car first: Assess the condition and performance of your vehicle. By doing so, you’ll be able to relay any issues observed to the mechanic, so the professional will pay extra attention to them while checking the rest.
  
  
• Schedule an appointment: Getting your car serviced is like scheduling a dental appointment with your dentist. Doing so will not only get you organized, but you will actually get your vehicle serviced. You won’t have to wait in line for hours, only to find out that they can no longer accommodate you.

Your car is a beloved possession, and as such, it is your responsibility to take good care of it. That said, consider all the valuable information discussed above and some practical tips for servicing your car. Getting a standard car service every six months or when needed can make a difference in your car’s condition and longevity, as well as foster the utmost safety on the road. 

If you want to service your car in Richmond Hill, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

A car’s tires need to be replaced about every four years, though this number can be higher or lower, depending on how often you use your vehicle. Regardless, it’s important to remember to replace your tires regularly, as using ones that are worn down can drastically impede your vehicle’s performance and may even be a cause of safety concerns.

With that in mind, you might be wondering where to even begin. This guide aims to address those concerns. We’ll break down tire basics and shed light on the most common troubles that might be preventing you from finding the best tires for your car.

Tire terminology: What do all the words mean?

Before you try to understand the topics we’ll be covering, it’s important that you first know what the specific terms pertain to. Consider the following terms:

Tread: Tire tread refers to the rubber portions of a tire that make physical contact with the surface. It’s what provides the traction needed to move a vehicle in any direction. There are many types of tire treads, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. For most passenger cars, however, symmetrical tire treads are used to provide all-around performance and durability.

Sidewall: This is the part of the tire that is located on its side. It does not make contact with the road, but it’s what keeps the tire mounted onto the wheel. The sidewall is where you’ll find the name of the tire manufacturer, as well as several other indicators that refer to the specifications of the tire.

Size: While tire sizes may seem straightforward, the designations used to differentiate between varying sizes are more complicated. The size is described in three different parts, separated by slashes.

Load index: A tire’s load index is also indicated on its sidewall. This information is marked by a number that signifies how much weight a tire can safely support. Most passenger tires have a load index between 75 and 105.

Speed rating: The speed rating of a tire is denoted by a letter ranging from A to Z. Each letter coincides with the maximum speed a tire can safely travel. Speed ratings start on the low end with A, with each proceeding letter allowing for greater speeds.

Choosing the best tires for your car

Now that you’re familiar with some of the key terms involved in purchasing tires, there are certain criteria you need to keep in mind to help you find the tires most suited to your vehicle.

Needs: If you need a vehicle that can handle tough terrain or slippery roads, you’ll need to purchase tires with the right treads to safely do so. Also, if you have a vehicle that’s heavy or you expect to haul heavy loads with it, you’ll need bigger tires with higher load indices.

Preferences: Apart from actual performance, you might want to make your choice based on several other aspects, such as noise levels and aesthetics. Know that a tire’s tread will play a significant role in how much sound it produces. Its size can also have a significant effect on the overall appearance of your car, especially when paired with certain types of rims.

Budget: Tires are available in a wide range of different price points, so you might want to consider your spending power as some brands can be quite expensive.

Replacing tires doesn’t have to be a complicated process. In fact, a good way to go about it is to follow the recommendations provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer. However, now that you have a better grasp of tires in general, you should be able to try out different tires to find the ones most suitable for your driving. 

If you’re looking for tires for your car in Richmond Hill, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

Any equipment comes with a limited lifespan, and this includes your car’s tires. The quality can degrade through time, and while preventive maintenance can preserve its peak performance, it’s best not to wait until your tires are caving in from the pressure. After all, tires can take miles of beating every time you drive. 

Replacing them as soon as you notice any tell-tale signs of old-age can save you the risk of running into a hazardous blowout on the road. Visual inspection alone won’t clue you in on the right time to update your tires, that’s why the guide below should showcase warning signs to steer you in the right direction when considering new tires:

Red Flag #1: Low Tread Depth

The golden rule for drivers is that their car’s tires should never fall below 1.6 millimetres in depth. The standard for the tread depth becomes more apparent when driving on slick or wet roads as the tread depth is responsible for maintaining a safe level of traction, though it’s best to have twice the level of depth to enhance your car’s grip. 

Fortunately, measuring your tire’s tread depth will only cost you a penny – literally! Take out a coin and insert it into the tread – if you see the top part of the coin’s head, it’s a visible sign that you don’t have enough tread. With that in mind, you can quickly solve the problem by getting a new set of tires from your local mechanic.

Red Flag #2: Tread Wear

Constant driving can cause tires to wear-and-tear. Conversely, new tires have a modern way of checking its state and performance thanks to the indicator bars built into the tires. This indicator visibly signifies if the treads are worn out beyond its safe depth, allowing you to kick the tires and test its reliability. 

Keep in mind that while the indicator bar showcases the tire’s longevity, your driving habits will directly influence the actual results. On that note, you’ll need a quick change of tires if you notice the tread-wear grade is low.

Red Flag #3: Cracks in the Sidewall

In addition to staying vigilant with your tire’s treads, don’t forget to check up on its sidewalls too. Any cuts, grooves, or cracks in the sidewall can lead to costly consequences as it could lead to leakage, which results in eventual, dangerous blowouts. Even if you notice just a hairline scratch, it’s best to make a pit-stop to your nearest car repair and replace your old tires.

Red Flag #4: Excessive Tire Vibration

Minute vibrations are typical in cars, especially if you are driving through bumpy roads or install the tires incorrectly. If you notice any excessive vibration at 40 to 50 mph, long after you re-align the wheels, it’s a tell-tale sign that you need to have a professional diagnose your tires for any internal problems. 

Updating your worn-out tires can make a world of difference in improving driver safety. With that in mind, watch out for the common red flags above to drive away from trouble and ensure a smoother, more secure ride. 

If you’re looking for new tires for your car in Richmond Hill, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

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.