Location  
60 Brydon Drive #1,
Etobicoke, ON M9W 4N5
Business Hours
Mon – Friday. 09:00am – 06:00pm
Sat. 9:00am – 02:00pm
Sun. Closed
Winter Car Prep: A Fall Maintenance Checklist for Etobicoke

Winter Car Prep: A Fall Maintenance Checklist for Etobicoke

Fall is the best time to get your car ready for a Canadian winter — before the first cold snap, not after. A little maintenance now means fewer breakdowns, safer driving on wet and icy roads, and no scrambling in a January parking lot. Here’s the checklist our Etobicoke mechanics run through every fall, plus what you can do yourself and what’s worth leaving to a shop.

Key Takeaways

  • Brakes matter most in winter — wet and icy roads mean longer stopping distances, so worn pads are a real hazard.
  • Cold air lowers tire pressure — check it as temperatures drop, and consider winter tires below 7 °C.
  • Cold weather kills weak batteries — test yours before it strands you.
  • Top up the right fluids — winter-grade washer fluid and proper coolant/antifreeze are essentials.
  • A quick fall inspection catches small issues before they become cold-weather breakdowns.

1. Check Your Brakes First

Winter is the worst time to discover your brakes are worn. Wet leaves, rain, snow, and ice all increase stopping distances, so your brakes need to be in top shape heading into the season. If you hear squealing or grinding, feel a soft or vibrating pedal, or your car pulls to one side when braking, get them looked at now. Most brake pads last around 50,000 km, but city and stop-and-go driving wears them faster. A quick brake inspection tells you exactly where you stand.

🍁 September Special — 10% Off Brake Repairs

Get 10% off any brake repair over $250 (excluding taxes), plus a FREE brake inspection. Fix your brakes now and pay later — no credit check necessary.

Offer valid September 1–30, 2026. Book your brake service or call 416-745-9700. *Some conditions apply. Ask for details.

2. Sort Out Your Tires

Cold air contracts, so your tire pressure drops as the temperature falls — roughly 1 PSI for every 5–6 °C. Under-inflated tires wear faster and handle worse on slick roads, so check your pressure (including the spare) as fall sets in, and top up to the level in your driver’s-door sticker.

It’s also time to think about winter tires. Below about 7 °C, all-season tires harden and lose grip, while winter tires stay pliable and stop noticeably shorter on cold, wet, and icy roads. Many Ontario insurers offer a discount for running winter tires, so they can pay for themselves over time. Check your tread depth too — if it’s low, replace before winter, not during it.

3. Test Your Battery

Cold weather is hard on batteries — it slashes their available power right when your engine needs more to start. Most car batteries last three to five years, so if yours is getting up there, have it tested before the cold sets in. A dead battery on a −15 °C morning is a miserable (and avoidable) way to start the day.

4. Top Up the Right Fluids

  • Coolant / antifreeze: make sure it’s at the correct level and mixture so your engine is protected against freezing.
  • Washer fluid: switch to a winter-grade, freeze-resistant fluid — salt spray and slush will have you using a lot of it.
  • Oil: if you’re due for an oil change, fall is a good time, so your engine is protected through the cold months.

5. Wipers, Lights & Defrost

Shorter days and messier roads make visibility a real winter safety issue. Replace worn wiper blades before they start streaking, check that all your lights and signals work (salt and moisture take a toll), and make sure your heater and defrost are blowing properly — you’ll want them the first frosty morning.

6. Book a Quick Fall Inspection

The easiest way to head into winter with peace of mind is a quick check-up. Our mechanics in Etobicoke can go through your brakes, tires, battery, fluids, belts, and lights in one visit, show you anything that needs attention, and quote it before doing any work — so you’re never surprised. Catching a small issue in the shop now beats a breakdown on the 401 in January.

Why Etobicoke Drivers Trust Best Deals Auto

We’ve kept Etobicoke and west-GTA drivers safely on the road for over 24 years. Our licensed mechanics diagnose the real problem, quote the price before we start, and back most repairs with a 1-year warranty. We’re a licensed Ontario Motor Vehicle Inspection Station (facility #19984), and if the timing’s tight, our Fix Now, Pay Later option lets you get winter-ready and pay over time.

Ready for winter? Book a fall check-up in Etobicoke or call 416-745-9700.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I get my car ready for winter?

Early fall is ideal — before the first cold snap. Prepping in September or October means your brakes, tires, battery, and fluids are ready before the weather turns, rather than dealing with a breakdown once it’s freezing.

Do I need winter tires in Ontario?

They’re not legally required, but they’re strongly recommended. Below about 7 °C, winter tires grip and stop far better than all-seasons on cold, wet, and icy roads, and many Ontario insurers offer a discount for using them.

Why are brakes more important in winter?

Wet, snowy, and icy roads increase your stopping distance, so worn brakes are far more dangerous in winter than in summer. Getting them inspected and repaired in the fall keeps you safe when conditions get slippery.

How often should I check my tire pressure in cold weather?

At least monthly through the winter, and any time there’s a big temperature drop. Tires lose roughly 1 PSI for every 5–6 °C the temperature falls, so pressure that was fine in September can be low by November.

How to Find an Honest Auto Mechanic in Etobicoke (2026)

How to Find an Honest Auto Mechanic in Etobicoke (2026)

If you’ve ever driven away from a repair shop wondering whether you really needed all that work, you’re not alone. Auto-repair fraud costs Canadians more than $2 billion a year — one reason CAA runs a network of approved auto-repair shops across the country. So how do you tell an honest mechanic from one padding the bill, and what are your options when money’s tight? Here are seven signs of a shop you can trust, the red flags to avoid, and how to handle a repair you didn’t budget for.

Key Takeaways

  • An honest mechanic shows you the problem and quotes the price before starting work.
  • They give you options — not just the most expensive fix — and never pressure you.
  • Look for a warranty, real reviews, and years in business.
  • A botched DIY repair can cost far more than the original job — and can be dangerous on brakes, steering, or suspension.
  • Cost tight? You have options — Fix Now, Pay Later means no payment for 90 days, no interest, and no credit check.
  • Best Deals Auto has been the honest choice for auto repair in Etobicoke for 24+ years, with upfront pricing and a 1-year warranty.

Why It’s So Hard to Trust a Mechanic

Car repair creates more confusion and distrust than almost any other service. In Canada, repair fraud costs drivers over $2 billion a year, and broader North American surveys find roughly two-thirds of drivers don’t fully trust repair shops — with many feeling they’ve been sold parts or services they didn’t need. The reason is simple: most drivers can’t see what’s happening under the hood, so it’s hard to know whether a repair is genuine. The good news is that honest shops leave clear, spottable signs. Here’s what to look for.

7 Signs of an Honest Auto Mechanic

1. They show you the problem — they don’t just tell you

A trustworthy mechanic will bring you into the bay or show you the worn part, the leak, or the diagnostic reading. If they can point to it and explain it in plain language, that’s a good sign. If they can’t (or won’t), be cautious.

2. They quote the price before they start

You should never be surprised by the final bill. An honest shop inspects first, tells you the cost up front, and gets your approval before doing any work. No blank cheques.

3. They give you options — not just the priciest fix

Often there’s more than one way to solve a problem: repair vs. replace, or a part that’s needed now vs. one that can wait. A good mechanic lays out your options and lets you decide.

4. They stand behind their work with a warranty

A shop that guarantees its repairs is confident in its parts and workmanship. A warranty (Best Deals Auto offers a 1-year warranty on most repairs) means if something isn’t right, they’ll make it right.

5. They’re licensed and experienced

Ask whether the shop is licensed and employs qualified, experienced mechanics. In Ontario, a licensed Motor Vehicle Inspection Station is held to provincial standards — a useful trust signal.

6. They have real reviews and a track record

Check Google reviews and how long the shop has been in business. A shop that’s served the same community for years — with customers who mention staff by name — has a reputation to protect.

7. They don’t pressure or rush you

“You have to do this today or your engine will fail” is a classic pressure tactic. Real safety issues exist, but an honest mechanic explains the risk calmly and gives you space to decide — or to get a second opinion.

The Hidden Cost of Doing It Yourself

When money’s tight, it’s tempting to grab a wrench and a YouTube video and tackle a repair yourself. Sometimes that works — but often it doesn’t. In an Autotrader survey of about 2,000 drivers, nearly one in three admitted they’d made a mistake trying to fix their own car. Confidence is high for simple jobs like checking tire pressure or topping up fluids, but it drops fast on anything technical — only about a third felt comfortable changing engine oil or a flat tire, and just 34% said they trust the car advice they find online.

The problem is that a botched DIY repair usually costs more to put right than the original job would have — and on safety-critical systems like brakes, steering, or suspension, a mistake can be dangerous. That’s why 62% of drivers say they’d rather pay a professional than risk it themselves.

Can’t Afford the Repair Right Now? You Have Options

Sometimes people delay a repair — or attempt a risky DIY fix — simply because they can’t cover the bill this month. We understand; times are tough. But driving on a failing part, or turning a small problem into a big one, isn’t the answer. That’s why we offer Fix Now, Pay Later financing: get the repair done today and pay over time, with no payment for 90 days, no interest, and no credit check. You can apply on our website in minutes. Cost doesn’t have to mean choosing between a safe car and your budget — trust the repair to us, and spread the payments.

Red Flags to Walk Away From

  • No written estimate, or a bill that’s much higher than the quote
  • A long list of “urgent” repairs with no explanation
  • Refusing to show you the old parts or the problem
  • High-pressure tactics or scare language
  • No warranty on their work

Questions to Ask Before You Hand Over Your Keys

  • “Can you show me what’s wrong?”
  • “What’s the total cost, and will you call me before doing any extra work?”
  • “Is this repair needed now, or can it wait?”
  • “Do you offer a warranty?”
  • “Do you work on my make and model?”

Why Etobicoke Drivers Trust Best Deals Auto

We built our shop on exactly the things drivers say they want. Our auto mechanics in Etobicoke diagnose the real problem with proper tools, show you what’s going on, and quote the price before we start — you approve the work, with no surprises. Every repair comes with a 1-year warranty, we work on every make and model, and we’re a licensed Ontario Motor Vehicle Inspection Station (facility #19984). And if the timing’s tough, our Fix Now, Pay Later option lets you get back on the road safely and pay over time. We’ve earned Etobicoke and west-GTA drivers’ trust for over 24 years.

Need a mechanic you can actually trust? Learn about our auto mechanic services in Etobicoke or call 416-745-9700.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a mechanic is trustworthy?

Look for a shop that shows you the problem, quotes the price before starting, offers options instead of only the priciest fix, backs work with a warranty, and has genuine long-term reviews. High-pressure tactics and vague estimates are red flags.

What if I can’t afford the repair right now?

Best Deals Auto offers Fix Now, Pay Later financing — get the work done today and pay over time, with no payment for 90 days, no interest, and no credit check. You can apply on our website in minutes.

Is it cheaper to fix my car myself?

It can be for very simple tasks, but nearly one in three drivers admit to making a DIY repair mistake, and a botched job often costs more to fix — and can be unsafe on brakes or steering. For anything beyond basic maintenance, a professional repair with a warranty is usually the better value.

Do you work on all makes and models?

Yes. Best Deals Auto services every make and model — domestic and import — with all work done in-house by experienced mechanics in Etobicoke.

How Much Does a Brake Job Cost in Toronto? (2026 Guide)

How Much Does a Brake Job Cost in Toronto? (2026 Guide)

A brake job in Toronto typically costs $150–$400 per axle for brake pads, or $350–$750 per axle if you also need rotors — with trucks and luxury vehicles running higher. At Best Deals Auto in Etobicoke, brake pads start at $180 installed (parts and labour), which is below the GTA average. Here’s an honest breakdown of what brakes really cost in 2026, and how to make sure you’re not overpaying.

Key Takeaways

  • Brake pads only: about $150–$400 per axle in the GTA.
  • Pads + rotors: roughly $350–$750 per axle for most cars; more for trucks and luxury vehicles.
  • Toronto labour rates ($80–$150/hr) sit at the higher end of the country.
  • The cheapest quote isn’t always the best deal — cheap pads wear out faster.
  • At Best Deals Auto (Etobicoke), brake pads start at $180 installed, with a 1-year warranty.

Brake Pad Replacement Cost

Replacing just the brake pads on one axle usually runs $150–$400 in the GTA, and often lands around $320–$379 at many Toronto shops. That breaks down into two parts: the pads themselves (roughly $100–$200 depending on quality) and labour (about $120–$180, since Toronto shops charge $80–$150 per hour).

“Per axle” matters: your car has front brakes and rear brakes, and they wear separately. Front brakes do more work and usually need replacing first, so you’ll often only pay for one axle at a time.

Brake Pads and Rotors Cost

If your rotors are worn, scored, or warped, they get replaced along with the pads. That pushes the cost to roughly $350–$750 per axle for most cars, and higher for larger or premium vehicles:

  • Compact cars: ~$350–$600 per axle
  • Mid-size sedans & SUVs: ~$450–$750 per axle
  • Trucks & luxury/European vehicles: ~$700–$1,200 per axle

A good shop won’t automatically replace rotors if yours are still within spec — they’ll measure them and only replace what’s needed. Ask for that before you approve the work.

What Affects Your Brake Repair Cost

  • Your vehicle — trucks, SUVs, and European cars (Mercedes, BMW, Audi) use bigger, pricier brakes.
  • Pads or pads + rotors — rotors roughly double the cost of the job.
  • Front vs. rear — fronts wear faster and are sometimes more labour-intensive.
  • Parts quality — premium ceramic pads cost more up front but last longer and run quieter.
  • Labour rate — Toronto sits at the higher end of Canadian shop rates.

Why the Cheapest Quote Isn’t Always the Best Deal

It’s tempting to book the lowest price you can find, but brakes are the one system you don’t want to cut corners on. Bargain-bin pads often wear out in half the time and can be noisier, so a “cheap” brake job can cost you more within a year. At Best Deals Auto we use quality ceramic pads and back the work with a 1-year warranty — so you’re paying once, not twice. If you drive a European car, we also stock premium brands like Zimmerman, TRW, and Brembo.

Signs You Need Brake Repair

Don’t wait for a quote until something fails. Book a brake inspection in Etobicoke if you notice any of these:

  • A brake warning light on the dash
  • Grinding, squealing, or squeaking when you brake
  • The wheel or steering wheel vibrating while braking
  • A brake pedal that feels soft or sinks to the floor
  • The car pulling to one side when you stop

Honest Brake Repair in Etobicoke — From $180

At Best Deals Auto, brake pads start at $180 installed (parts and labour) — below the GTA average — and we inspect your pads and rotors first so you only pay for what your car actually needs. Every brake job is backed by a 1-year warranty, and we’ll always quote you the price before we start. We’ve kept Etobicoke and west-GTA drivers safely on the road for over 24 years.

Book your brake repair in Etobicoke or call 416-745-9700 — most brake jobs are done the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a brake job cost in Ontario?

Brake pads typically cost $150–$400 per axle in the GTA, and pads with rotors run about $350–$750 per axle for most cars. At Best Deals Auto in Etobicoke, brake pads start at $180 installed.

How much are brake pads and rotors together?

Roughly $350–$750 per axle for most vehicles, and more for trucks and luxury cars. A good shop measures your rotors first and only replaces them if they’re out of spec.

How often do brakes need replacing?

Most brake pads last around 50,000 km, though it depends on your driving. We recommend a brake check about every six months.

Is it cheaper to replace brake pads yourself?

Doing it yourself saves on labour, but brakes are a safety-critical system — a mistake can be dangerous, and you won’t get a warranty. For most drivers, a professional brake job with a warranty is the safer value.

How do I know if I need just pads or rotors too?

Only an inspection can tell. Worn or grooved rotors need replacing with the pads; healthy ones don’t. At Best Deals Auto we measure them and show you before recommending anything.

Uber & Lyft Safety Certificate in Ontario: Cost & Rules (2026)

Uber & Lyft Safety Certificate in Ontario: Cost & Rules (2026)

If you drive for Uber or Lyft in Ontario, you need a valid Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) — an official inspection proving your vehicle meets provincial safety standards. Both platforms require it, it has to be issued by a mechanic licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, and you get 36 days from the inspection to upload it to your driver app. At Best Deals Auto in Etobicoke, we do rideshare safety inspections same day — often within an hour — for $99, and hand you the certificate you upload to the app.

Here’s everything you need to know before you book.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber and Lyft both require an Ontario Safety Standards Certificate, renewed annually.
  • It must be issued by an MTO-licensed Motor Vehicle Inspection Station (MVIS).
  • You have 36 days from the inspection to upload it to your app.
  • The inspection covers brakes, steering, suspension, tires, lights, and body condition.
  • At Best Deals Auto (Etobicoke, MVIS #19984), it’s $99, same day.

What Is an Ontario Safety Standards Certificate?

A Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) is an official document confirming that, on the day it was inspected, your vehicle met the minimum safety standards set out in Regulation 611 of Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. It doesn’t guarantee your car is problem-free forever — it certifies that it was roadworthy at the time of inspection.

Only a Motor Vehicle Inspection Station (MVIS) licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation can issue one. Best Deals Auto is a licensed MVIS (facility #19984) in Etobicoke. You’ll typically need an SSC when you:

  • Register a used vehicle after buying it
  • Transfer ownership to someone other than your spouse
  • Register a vehicle brought in from another province or country
  • Sign up for — or renew — driving for a rideshare platform like Uber or Lyft

Do You Need a Safety Standards Certificate to Drive for Uber or Lyft?

Yes. To drive for Uber or Lyft in Ontario, your vehicle must pass an annual safety inspection and receive a Safety Standards Certificate issued by an MTO-licensed mechanic. You then upload a photo of the certificate to your Uber or Lyft driver app.

Both platforms require the inspection to be renewed every year, so it isn’t a one-time task — plan to get re-inspected annually to keep driving without interruption.

How Much Does a Safety Standards Certificate Cost?

At Best Deals Auto, an Uber/Lyft or Service Ontario Safety Standards Certificate is $99, plus a $10 certificate-issuance fee if your vehicle passes, plus HST. If your car needs a minor repair to pass, we tell you the cost up front and get your approval before doing any work — no surprises.

Prices vary between shops across the GTA. Be cautious of very low “safety” prices that don’t include the repairs often needed to actually pass — a cheap inspection isn’t a deal if you’re sent elsewhere for the fixes. Because we’re a full-service repair shop, we can handle both the inspection and any repairs in one visit.

How Long Is a Safety Standards Certificate Valid?

An Ontario Safety Standards Certificate is valid for 36 calendar days from the date of inspection. For rideshare drivers, that means you have 36 days to upload it to your Uber or Lyft app after the inspection. Wait longer than 36 days and the certificate expires — you’ll need a new inspection.

So don’t get inspected weeks before you plan to submit it. Time your inspection close to when you’ll upload it to the app.

What Gets Inspected?

The Ontario safety inspection is a thorough check of the systems that keep you and your passengers safe. It includes:

  • Brakes — pads, rotors, lines, and braking performance
  • Steering and suspension
  • Tires and wheels
  • Lights and signals
  • Windshield, wipers, and mirrors
  • Seatbelts
  • Body and frame condition (major defects or damage)

If any of these fail, the vehicle won’t pass until the issue is repaired. Since we’re a full-service shop, we can usually fix minor problems the same day so you don’t have to book a second appointment somewhere else.

How to Get Your Safety Certificate in Etobicoke — Same Day

Getting your rideshare safety certificate at Best Deals Auto is simple:

  1. Book online or call 416-745-9700.
  2. Bring your vehicle in — appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.
  3. We inspect it (usually within an hour) and, if anything needs fixing to pass, quote it up front.
  4. You drive out with your signed Safety Standards Certificate, ready to upload to your Uber or Lyft app.

We’re an MTO-licensed inspection station (MVIS #19984) at 60 Brydon Drive #1, Etobicoke, and a partner shop for both Uber and Lyft — serving rideshare drivers across Etobicoke, Rexdale, and the west GTA. Book your safety inspection in Etobicoke or call today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a safety certificate to drive for Uber in Ontario?

Yes. Uber requires an annual safety inspection and a Safety Standards Certificate issued by an MTO-licensed mechanic, uploaded to your Uber driver app within 36 days of the inspection.

How much is a safety certificate for Uber or Lyft?

At Best Deals Auto in Etobicoke it’s $99, plus a $10 issuance fee if your vehicle passes, plus HST. Any repairs needed to pass are quoted and approved before we start.

How long is an Ontario safety certificate valid?

36 calendar days from the date of inspection. You need to upload it to your rideshare app within that window, or the certificate expires and you’ll need a new inspection.

Where can I get a safety standards certificate near me in Etobicoke?

Best Deals Auto is a licensed MVIS (facility #19984) at 60 Brydon Drive #1, Etobicoke, doing Uber, Lyft, and Service Ontario safety certificates same day — usually within an hour.

What happens if my car fails the safety inspection?

The certificate can only be issued once the vehicle meets the standard. If something fails, we’ll tell you exactly what’s needed and the cost, and — because we’re a full repair shop — we can usually fix it the same day and issue your certificate without a second trip.

Does Canadian Tire do safety standards certificates?

Many chains and independent shops offer them, but wait times and pricing vary. Best Deals Auto specializes in same-day rideshare and transfer certificates for only $99, with repairs handled in-house if your vehicle needs them to pass.

Winter Ready Guide for Auto Vehicle

It is usually a very stressful and traumatic experience to be involved in an auto collision and finding the best auto body shop is the best way to relieve that feeling of hopelessness.  Having your car fixed back into its original state prior to the accident with a proper auto body repair and car painting job is a step back to normalcy and feeling comfortable in your wheels again. A professional auto body repair translates to a happy driver so you can get back to your life.

Best Deals Auto is indeed the best auto body shop in Etobicoke boasting 24 years in business and 16 years at the same Etobicoke location.  From routine scratches or dents to serious auto body repairs, we are Toronto’s most reliable choice for an independent auto body shop.

We offer affordable options for independent auto body repairs or deal directly with your insurance company for insurance claims.  For most accidents, we can also waive your deductible up to $1000, depending on the claim which is great for no out of pocket expenses to cause you extra anxiety. We like to put our clients at ease knowing they have come to the best auto body shop in the GTA.

Nowadays, most drivers that get into a little fender bender repair their vehicles privately I..e. most claims under $1500 are usually settled privately.  For most scratches, dents, or bumpers or fender repairs, we offer affordable auto body repair solutions to get  you back on the road. We source aftermarket parts at reasonable rates and offer professional car painting with our computer paint match system to get you the exact precise paint colour according to the VIN number, paint code and year, make and model of the car you drive. This way, it’s an exact match and will perfectly blend so the car is a uniform colour.  Our body men have a 310B licence and are car painting experts.  If in doubt, we also have a computer paint gun tool that we point to your colour car, and it can exact paint match according to the computer system to ensure the utmost precision in car painting expertise.

Sometimes, we can do the auto body repairs without replacing parts and can fix existing panels to save you money.  In some cases, we can also try to source used parts if you request us to do so.  We can also help parties involved in a collision who decide to settle privately sign a waiver (provided by Best Deals Auto), recognized by legal courts to be signed to say all parties agree to a settlement which is recognized in court.

Our body shop has seasoned workers that take pride in their auto body repairs and car painting to ensure seamless results and happy clients.  We offer complete customer satisfaction and warranty on our workmanship for all our services.

We also do frame repairs, car straightening, custom car painting for classics etc. and rust repairs.

Prior to doing any auto body repairs, we will give you a full written estimate and have you sign and agree prior to performing any repairs.  This way both parties have a firm understanding of what we are going to do and are happy with the end results and there is no mis-communication.  Best Deals Auto believes in complete transparency and educating our customers keeps them feeling informed and comfortable with all our services and prices.

We have state of the art equipment and keep our workers on top of their game by offering continuing education and keeping them up to date on all techniques of the auto body repair trade.  Best Deals Auto abides by all environmental regulations and rules and is a proud member of safety first program in auto body repairs.

Dealing with the best auto body shop in Etobicoke will leave you feeling safe that your family can once again be comfortable in driving their loved vehicle. We have thousands of satisfied customers and you can see that in our Facebook and twitter and Google Reviews.  We have been voted best auto body shop in Etobicoke and won the Readers Choice award 3 years in a row.  Come to Best Deals Auto and you will be absolutely glad you did.  Referrals and Repeats are the best compliments our customers can give and they are the reason why we are absolutely the best auto body repair and car painting centre in Etobicoke.

CHECKING YOUR TIRE PRESSURE REGULARLY IN WINTER IS VERY IMPORTANT !

Drivers sometimes forget that the weather plays an important role in tire pressure.  If your tire is leaking, most people jump to the conclusion that its an under inflated tire or there is a nail or puncture in the tire.

However, in the winter, when the temperature falls, air contracts as the molecules that make up the air compress and squish closer together and this reduced volume results tires to lose air and hence lose pressure.   Now everybody knows that underinflated tires are not good.   Therefore, it’s a good idea to check your tire pressure at least once a month during November to March especially and its also good practise to carry this out all through the year as it only takes seconds to check your pressure at the local gas station.

Drivers usually understand the importance of regular maintenance, and tires deserve just as much attention as that regular oil change !

Unfortunately, sometimes we forget about tires but we shouldn’t for the following reasons !

SAFETY:

Underinflated tires can affect steering and handling in winter conditions on wet or slick roads.  They can also increase braking distances which isn’t good in an emergency stop situation !  Also, over inflated or under inflated tires can cause irregular wear meaning your tires won’t last as long as they normally should costing you time and money !  Blowouts can also happen if you are not driving with the correct tire pressure for your particular vehicle……………….also not a good thing !

SAVINGS:

Gas ain’t cheap, even with the oil price lows…………………..Canadians spend an average of $60 per week on gas……………….and vehicles with underinflated tires get poorer gas milage than their counterparts.  Also if you can imagine, a tire with lower pressure than it should have will have more surface contact with the road  increasing rolling resistance and friction on the road.   You can waste hundreds of dollars a year when driving with under inflated tires……………………..save your money……………….check your tires !  We all work too hard to just throw money away unnecessarily when there are simply a few minutes we can spare to avoid that expense !

Newer cars come equipped with tire pressure monitor systems which cause a light on the dashboard to come on, making you aware to check the tire pressure.  It kind of looks like a triangle with an exclamation mark on it in most vehicles.  This helps to remind you but if your car doesn’t have this, just make a mental note to check your tires at least monthly !

To achieve proper tire pressure, you can look in your owner’s manual to check the proper inflation pressure recommended for your specific make and model car.  Sometimes, you can even find it located on the drivers side door jamb also.

Most gas stations, have a manual tire pressure machine you can use for free or a nominal 50 cents charge!

Or if you prefer, come by to Best Deals Auto and we can usually check your tire pressure for you for a nominal charge or for free if its with any associated work

HOW DO YOU CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE WITH A MANUAL GAUGE ?

  1. Remove the cap from the tire valve
  2. Insert the gauge measurement stick completely inside the tire gauge.
  3. Firmly and quickly place the open end of the gauge over the tire valve stem.
  4. The measurement stick will pop out and you can read the number on the far right of the stick which is your tire pressure measured in PSI or pounds per square inch.
  5. If you prefer you can repeat this a couple of times to ensure an accurate reading.
  6. Repeat this process for all 4 tires …………………….and don’t forget about the spare…………its good to check the spare yearly but necessarilyevery time it its unused.