Rainy seasons can be challenging for cars, as wet conditions can reduce visibility and traction while also potentially causing damage. To help you prepare, here are three important checklist items for your car during the rainy season: 1. Check and Maintain Your Tires:
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1. Listen for Unusual NoisesOne of the first signs of a brake problem is unusual noises when applying the brakes. Squealing, grinding, or scraping sounds may indicate worn-out brake pads or damaged rotors. If you notice these noises, have your brakes inspected promptly to prevent further damage and ensure safe braking performance. 2. Pay Attention to Brake PerformanceIf your vehicle takes longer to come to a complete stop or if the brake pedal feels spongy or goes too close to the floor, it could signal brake system issues. Reduced brake performance might result from worn-out brake pads, air in the brake lines, or brake fluid leaks. Never ignore these signs and have your brakes inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Weather conditions are beyond our control, but what we can definitely do is be smart and prepare our vehicles to ensure safety. In general, it is good to maintain your vehicle throughout the year, but we are focusing on the heatwave to keep you safe and sane. In this blog we well highlight essential car components that require extra attention along with the reason to putting extra care in maintaining them and ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience. 1. Engine - It is important that your engine is running at the right temperature regardless of how hot it gets, and the cooling system is responsible for this. Check your engine and components surrounding it if you think it has been overheating due to the heatwave. Never ignore the ‘check engine’ sign on your dashboard. 2. Coolant - Check the coolant level for starters, during summers it is mandatory to maintain a good coolant level. Your vehicle's coolant is responsible for maintaining the temperature of the engine. It flows through the radiator in order to do so. Sometimes your coolant may be contaminated as well. In such a case the coolant will need to be drained and refilled with clean, fresh coolant. 3. A/C components - Sometimes the only way to survive during your drives is your AC, if you notice that your car's air conditioner is blowing hot air, then there may be a fault with the condenser. Also, check for any loose hoses that are connected to the AC and fix them accordingly, there may also be a block or leak that may need fixing. A bad AC can be a big cause for your engine overheating, so never take it lightly. 4. Hoses and Pipes - Canadian weather is about the extremes, and all the hoses and pipes in your vehicle battle it too, just like you! It only makes sense to check them as they expand and contract with the change of season, it can cause cracks, breaks, and other wear and tear. Because almost all components are connected via pipes and hoses, any damage can cause problems with the connected components. What Causes Poor Gas Mileage and How to Fix it!Many of the main causes for poor gas mileage are mechanical and include things like improper air flow, faulty injectors or bad oxygen sensors.
"Your vehicle needs both fuel and air to give the best fuel mileage," says Nicole Syme, owner at LMN Auto & Tire. When one part of the system malfunctions, that can throw off your fuel usage and hurt gas mileage." Aside from mechanical issues, other factors can affect gas mileage. Syme says bad alignment, improperly inflated tires, poor tread and driving habits can make a difference in how far a Liter of gas goes. 1. Uneven wear between tiresUneven wear doesn’t mean an irregular pattern throughout the tread of one tire, instead it means that when the front tires wear faster than the rear ones. If you notice this happening with your tires, they need to be rotated as soon as possible. The wear difference will soon become insignificant if the tires aren’t worn out completely. However, you may also notice an irregular wear pattern on one of your front tires, where one side has less tread than another. If the tread wear isn’t too severe, the tire can be rotated, but if it is, it’s better to change the item. 2. Pressure loss
Meet the owners |
Hello I'm Nicole and I have worked at LMN Auto and Tire, formerly known as National Tire Wholesale, for 9 years prior to purchasing LMN Auto with business partner Mike. The automotive world is no stranger to me as my Dad owned a successful automotive shop where I learned the ins and outs of the business. Working in customer service is a passion of mine as I genuinely enjoy talking with and getting to know our customers. When I'm not in the shop you'll find me with my French Bulldog, Louis and cheering on the Canucks and Seahawks. | Hello I'm Mike and I have been in the automotive industry for over 20 years as a fully licensed Automotive Service Technician who specializes in diagnostics and advanced repairs. Having owned a shop in Coquitlam for many years, I have worked on vehicles of all sizes and am excited to bring this skillset to LMN Auto & Tire as part owner with Nicole. When I'm not busy rebuilding engines, transmissions and differentials, you'll find me playing hockey and being outdoors. I also have a dog named Luna, a border collie-blue heeler mix that is always at the shop to greet you. |
Meet Our Shop Mascots
Meet our shop mascots, Luna (on the right) and Louis (on the left). Luna is a border collie-blue heeler mix. Luna is friendly wants to be your best friend and is lots of fun around those she knows and she also makes an excellent doorbell! Louis the Frenchie! He is playful and full of energy with a BIG personality! They can't wait to meet you at the shop! |
1. How to change your oil
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Checking for oil is very easy, straightforward and quite important for the health of your car. Oil stops your engine from overheating and many other dangerous malfunctions. Just locate your oil dipstick, read the oil levels and act accordingly (refill or just let it be). You can buy oil next time you get your fuel refilled or visit a car part store.
If you’re often running low on oil, take a look under your car and see if you notice any leaks. If you do see black spots on the pavement, make sure to bring your car to a mechanic shop like LMN Auto & Tire for a checkup. |
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