Braking systems depend on science, but understanding when to repair or replace aging parts is more of an art, that calls on experience. Our decades of time in the automotive repair industry gives you the peace of mind that when something isn’t right in the front end of your vehicle, we’ll find it fast, diagnose the root of the problem, inspect your entire system to rule out any contributing factors, and give you information and a recommendation that you can use to make the best decision possible for your situation.

Ignoring any of the following signs can put you and everyone on the road at risk:

Your car’s wheel alignment is important, and should be checked every 10,000 kilometres. Wheels commonly become out of alignment after driving down rough roads, driving through potholes, or hitting curbs. Driving on wheels that are out of alignment can make for an uncomfortable ride, but more importantly it will accelerate tire wear and decrease fuel economy, costing you money.

Here are some indicators that your wheels need an alignment:

Does your car pull to one side? Do you find it gets worse while stopping?

If you’re feeling your car pull to one side while driving or stopping, it’s usually a sign your brake system is failing. The brake hoses and steel lines, which act as main transports in your braking system, might have some issues. When these lines and hoses collapse, they block the flow of brake fluids and can cause your car to veer to one side or the other. Veering is not only inconvenient; it may be dangerous during extreme weather conditions. Auto One will be able to diagnose the problem and have you back on the road in no time.

What does the ABS light mean?

The ABS light represents your cars anti-locking brake system. This system consists of a set of sensors assigned to each wheel. When your car is experiencing extreme or emergency braking scenarios, the system communicates with an onboard computer that engages your breaks, allowing the driver to stay in full control when stopping. In cars without ABS you are told to “pump your brakes during an emergency stop”. In cars with ABS, you simply jam on the brakes and the system rapidly pumps the brakes for you in order to help you slow down without sliding. If this light comes when you’re not in an emergency breaking scenario, it means the ABS isn’t working properly and you’re at risk. It’s highly recommended that you have your brakes checked immediately.

Why is my brake pedal mushy?

When your brake pedal feels like your stepping into a bowl of mush you may have a problem. A brake fluid leak in your car’s hydraulic brake system may be the issue, or your brake fluid has absorbed too much moisture. It might also be one of these three issues:

1. The air or brake fluid in the hydraulic system has become ineffective or low
2. You have a faulty brake master cylinder
3. There is an issue with your brake pads or drums (worn out or damaged).

The following are things that should be done to properly winterize your vehicle:

The following are things that should be done to properly summerize your vehicle:

Do I need different washer fluid in the summer than in the winter?

Probably. Summer washer fluid is good for a range of temperatures, but in the winter it can freeze up, damaging your washer systems, and in cold temperatures, can freeze up when it hits your windshield, creating a dangerous situation. Winter washer fluids, on the other hand, are designed to stay liquid in very cold temperatures, and also to effectively melt any ice buildup on your windshield, improving visibility and making for a safer ride.

If I have all-season tires, do I really need snow tires?

In Canada, absolutely. Winter tires do more than just help when there is snow on the ground, they are made from a different rubber compound that helps them grip to cold asphalt. The more aggressive tread pattern also helps to move snow and ice out of the way and increase contact with the road.

Why don’t I just drive on snow tires all year?

Winter tires are made from a softer rubber compound than all-season tires, so that they do a better job of sticking to the road when temperatures dip. This softer rubber is great in the winter, but in the summer your winter tires will run too hot, and the tread will wear down much faster than all seasons. Also, the chunkier tread pattern is less fuel efficient, so get your all season tires back on when the temperature starts to climb.

When should I winterize my vehicle?

When to winterize your vehicle depends on the climate in your specific region. In Toronto, it’s a good idea to start thinking about winterizing your vehicle after Canadian Thanksgiving, so that you’ve got everything in place before the first cold weather and snowfall.