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).

If you experience any of the following issues during driving, it’s time to get your tires checked.

How do I really know when it’s time to change my tires?

Taking a look at your tire is the best way to diagnose tire wear, and there are many things to look for. One is tread depth. If the tire has reached the minimum depth of 2/32-inch depth, then by law you’ll need to change your tires. If you’re not sure how deep that is, you should be able to find a raised ridge inside of the grooves on your tread. If your tread is flush with these “wear bars” you should replace your tires.

I’ve noticed some irregular wear on my tires. What could be causing it?

Believe it or not, your tires are one of the best ways to optically discover a host of vehicle issues. Consistent wear on the inside or outside of a tire is usually an indication that your wheels are out of alignment, while consistent wear down both the inside and outside, or down the centre of the tire indicates under- and over-inflation. Cupping on the tread is a symptom of a wheel that is out of balance while patching can indicate a bent or worn-out suspension. If you see any irregular wear patterns it is best to have your car serviced before putting new tires on the vehicle only to have them ruined as well.

Does tire pressure really matter when it comes to fuel economy?

Inflation pressures play a large role on vehicle load, acceleration, braking, and cornering forces. A properly inflated tire can give you better mileage, more responsive steering and better ride all while saving you hundreds in fuel consumption. When the tread is too low or high, the contact patch on the tire can be compromised. Not using the tire’s optimal surface area will lead to irregular wear and compromised performance.

Are snow tires worth the money they cost?

In most regions of Canada, having winter tires is a must. While they’re typically called “snow tires”, they are more effective even on bare pavement in colder temperatures, due to their softer rubber compound. Your ability to brake and turn increases significantly when you have the right tires for the conditions, and winter tires will make your vehicle safer to operate for you, your passengers, and others on the road. Also, you’ll likely have to replace your tires at some point, so having a set of winter tires doesn’t cost too much more than having to purchase two sets of all season tires. The first time you need to stop quickly or swerve in cold weather conditions you’ll be glad you spent the money.