Prospect Lake Auto Care

Winter already is here, and it will outstay its welcome in most provinces and territories. Our vehicles sometimes suffer as a result of the long winter, but this does not have to be the case! Here are a few easy winter auto maintenance suggestions to help preserve your vehicle from the bitter cold of the True North.   Is the defroster on your windows working? Great! Do you have a nice snow brush and ice scraper on hand? Awesome! You're off to a good start, but there are a few additional quick tests and do-it-yourself projects you can perform to winterize your automobile.   This brief checklist will assist you in winterizing your car and might save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run. As usual, consult your owner's handbook for detailed information regarding your vehicle's components and how to do these checks properly.   1. Change your wiper blades. When driving, visibility is critical. Wiper blades, however, lose their effic ... read more

Most of us know what sounds are normal and what sounds aren't for our vehicles. If anything sounds off with our cars, like ticking or rattling, it may be a warning sign that something is wrong. Here are six common car warning sounds and what they indicate:    Whistling  Small cracks or breaks in hoses can cause a whistling sound when you hear the air escape. In some cases, whistling can result from a broken seal in the radiator pressure cap as hot air is seeping out.  Ticking A ticking or clicking coming from your engine could mean there's a lack of lubrication. You should check your oil levels and examine your vehicle for leaks.   Loud Turning If you hear screech noises, but only when turning, it could mean you have a problem with your wheels/tires. While the issue could be a quick fix like tire pressure, it can also be as complicated as a worn wheel bearing or incorrect wheel balance. Noisy Brakes If you hear a loud cry coming from your br ... read more

As most people say, the engine is the heart of your car, SUV, or truck. But just like your heart, it can experience trouble later on in life. If you wouldn't disregard heart pains, why would you ignore engine problems? Also, if you don't treat your engine problem, it can spread and worsen. Engine repairs, rebuilds, or replacements are serious and costly. Here are some of the troubling symptoms that your engine may display: Metal Flakes in Motor Oil Next time you have your oil changed, please be sure to inspect the old oil. If you or your technician notices any metallic flakes in the oil, it could imply that there is too much friction occurring with your engine parts. Therefore, your engine parts should be inspected and repaired if necessary. Knocking Noise If you constantly hear a knocking sound under the hood, especially when you hike up your RPM, the engine bearings are likely at fault. The engine bearings are responsible for supporting other engine parts.  Burning ... read more

Car starters are powerful electric motors that start your engine when you turn the key to start your car. Starters feature a motor with an attached solenoid. The solenoid's job is to transfer power from the battery and ensure it gets to the starter motor. Additionally, it drives the starter gear forward. Starters do deteriorate or fail over time. However, they display several apparent warning signs before they stop working, and mechanics may ask you about when you take your car into an auto repair shop.   Signs of a Failing Starter Your starter will often exemplify one or more of the following signs before it actually fails. The more understanding you have of the problem, the easier it'll be to draw from these observations when the mechanic asks you about the car issue. Here are the top signs of a failing starter: Slow Cranking Car Starts Intermittently Interior Lights Dim When You Attempt to Start Car Grinding Noises Engine Whines  Starter Continues to Run ... read more

Your vehicle uses all kinds of filters to keep the bad stuff out of your vital, internal systems. Specifically, filters are known to help with the flow and fluidity of air or fluids. There are two important types of filters in your car that you should know about: engine air filter and cabin air filter.   ENGINE AIR FILTERS Engine air filters can be round, coned, or panel-shaped, depending on the type of vehicle you own. They are usually found under the hood, near the front of the engine, and protected with a covering. This air filter is responsible for keeping dirt and dust from the engine intake. Engines work in very tight spaces, at high speeds, and under scorching temperatures. Even the slightest hint of dirt can wear down your engine's major components and cause irreversible damage. This filter will eventually clog and need to be swapped out for a new one. A clogged engine air filter can reduce performance, increase emissions, and drop fuel economy.   CABIN AIR F ... read more