Articles, expert auto advice and columns from Eric Lai | Wheels.ca

Articles, expert auto advice and columns from Eric Lai | Wheels.ca

Lai, Eric

wheels@thestar.ca

Feb 06, 2012 -

Mouse to blame for unintended acceleration? Yes, it can happen

Feb 01, 2012 -

Reader and Mitsubishi differ on how seat-adjustment wire broke

Jan 30, 2012 -

Doing this after a crash could be deadly

Jan 25, 2012 -

When is a deal for a car not a deal?

Jan 24, 2012 -

In a crash with an electric car, what gets pulled first: the battery or the ...

Jan 16, 2012 -

Odd — but true — traffic law peculiarities

Jan 09, 2012 -

‘Wrong’ vehicle for the job could be tip-off to rip-off

Jan 09, 2012 -

Can I phone and drive while on private property?

Jan 06, 2012 -

Can I save money buying a new car in Florida?

Jan 04, 2012 -

Hard lessons learned from ‘rubbernecking’

Jan 03, 2012 -

Tell-tale signs it’s time to buy a new car battery

Dec 28, 2011 -

Car rental ordeal ends with a release of cash

Dec 19, 2011 -

Santa's sleigh must have 'jingle bells' - or else

Dec 14, 2011 -

Reader wants wheelchair bus rules explained

Dec 09, 2011 -

Driver fumes over new flutter in car hood

Dec 05, 2011 -

I signed for a new car and ended up with an even better one

Dec 05, 2011 -

Changing tires on your own? These tools can help

Nov 29, 2011 -

Was this driver a victim of auto insurance fraud?

Nov 28, 2011 -

Rustproofing won’t void new car warranties

Nov 25, 2011 -

Only courts can order licence suspension

Nov 24, 2011 -

When a forgotten fine ends up in a licence suspension

Nov 21, 2011 -

Five top reasons for buying a new car

Nov 18, 2011 -

You don’t have to buy aftermarket items already on a car

Nov 14, 2011 -

The top 5 reasons to buy a used car

Nov 11, 2011 -

Was a used car sold as if it was new?

Nov 09, 2011 -

Proof of insurance is online, but . . .

Nov 07, 2011 -

Top 10 reasons drivers call for a tow truck

Nov 04, 2011 -

Why does man, 80, have to write two tests?

Nov 01, 2011 -

Front driver not always blameless in rear-end collision

Oct 26, 2011 -

Licence plate cover may result in traffic ticket

Oct 26, 2011 -

These two driving tips could save your life

Oct 24, 2011 -

Was a used car sold as a new car?

Oct 18, 2011 -

Can a minor buy a car? Yes, but . . .

Oct 14, 2011 -

Be sure to have original insurance card in car

Oct 14, 2011 -

Who put dents in my U-Haul?

Oct 11, 2011 -

Should car colour have an effect on insurance rates?

Oct 03, 2011 -

Auto Know: Are passengers or pets in the back of a pickup legal?

Sep 27, 2011 -

Why we should stop calling car crashes ‘accidents’

Sep 23, 2011 -

Was a contract broken in the purchase of an imported car?

Sep 21, 2011 -

So I got my first traffic ticket. Now what?

Sep 16, 2011 -

Know the limits of your car’s wear and tear

Sep 16, 2011 -

Issue of police disclosure in traffic court not so ‘cut and dried’

Sep 14, 2011 -

Are you a ‘lemming driver’? Here are the telltale signs

Sep 12, 2011 -

Reader perplexed by easily stained car seats

Sep 12, 2011 -

Fighting this driving infraction? You may be off the hook

Sep 06, 2011 -

Mismatched colours on cars more common than you think

Sep 06, 2011 -

Sporadic police siren use not uncommon

Aug 30, 2011 -

Proper left-turn etiquette a ‘silent’ matter

Aug 29, 2011 -

When pranks on the road go awry

Aug 23, 2011 -

Will this quickie tail light fix fly with police?

Aug 22, 2011 -

Arrestable road offences that might surprise you

Aug 15, 2011 -

Cigarette tossing is more than just a road peeve

Aug 12, 2011 -

Service suggestions were in manual, Toyota tells reader

Aug 08, 2011 -

Here’s the one thing drivers often forget to do

Aug 05, 2011 -

Different colour of bumper worries reader

Aug 05, 2011 -

Why it's so hard to fight a laser speeding ticket

Aug 03, 2011 -

When two traffic laws conflict, which should I obey?

Jul 25, 2011 -

Did ‘hands-free’ cellphone use cause fatal crash?

Jul 18, 2011 -

Can you be charged for eating while driving?

Jul 13, 2011 -

Help! My car’s hood won’t open

Jul 11, 2011 -

The real reason drivers fight traffic tickets

Jul 07, 2011 -

Why are my tires wearing out so quickly?

Jul 04, 2011 -

Bad driving aside, stupid sights abound on our roads

Jul 04, 2011 -

Should ticketed drivers just ‘pay up or shut up’?

Jun 29, 2011 -

When a car gets damaged in transit, who’s at fault?

Jun 29, 2011 -

Where’s the safest spot for a dog in a car?

Jun 27, 2011 -

Can you be charged for driving with pets?

Jun 27, 2011 -

5 reasons drivers shouldn’t ‘cop’ an attitude with police

Jun 21, 2011 -

Why is my car’s battery constantly dying?

Jun 21, 2011 -

Tag-team traffic cops can have you down for the count

Jun 20, 2011 -

Seeing red: Are drivers who coast up to red light infuriating or helpful?

Jun 15, 2011 -

Is there a standard warranty for used cars?

Jun 14, 2011 -

‘Naked’ power tools can offer big savings

Jun 13, 2011 -

When a new car doesn’t come as advertised

Jun 06, 2011 -

Can you be charged for driving with ‘faded plates’?

Jun 06, 2011 -

Do more airbags equal higher insurance premiums?

Jun 06, 2011 -

Are ‘price match’ policies worth the trouble?

May 30, 2011 -

Why don’t cars come equipped with CO alarms?

May 30, 2011 -

Drivers not off the hook if ticket has wrong date

May 24, 2011 -

Much pain, no gain with disappearing bike lanes

May 20, 2011 -

Volkswagen repair policy confusing

May 17, 2011 -

E-bike or scooter? Which is the safer bet?

May 16, 2011 -

Why this driver doesn’t have a cellphone

May 12, 2011 -

Can you get a ticket for walking along the highway?

May 09, 2011 -

In a crash with an on-ramp cheater, who’s at fault?

May 09, 2011 -

Even when you win in traffic court, you lose

May 06, 2011 -

Consider alternative vehicle fuels for gas savings

May 06, 2011 -

What can you do if your car is a lemon?

May 04, 2011 -

What if the wrong date is on my parking ticket?

May 02, 2011 -

Can you get a ticket for tossing a cigarette butt out the window?

Apr 29, 2011 -

Will I be penalized for my lost licence plate?

Apr 27, 2011 -

Is a traffic ticket with wrong date an automatic win?

Apr 25, 2011 -

How do I know my traffic ticket is correct?

Apr 22, 2011 -

Warranty date upsets Hyundai owner

Apr 19, 2011 -

$8,000 hybrid premium buys a lot of gas

Apr 15, 2011 -

Leave plates, transponder alone on Highway 407

Apr 13, 2011 -

How not to deal with an unruly driver

Apr 11, 2011 -

Can ‘rubbernecking’ at a crash net you a traffic ticket?

Apr 08, 2011 -

Audi ‘fuel' service doesn't mean diesel

Apr 04, 2011 -

In a left-turn crash with red-light runner, who’s at fault?

Apr 04, 2011 -

Road grill or road kill? Fast food on the drive often disappointing

Mar 29, 2011 -

Who offers the cheapest auto club membership?

Mar 28, 2011 -

Who gets benefit of the doubt in traffic court — the cop or the driver?

Mar 23, 2011 -

Why is my clutch wearing out so fast?

Mar 23, 2011 -

How to deal with a used car nightmare

Mar 22, 2011 -

Is a safe left turn on an amber light illegal?

Mar 18, 2011 -

Double anniversary for Wheels advice

Mar 11, 2011 -

Why do service schedules sometimes differ?

Mar 03, 2011 -

What to do if your car won't stop speeding up

Feb 18, 2011 -

Why did my CanAm Spyder catch fire?

Feb 10, 2011 -

Game over for eco-friendly natural gas vehicles

Jan 28, 2011 -

How to protect yourself from tow-truck bandits

Jan 19, 2011 -

Sensor likely caused airbag to deploy

Jan 07, 2011 -

Internet support still needs mechanic’s diagnosis

Dec 18, 2010 -

$347 fee to buy out lease puzzles reader

Dec 09, 2010 -

Was safety certification program violated?

Dec 03, 2010 -

Offer of cheap insurance ‘sold’ buyer

Nov 19, 2010 -

What does it take to fix my door locks?

Nov 19, 2010 -

Can I take the pedals off my electric bike?

Oct 22, 2010 -

A red light means a full stop

Oct 15, 2010 -

What can I do if the dealer doesn’t deliver?

Oct 01, 2010 -

What’s with the extra fees when a lease ends?

Sep 25, 2010 -

Why was my Nissan off the road for two months?

Sep 24, 2010 -

Why should taxpayers pay for EV charging?

Sep 10, 2010 -

2003 Volvo’s electronics leaves owner stranded

Aug 28, 2010 -

Pre-60s vehicles can burn ethanol if system rebuilt

Aug 21, 2010 -

GST charged twice when importing auto

Aug 14, 2010 -

Surprise frame damage causes resale hassle

Aug 13, 2010 -

Different ways to relocate and secure front plate

Aug 06, 2010 -

Surprise frame damage causes resale hassle

Jul 23, 2010 -

Lying down in car puts you in legal hot seat

Jul 02, 2010 -

Several ways to make claim against cyclist in at-fault accident

Jun 24, 2010 -

Oil changes: who’s right – automaker or dealer?

Jun 18, 2010 -

You can mix mineral and synthetic oil, says company expert

Jun 11, 2010 -

Amateur radio operators exempt from hands-free law

Jun 04, 2010 -

Sub-50 cc bikes only ones banned from expressways

May 21, 2010 -

Charges likely for using hand-held Dictaphone in car

May 14, 2010 -

Gift of imported car allowed once a year within family

May 07, 2010 -

Lapse in insurance won’t result in higher rates, ruling says

Apr 30, 2010 -

What to do when traffic traps ambulance or fire truck

Apr 23, 2010 -

American taking gift car to U.S. faces hurdles

Apr 09, 2010 -

Vehicle safety inspections could stop illegal mods

Apr 02, 2010 -

When is a left turn against a red light legal?

Mar 26, 2010 -

Some insurers may refuse to cover older used vehicle

Mar 13, 2010 -

Might recover costs in case of old tie rods passed off as new

Mar 06, 2010 -

GPS unit is only an aid, it's up to driver to choose

Feb 20, 2010 -

Ethics quiz: What's right thing to do in these cases?

Feb 13, 2010 -

Don't pour water on frigid windshield

Feb 06, 2010 -

Most gas has enough ethanol to act as gas-line antifreeze

Dec 28, 2009 -

Hiring a pro to beat a traffic ticket has merit

Dec 12, 2009 -

Vehicle history reports prove to be good resource

Nov 21, 2009 -

Gas at independents differs from branded fuel

Nov 14, 2009 -

Wide price gap for premium gas among stations

Nov 07, 2009 -

`Safety-certified' tires not guaranteed to last

Oct 24, 2009 -

Toronto Police answer queries on airbags, cycling and motorhomes

Oct 17, 2009 -

Repairs after car accident reduce value, reader fears

Oct 03, 2009 -

Prosecutors will often nix charges

Sep 26, 2009 -

Various rules apply to offences at rail crossings

Sep 19, 2009 -

Red-light camera tickets do not affect Ontario insurance rating

Sep 12, 2009 -

Can I sit in the camper while it's being towed?

Aug 15, 2009 -

Snowbird must have car registered in Ontario

Aug 08, 2009 -

Long idling wastes fuel, pollutes air and oil

Jul 25, 2009 -

Propane auto that failed Drive Clean can be fixed at shop of choice

Jul 11, 2009 -

Tires should have been in the contract

Jun 20, 2009 -

Your cash is refunded if you win an appeal

Jun 13, 2009 -

Both driver, owner liable if vehicle loses wheel

Jun 13, 2009 -

Tow driver wrong to transport damaged bike to lot

Jun 05, 2009 -

Demerit points remain 2 years from date of offence

May 23, 2009 -

Ontario tax rebates for many alternative fuel vehicles

Apr 25, 2009 -

Drive Clean conditional passes are unlimited

Apr 18, 2009 -

Mudguards needed by law

Apr 11, 2009 -

Who should pay for my unfair $118 tow charge?

Apr 04, 2009 -

When is it illegal to wash your car?

Mar 07, 2009 -

What if a car maker goes bankrupt?

Feb 28, 2009 -

Registering a used car

Dec 06, 2008 -

Some pros and cons of buying a police cruiser

Nov 22, 2008 -

Cyclists can't rack up demerit points

Nov 15, 2008 -

Pros and cons of propane

Oct 04, 2008 -

`Tax on tax' issue explained

Sep 20, 2008 -

Pulling `doughnuts' on private land may be a crime

Sep 13, 2008 -

Breaking glass in crash vehicle brings own risks

Aug 30, 2008 -

Does mirror adjustment to fix blind spot work?

Aug 23, 2008 -

Vehicles must be 30 years old for historic plate designation

Aug 16, 2008 -

G and M licences can be renewed from out of province

Jul 19, 2008 -

Hybrids and gas-electrics exempt from Drive Clean

Jul 12, 2008 -

Gas retailers offer some relief from price pain

Jul 05, 2008 -

GPS units blocking car windshield illegal, law says

Jun 14, 2008 -

Natural gas yields considerable savings

Jun 07, 2008 -

Cordless impact wrenches vs. air tools

May 17, 2008 -

Left-turner faces onus since there's always choice

May 10, 2008 -

Difference of $8,500 in estimates doesn't add up

May 03, 2008 -

Amber signals more visible, should be mandatory

Apr 12, 2008 -

Law protecting emergency road personnel 5 years old

Mar 22, 2008 -

Mods for racetrack threaten insurance

Mar 15, 2008 -

Recourse if you bought a dud used car

Mar 15, 2008 -

Temporary plate offered for estate sale

Mar 08, 2008 -

Daytime running lights not enough in low visibility

Feb 23, 2008 -

Very loud mufflers, HID lights annoy reader

Feb 16, 2008 -

Isopropyl alcohol good de-icer, methanol more potent

Jan 26, 2008 -

Most personal plates must be returned to ministry

Make:

Year:

Model:

Wheels.ca

Compare

Keyword:

Make:

Year:

Auto News

Multimedia

Car Reviews