How DO I..... Improve My Headlights?
Headlight technology continues to improve, even as the standards used in the U.S. (and by default, Canada, since ours largely mirror those used south of the border) keep us from getting the flexible o
Ask a Mechanic: Drooping mirrors and old trunk springs
In today’s column we discuss when the motors of your side mirrors and your trunk springs need to be changed.
How Do I....Choose the Correct Fuel Grade?
Choosing the correct grade of fuel for your car or light truck is a simple as consulting the owner’s manual, or even reading the labelling on your fuel filler door. Or is it?
Ask a Mechanic: A dead motor may be the reason why your electric window isn’t working
In today’s column we discuss battery lights and problems with electric windows.
Ask a Mechanic: Struggling with your car’s shifter? Its cable may be the problem.
In today’s column we discuss road trip tool kits and seizing gear shifters.
How Do I Properly Set My Tire Pressures?
Adding air to a tire is pretty straightforward. However, setting a tire to its proper pressure is a task that even some experienced automotive technicians get wrong.
How do I…Replace weak or failed lift support struts?
With time and age, the pressurized gas — used to provide the force that extends the cylinder out of the strut body — will leak out, and the effectiveness and weight capacity of the strut will dimi
Ask a Mechanic: Don’t try to fix a satellite radio issue on your own
In today’s column we discuss some solutions to fix a satellite radio and what may be causing a high-pitched noise when you are accelerating.
How do I… Maintain and clean leather seats?
Once solely the domain of luxury vehicles, leather seats are now even available in some compact cars. Often included in the top trim levels of a product’s range, leather interiors offer not only a v
Ask a Mechanic: Why Pressure washing an engine bay is not a good idea.
In today’s column we learn why a parking light being out may not just be because of a burnt bulb and why you should not pressure wash under your vehicle’s hood.
Ask a Mechanic: A broken fan could be the reason for an overheating vehicle
In today’s column we learn more about restoring a 30-year-old car and what might cause your vehicle to overheat.
Ask a Mechanic: Engine may not be the reason your car stalls
In today’s column we learn more about what could cause your vehicle to make a creaking noise and what a blinking dashboard dot means.
How do I…Restore my headlight lenses?
Unlike the plastic lenses that are more popular now, the glass ones didn’t haze and discolour.
How Do I …Check my brake and transmission fluids
This week, we continue our look at how to check the different fluids in your vehicle by focusing on your vehicle’s brakes and transmission.
Ask a Mechanic: Dealing with rusty car mounts
In today’s column we discuss how to talk to your mechanic about what you can afford and how to address rust inside your car.
How do I …Check my power steering and windshield wiper fluids
A car’s power-steering system allows you to turn the steering wheel with little effort, making it easier to drive and navigate turns. The power-steering fluid helps the system run smoothly.
Ask the Mechanic: Car troubles? Videos online may not be the best help
In today’s column we discuss why using online videos to address car troubles may not be the best idea and how professionals feel about installing parts customers purchase themselves.
How Do I …Check all the fluids in my vehicle?
Coolant, motor oil and transmission, brake, power-steering and windshield wiper fluids. These are the six liquids that help to keep your car running (aside from gas unless you have an EV).
Ask the Mechanic: The best way to test an air conditioning system
In today’s column we discuss a broken air condition in a Honda Odyssey and what it could mean if your brake doesn't release.
