Oakville Auto Repair

All automotive vehicles sold in the US are legally required to be equipped with front and side airbags. Although the safety of airbags themselves has been a debated issue since the 1950s, a law known as the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 required the application of inflatable restraints and seatbelt use to lessen fatalities and the effects of crash injuries. So why is it such a contested topic? And what are the pros/cons of airbags?   Airbag Pros Airbags are made to automatically inflate in the event of an intense impact force that would indicate a collision. The bag gets expanded rapidly in the event to protect a driver and passenger by: Adding padded protection around his neck, head, and spine. Decreasing the force impacting a person's head by limiting the extent it can lean forward.  Limit the risk that someone will project through a windshield or be ejected from the vehicle. Victims could easily suffer from fatal injuries such as broken ... read more

Hybrid automobiles have gained a lot of traction over the last decade as people are more conscientious of protecting the planet's resources. With newer technology and developments in the automotive industry, it's important for repair shops like Sil's Complete Auto Care Centre to keep up with industry changes. There's still a lot of false information spread about Hybrid vehicles and their maintenance and repairs. Our team at Sil's Complete Auto Care Centre is well versed with hybrid auto repairs, and we will help you get your vehicle whatever it needs. Let's discuss what's wrong with these misconceptions: Myth #1 – Hybrids need to be plugged in to charge. Hybrids don't need to be plugged in to charge themselves because it's not fully electric. Instead, hybrids charge their batteries by using extra power from their petrol engine and regenerative braking capabilities.  Myth #2 – It's costly to maintain hybrids. This phrase could ... read more

Your tires are the only part of your car that makes contact with the road, making them a major safety feature of your vehicle. Mechanics agree that tire maintenance should be emphasized more often than not. From tire pressure and treadwear, it seems like no one checks on these things as much as they should. There's an ongoing list of rumors about tire care that need to be settled once and for all. We're here to deflate these popular tire myths that just aren't true! Myth #1: You should follow the tire pressure listed on the side of the tire. The air pressure listed on the sidewall of your tire is the maximum amount of air the tire can handle, not what is recommended for your vehicle. For that reason, you should always follow the pressure listed on the sticker on the driver's door jam. If it is not made obvious to you, you can always refer to your owner's manual as well. Myth #2: The Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) does all the work, so I don't have to ... read more

Similar to your other essential fluids (oil, coolant, wiper fluid, brake, etc.), it's also important to check your transmission fluid to ensure it's proficient to do its job. When your transmission fluid starts to get low, you will need to bring it to a trusted auto repair shop for a transmission fluid flush or change, as well as a proper inspection of the entire transmission system.   Before you can do anything, you will need to find the transmission dipstick. Yes - the transmission has a dipstick! Dipsticks are made to ease the inspection purposes. It looks very comparable to the oil dipstick but is more hidden. It usually has a red handle or transmission/gear symbol top. Front-wheel vehicles tend to have the dipstick placed at the front of the engine near the transaxle. However, it is closer to the back of the engine in rear-wheel-drive cars. You can also refer to your owner's manual for more guidance.    How to Check the Transmission Fluid Level Afte ... read more

We're all suckers for fun road trips! If you are an experienced road trip goer, you know that cruise control can be your most reliable companion. The cruise control feature of most modern cars allows you to drive safely at a steady speed. This tool gives your leg rest time and enables you to drive by just moving the wheel without pressing on the gas pedal. It can be pretty devastating to come across a malfunctioning cruise control system on the day of your big departure. Without it, your drive may leave you feeling tired. Here are some possible reasons behind why your cruise control is not working:   Damaged Speed Sensor The speed sensor is the portion of the system that detects how fast your car moves and is related to your speedometer. Since cruise control needs an accurate speed reading, cruise control will not work correctly if the speed sensor is broken. With inaccurate readings on your speedometer, you're in a hazardous situation by putting yourself at risk of a s ... read more

Keeping your engine at a steady temperature is crucial to preserving your car. If the motor gets too cold, your car won't start, but too hot, and it'll overheat. As a car owner, you should do your absolute best to keep your engine at a stable operating temperature by monitoring its coolant.    You may have heard the term coolant or antifreeze before. They may sometimes be interchangeable for the average person. However, you'd be surprised to know that they are not the same. Below is more information to better understand your car's cooling system to avoid this confusion when you take your vehicle to a mechanic.   Antifreeze is a rich solution consisting of silica and ethylene glycol. Together, the chemical components help lower the freezing point of the liquid that moves around your vehicle's engine.    When combined with water, the antifreeze becomes a coolant. This mixture supports and regulates the engine's temperature to keep it ... read more

Gas prices can look daunting sometimes. But choosing the right type of gas based on saving pennies per gallon may lead to a costly mistake. Here are some possible things that could happen if you put the wrong fuel in your car.   Putting Diesel Fuel in a Gasoline Engine Car  Diesel fuel should not ignite in an engine that requires gasoline. This is due to the fact that diesel doesn’t vaporize the same way that gasoline does. On the other hand, the gas engine is not capable of combusting diesel. Therefore, once your tank runs out of gasoline, the engine will shut off. If this happens to you, parking and leaving the car off will help minimize the damage to your machine. You will then need to drain the gas tank and fuel lines. While some might do this themselves, it is safest to ask for professional help with draining your car’s fuel line.    Putting Gasoline in a Diesel Engine Car  This mistake is far more dangerous for your vehicle. A diesel eng ... read more

Multiple factors can affect the life of your brakes and knowing how to monitor wear can help you determine when to seek replacements. While some experts rate brake pads with a life of 30k to 70k miles, a more definitive recommendation leans toward changing brake pads when the surface reaches 3-4mm (new brake pad linings are 12mm). Which Variables Affect the Lifespan of My Brakes? While brake pads will inevitably wear out over time, daily habits and terrain can have significant effects on the lifespan of certain vehicle components, such as brake pads. Those who enjoy racing off the line, resulting in the need for quicker stops, or stop-and-go commuters, often see faster wear on brake pads than those who drive longer highway commutes or reserve their mileage for leisurely recreational drives. Additionally, the material from which your brake pads are made can have a notable impact on longevity. For example, organic materials are more susceptible to wear, while metals are more durable ... read more

Having issues with your vehicle is no one's idea of a good time. Issues lead to there being a need for maintenance and in some cases repairs. A blown head gasket is something no one wants to deal with, but we do know it can happen. To hear the possibility of a blown head gasket may immediately turn your sights to dollar signs. You may immediately think of just how much it will cost if you're dealing with a blown head gasket, but we want you to think of something else. We want you to think about what leads to a blown head gasket; more specifically we want you to think of the symptoms of a blown head gasket, so you will know when you have a bad head gasket. Symptoms of a Blown Head Gasket You notice leaks: Any time there are leaks, that should be a warning sign for you. Your vehicle fluids are meant to be in a closed system, so whenever there is a leak you are losing fluids that are needed to help your vehicle properly function. When you have an issue with yo ... read more

Your vehicle is a costly possession. It is good that you adopt habits that would make it last as long as possible. Unfortunately, most drivers maintain their cars well but adopt certain bad driving habits that wreck their vehicles in the long run. Here are some of the bad habits and the damage they do to your vehicle. Slamming into Potholes at High Speeds There is a thrill that comes with slamming into potholes at high speeds. However, doing so may cause damage to your tires or even blow them out. It also has a negative impact on wheel alignment, steering, and suspension system. Always be alert and slow down when you approach a pothole. Revving Your Car Engine Soon After Starting If your vehicle has been at the parking bay for some time, much of the oils will collect at the oil pan towards the bottom of the crankcase. It is good that you let the engine idle for about two minutes to allow for oil circulation around the engine. Revving your engine be ... read more