Calgary Auto Repair

A timing belt is a simple device that keeps your engine's valves and pistons operating in synch. Without one, your car won't run properly. If unsure how often to change your timing belt, you should check with the manufacturer or a mechanic working on this type of car. But here are some general guidelines: When Should You Replace Your Timing Belt? Replace the timing belt when worn, broken, slipping, noisy, leaking, or cracked. If you are experiencing any of these problems with your belt, it is time to replace it. Replace the belt if any of these conditions apply: When your car reaches 50% of its original length (this will depend on your car's age), it is time for a replacement. A sign that oil or coolant has contaminated the belt. It could lead to premature failure, which could cause engine damage. What Is a Timing Belt and How Does It Work? A timing belt keeps the valves opening and closing at the right time. The timing belt connects your engine's crankshaft to it ... read more

The heart of your car is the engine. It is vital to keep it in optimal shape for the best performance. One of the ways to keep the engine in top shape is to keep it cool. An excellent car cooling system rids the engine of excessive heat. A faulty system may cause overheating and therefore damage the engine. When the engine gets damaged, your car will be grounded until the issue is fixed. Quick Pointers to a Faulty Cooling System There are a few signs that will indicate a cooling system issue. If you see any of these issues, it is time to call your mechanic. Low coolant level, especially if there are signs of leakage Discolored coolant; a brown discoloration or presence of dirt and debris is a warning sign Engine heat/temperature light is on The engine fails to start (this may also result from other things such as a battery or electrical fault). A faulty cooling system can be a result of a myriad of issues. Some of these issues include the following. Leakage caused by a worn-ou ... read more

Shocks and struts are the backbone of your vehicle’s suspension system. They are in charge of providing a smooth and comfortable car ride, and they keep your wheels properly on the road. Both shocks and struts combine a spring and a damper into a structure. Without a functional suspension system, your car ride can get really bouncy. The damper is the enclosed cylinder that shifts a piston up and down as the wheel makes contact with the road. The cylinder contains a fluid that flows through the holes and valves in the piston, which help control your speed.  Over time, your shocks or struts can wear down. As a result, it won’t control your vehicle’s bounce as well as it used to. You may need suspension replacements more often depending on the roads you drive. If you frequently drive on gravel or bumpy surfaces, shocks and struts replacement may be required every 80,000 km. However, if you drive in normal conditions, you should expect to change them every ... read more

You may be wondering about what you can do to save some money on fuel. In this day and age, it seems like gas prices are constantly inflating. Did you know that you can save money on fuel by cutting out bad driving habits and implementing healthy practices? Read on to learn more about the five ways you can increase your gas mileage: Properly Inflate Your Tires The simplest way to save money on gas is by making sure your tires are always properly inflated. Poor tire inflation has been linked to car accidents and premature tire wear, but most people don't mention that it can hurt your fuel economy too. As a matter of fact, all tire maintenance is wonderful at promoting fuel efficiency. Use the Recommended Motor Oil You can refer to your automaker's guidebook every time you get your oil changed for the precise oil type that should be used in your car. At Mint Auto Service, we'll help you f ... read more

The combustion of your engine relies on the efficient functioning of different parts. One of the crucial components is the spark plugs that affect your vehicle's gas mileage and acceleration. These plugs need regular changing to maintain high performance. But how do you know when you need to change them? First, you need to know what a spark plug looks like. Most plus is about 10 centimeters long in the shape of a tube. One side is white, which stays outside, while the other end looks like an ignition point that ends up in the cylinder. A normal plug has a brownish or tan color, while fouled plus is black. If the plug is oily, it indicates the plug has been damaged by oil. Every car has a manual that will indicate the maintenance and frequencies of maintenance. Your manual will indicate how often you need to change your spark plugs. To stay on the safe side of things, change your spark plugs after every ~48,280 km.  The state of the plus may differ under different driving co ... read more