Calgary Auto Repair

The Importance of Regular Timing Belt Maintenance: A Guide to Avoiding Costly Repairs When it comes to keeping your car in top shape, some things might not be on your radar, like the timing belt. It's a crucial part of your engine, and not taking care of it can lead to some big repair bills while also creating serious risks to your vehicle’s performance and your safety. Let’s get into why regular timing belt maintenance is essential and how it can save you from unexpected and expensive car troubles.   Engine Harmony: The Critical Role of the Timing Belt The timing belt is a rubber belt that keeps your engine's camshaft and crankshaft turning in sync. It makes sure that your engine's valves open and close at the right times for smooth operation. If this belt breaks, it can cause serious engine damage. Depending on your car type, it can mean bent valves, cylinder head or camshaft damage, and even piston and cylinder wall ... read more

Extreme Weather and Your Car Battery: Tips for Winter Care Living in Calgary, we’re no strangers to the extreme winter weather and its challenges, especially for our vehicles. One critical component that demands attention during these cold months is the car battery. Knowing how to care for your car’s battery in the winter can mean the difference between a vehicle that starts reliably and one that leaves you stranded. Read on for our pro tips to help you navigate winter without any battery woes.   Winter’s Impact on Your Car Battery Your car battery works the hardest during cold weather. Batteries rely on chemical reactions to generate power, and freezing temperatures can slow these reactions down, reducing the battery’s efficiency. When it's cold, the oil in your engine thickens, making it harder to turn over and requiring more power from the battery. Plus, the increased use of headlights, heaters, and wipers crea ... read more

As you cruise down the highway, your eyes inevitably glance at that familiar dial on your dashboard – the speedometer. It's more than just a gauge - a trusted companion, ensuring you navigate the roads at the right pace - but how does it work exactly?  And because every companion deserves care, we'll also delve into tips on how to maintain this trusty device for a seamless journey. How the Speedometer Works The speedometer is a marvel of mechanical ingenuity, relying on the principles of electromagnetism to deliver real-time information about your vehicle's speed. Within its housing, a flexible, magnetized metal cup is connected to the vehicle's transmission. As the vehicle accelerates, the spinning transmission cable turns the magnet, creating a magnetic field. Adjacent to the rotating cup is a metal disc, also magnet ... read more

Are you tired of feeling uncertain about which tire shop really has your back? Facing the roads during Calgary's extreme weather swings, from sweltering summers to icy winters, isn’t just about having good tread; it’s also about finding a tire shop you can rely on. Mint Auto Service is more than a provider of quality tires. We are your all-weather allies. Get ready to drive with confidence through every season as we explore the top ten considerations for choosing the best tire shop near you: 1. Reputation, Reviews & Recommendations: Online reviews, testimonials, and word-of-mouth recommendations are invaluable. Good reviews from those in your community mean the shop’s been doing right by folks for a while. Reliable service gets noticed, and the best tire shops in Calgary, like Mint Auto, have the thumbs-up from your neighbors to prove it. Check out honest reviews from our customers ... read more

Have you ever noticed your car veering slightly off course or your tires wearing down unevenly? That's your wheel alignment talking, and it's a conversation that changes with Calgary’s four seasons. Each seasonal twist, from winter's chill to summer's heat, introduces new challenges to your vehicle’s wheel alignment. Understanding seasonal impacts on your wheel alignment isn't just about auto maintenance. It’s vital knowledge for safer, smoother driving. Here's how each season might impact your vehicle’s wheel alignment: Winter's Grip: Navigating the ChillIcy Conditions: Winter roads are notorious for ice, causing your vehicle to slide and subtly throwing its wheel alignment off. These minor shifts accumulate, often unnoticed, until there's a notable pull in the steering. If your c ... read more