by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on January 24, 2013
What happens when your kids grow out of the backseat and into the driver’s seat?
Who’s looking after their vehicles? Results from consumer research recently conducted clearly shows today’s youth are neglecting their vehicles. This poses a safety threat to themselves, as well as others on the road. We are facing a generation gap when it comes to vehicle maintenance.
Today’s driving youth (18 to 24 years) don’t know what their cars need and are not taking care of their vehicles. Youth are less likely to change their oil every 5,000 km than more experienced drivers. Many young people (22%) had no idea when to change it at all or wait until the oil light comes on.
Only 45% of youth bring their vehicle in for maintenance at least once a year versus 76% of people over 50. 22% never bring it in or only when it breaks down and 34% wait for a warning light or a strange noise. 10% of young drivers reported that they never put air in their tires and an additional 9% admitted they do not know how to determine the correct tire pressure.
These results identify an urgent need to educate today’s young drivers about the need for regular vehicle maintenance. “Automotive preventive maintenance and repair knowledge is like algebra”, explains Kelly Williams, spokesperson for Car Care Canada. “We’re not born knowing it, it has to be learned. It is important that we teach young drivers the basics about their cars before they get the keys.” If you don’t know much about automotive maintenance and repair, do yourself a favour and learn it along with your kids.
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on November 12, 2012
As temperatures cool across the nation, drivers need to start thinking about winter driving conditions and how to protect themselves and their passengers on the road.
While it’s important to adjust driving habits to weather conditions, according to Marc Brazeau, President, Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, the most imperative thing Canadians can do to protect themselves and their loved ones is transition to winter tires.
“The idea that all-season tires are as effective as winter tires is a dangerous misconception,” said Brazeau. “The design and durability of winter tires improves performance and enhances safety in a variety of road conditions. They’re the one and only choice for winter driving.”
Rubber in all-season tires starts to lose elasticity and harden at around 7°C, significantly reducing the tire’s ability to grip the road. Winter tires harden at around -40°C, allowing them to maintain elasticity in much colder temperatures.
Winter tires were legislated as mandatory in the province of Quebec in 2008. Research conducted by The Government of Quebec since winter tire use became universal in the province has proven conclusively what tire makers have long suspected: driving on winter tires saves lives and reduces serious injuries.
The 2011 study, which compared Quebec road accident statistics before and after winter tire use became compulsory, shows that in the past two winters, there has been a 5 per cent reduction in road-accident injuries that can be directly attributed to winter tire use.
The research concludes that widespread use of winter tires has prevented about 575 road-accident injuries per winter in Quebec. The study also found that vehicle accidents resulting in death or serious injury declined by 3 per cent.
While buying winter tires and having them installed can be expensive, the cost is a small investment in your safety and that of your fellow motorists.
“The cost of winter tires is negligible compared to the benefits like improved traction and reduced stopping distance,” said Brazeau. “As an industry, we need to make sure Canadians are educated on winter tires, and just how much they enhance driver safety.”
Article by http://www.carcarecanada.ca/
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on September 25, 2012
There are three parts of a vehicle — brakes, tires, and shocks – that work all together and are often called The Safety Triangle.
Car Care Canada recommends ensuring that all the safety features on your car are properly maintained and in proper working order. They recommend paying particular attention to the Safety Triangle.
These three parts of a vehicle — brakes, tires, and shocks — all work together:
BRAKES
Brakes are the most critical safety item on a vehicle. And studies show that after tires, they are the leading vehicle defect reported at highway accidents. All three parts of the safety triangle must be in good working order to ensure top stopping, or braking performance.
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TIRES
Tire inflation is something very straightforward that motorists can check themselves. Low tire pressure can increase braking distance. At any one time, vehicles stay on the road courtesy of about four hand-sized pieces of rubber compound. Without that contact, very little keeps the vehicle on the road. It’s well worth a motorist’s while to keep their tires properly inflated, rotate them at least once a year, and replace them when the tread gets worn. Of course, tires can play an especially vital role in wet or snowy conditions because their adherence to the road is vital in stopping a vehicle under adverse conditions.
SHOCKS / SUSPENSION
Tires can also be an early warning system for other problems such as alignment or a failing suspension. When many motorists think of their suspension, they think of it in terms of comfort only. A good suspension means a smoother ride. But tests have shown that having even one worn shock will compromise vehicle safety by increasing braking distances and decreasing driver control. Stopping distances may be between one-half and one full vehicle length shorter when a vehicle is equipped with top quality shocks in good working order. Car Care Canada encourages motorists to have their shocks inspected annually by a qualified technician.
There is a strong relationship between shocks, brakes, and tires, and Car Care Canada believes it is vital to ensure proper maintenance of each point on this safety triangle. Car Care Canada also reminds motorists that they should always practice proper overall vehicle maintenance. A properly maintained vehicle is less likely to break down. Breaking down in the middle of nowhere can be a safety hazard of its own.
Article from www.carcarecanada.ca. For more information about vehicle maintenance and safety, visit the Car Care Canada website.
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on August 23, 2012
September Means Back to School Driving
7 Car Maintenance Signs Your Teen Needs to Know for a Better, Safer Car
SIGN #1 – Car Alignment
Potholes.
There are many things that can cause car misalignment. One of these causes is constantly hitting potholes. We all hit them, but if your teen just got access to a car and the car was perfect beforehand, then he/she might need to be told about avoiding potholes.
Hitting Curbs.
There are also alignment issues from hitting curbs. There aren’t many reasons why your teen should be hitting the curb. Perhaps your teen is in need of some more parking lessons.
Speed bumps/Railroad Tracks.
Another cause of misalignment is going over speed bumps and railroad tracks too fast. Even after many years of being on the road, adults also tend to forget there’s a speed bump until it’s too late to slow down. You might let that one slip a little except driving too fast is dangerous. Your teen can lose complete control of the car. This car maintenance sign might save your teen’s car, but most importantly, your teen’s life.
SIGN #2 – Tires
Wear and Tear.
Another sign often seen in teen cars due to lack of car maintenance is over worn tires. Going too fast on the road and then having to brake will cause a lot of damage to the front tires.
Air Pressure.
Tires should have enough air pressure. If you teen isn’t checking his/her tires’ air, then it’s likely he/she isn’t checking other less obvious areas that need car maintenance. An overinflated tire can pop on the road if the temperature is too high. One way to check for an overinflated tire is by checking if the wear is across the center of the tread. An under-inflated tire will wear on both outer edges of the tire.
SIGN #3 – Fluids
Engine Oil.
Check the engine oil. Black oil tends to indicate bad maintenance.
Coolant Levels.
Yet another sign is the coolant levels. If they are below the necessary level, then your teen may need to learn this car maintenance tip. The car can easily overheat without enough antifreeze and/or water.
(FYI #1: Brake fluid is one of the most important fluids in the car. You need it for safe driving. Therefore, it’s better to have a professional car center change it for you. Of course, we can do this for you at Mark’s Auto Service).
SIGN #4 – Air Filter
Staining.
Staining on the air filter can be an indication of engine wear.
(FYI #2: Changing the air filter will improve gas mileage.)
SIGN #5 – Brakes
Squeaking.
Squeaking brakes can also indicate bad car maintenance. Brake pads are made with a warning tab, which measures how much surface you have left on your brake pad. When it produces a squeal it means it’s become worn. Ask your teen how long the squeaking has been going on. If it’s been a while and he/she hasn’t mentioned it, then he/she most likely hasn’t mentioned other car maintenance issues, or may not know about them.
Pedal Pulsing or Thumping.
A pulsating brake pedal, which may be accompanied by a shuddering or jerky stop during normal braking, usually means a warped rotor or an out-of-round drum — although it can sometimes be caused by loose wheel bearings, a bent axle shaft or loose brake parts. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, however, some pedal feedback and noise is normal during panic stops or when braking on wet or slick surfaces. But you should not experience any ABS pedal feedback when braking normally on dry pavement.
SIGN #6 – Battery
Battery Light.
Check if the battery light is on. Always an indication of a problem
Voltage Meter.
You can also check the voltage meter. This should be located near the temperature dial. The volt reading should be on or around 14 volts when the car is on. When the car is off, the volt reading should be on or around 12. Anything significantly off indicates a battery problem. A bad battery might be caused by leaving the car lights or radio on too long without restarting the car. A common issue among teens.
SIGN #7 – Engine Noises
Ticks/Tapping.
Any noise is a bad noise when it comes from a car. It can indicate many bad car maintenance issues, especially if it’s coming from the engine. If your teen’s car engine is making a noise it could be caused by revving the engine too hard.
Pings/Knocks.
If you hear noises when accelerating, it could be due to engine overheating from not refilling the coolant fluids.
Rapping/Knocking.
Deep rapping or knocking sounds coming from the engine could mean a neglected oil change.
As parents, we know teen car maintenance is a serious matter. It can be lifesaving to our kids and everyone else on the road. Make sure you student drivers are prepared for Back to School Driving.
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on April 3, 2012
Come into Mark’s and take advantage of these Spring Tire Rebates now available:
MICHELIN - $70.00 Gift Card
YOKOHAMA - $40.00-$60.00 Rebate
BF GOODRICH – $50.00 Rebate
PIRELLI - $40.00-$200.00
HANKOOK - $40.00-$60.00
Call Mark’s for Details! 905-844-1111
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on November 18, 2011
Some insurance companies are offering discounts for using Winter Tires – Ask Yours!
Mark’s Auto Service offers these great services:
The facts about winter tires and why all-season tires just won’t do.
Ever since the introduction of the all-season tire, Canadian drivers have slid and spun their tires through the coldest months of the year. Here’s the kicker: it doesn’t seem to matter whether there’s snow on the ground or not.
Unlike all-season tires, winter tires (identified by mountain and snowflake symbols on their sides) have tread patterns and softer rubber compounds that are tailored for colder conditions. And that helps them perform better once temperatures plummet, whether or not they have to dig through the white stuff.
All-season tires can turn into four round black rocks when the cold hits. Even on dry pavement, this starts at about 7c. So have them installed at Mark’s anytime after Labour Day. Don’t wait until November, it may be to late for black ice. And a study conducted by the Quebec Ministry of Transport showed that a proper winter tire can improve braking by up to 25 percent over an all-season radial and CAN IMPROVE COLLISION AVOIDANCE BY ABOUT 38 PERCENT!
Just add 2? No, it’s not your grand dad’s old Buick any more, where 2 snow tires were on the back to get moving . Today’s cars are lighter and use low profile all-season tires and in Winter you need 4 Winter tires. To maintain control in turns and to Stop. Have you ever tried to walk in snow with 1 running shoe and 1 winter boot? Well you car wouldn’t like it either.
One last note, the temperature can easily slide from 5 degrees to -15 degrees overnight, dropping tire pressure as much as 4 p.s.i. If you have an under-inflated tire, that could put you into the danger zone. Tires should be checked monthly. This is why we check the tires with every service.
Cheers Mark
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on November 29, 2010
Toronto Star Wheels
Saturday, October 30, 2010.
Now is the time to buy winter tires. Not tomorrow, not next week and certainly not next month.
The reason for this is that by mid-November, there will be nary a winter tire in the manufacturers’ warehouses. All of the 2010 winter tires will be at dealers and tire distributors. The racks will be empty waiting for next spring’s tires to start trickling in.
For the consumer, that means choices in brands and haggling ability over price diminish as the clock ticks. This is especially true if you have a size that is not common. By mid-November, the tire dealer will be telling you what brand you can have and what price you will pay.
When you start shopping for winter tires, arm yourself with some basic information. Start by knowing what your tire size, speed rating and load index numbers are. READ MORE
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on October 18, 2010
It’s time for winter tires and with forecasts of a cold and snowy fall and winter season, don’t delay in getting prepared!
While most new vehicles are equipped with all-season tires from auto manufacturers, there is a definite difference between all-season and winter tires. In light snow road conditions, all-season tires provide enough traction, but in heavy snow, slush, and ice conditions, winter tires are the proven answer to better road grip, cornering, braking and overall handling.
In one recent independent tire test, a BMW equipped with ani-lock brakes and winter tires stopped in 17.28 meters (59 feet) on a snow-packed road, while the same vehicle with all-season tires did not stop for another 9.17 meters.
Testing of acceleration and cornering determined that vehicles equipped with tires designed specifically for winter driving out-performed all-season tires in every test. Even vehicles equipped with traction control and stability systems achieved safer and more efficient handling with winter tires.
Winter tires simply provide better traction and vehicle control, as well as safer winter driving. So consider these factors as the season changes and take advantage of our October specials on several quality brands of winter tires!!
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on October 18, 2010
With the winter season fast approaching, it’s that time of year to get your car geared up with Winter Tires. Winter tires’ treads have more biting edges for better grip on snow and ice, while their softer compound remains flexible even in extremely low temperatures.
Learn more by watching Winter Tire Demonstration videos here!
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on September 13, 2010
In as little as two years on the road, headlight lenses can become so cloudy that they reduce visibility during nighttime driving.
Problem
The need for headlight restoration is growing exponentially as most vehicles built after the early ’90s were equipped with acrylic rather than glass headlight lenses. Unlike glass lenses, acrylic lenses are susceptible to clouding, yellowing and fading without proper care and maintenance. In as little as two or three years on the road, headlight lenses may become so cloudy that they reduce visibility during nighttime driving. It is a problem that affects nearly every vehicle make and model, foreign or domestic.
Solution
BG LenzSaver™ Headlight Restoration removes scratches and discoloration, restores the lens to like-new optical clarity with a new UV protectant in under an hour!
Watch a headlight transformation in five easy steps in this video.
Before and After
Test Data
Official test data below is PROOF that BG LenzSaver™ works! The Headlight Intensity via Extech Lux Meter test shows light intensity on pairs of headlights before and after BG LenzSaver™.
© BG LenzSaver™ Headlight Restoration www.lenzsaver.com
