What To Keep In Car For Winter Emergencies

Whether you live in a treacherous countryside or just going into the wild for a few days as a break, you need to be prepared for any emergencies. The guys at The Car Salon have listed down the essentials you have to carry along with you on every trip to ensure that you can comfortably make it in every scenario. Here is our list of supplies you need to keep in your car, especially in the winters, as you prepare for the worst-case scenario while hoping for the best.

Winter Emergency Kit For Cars – What to keep

1. Winter Tires

The one absolute must before driving out during the winters is to ensure that your car is fitted with winter tires. All-weather tires are okay, but depending on the amount of snow you’re expecting winter tires would be the best way to go about it. You should also consider carrying a few chains to wrap around your tires especially in extremely dire situations. They could come in really handy for a whole host of other reasons as well.

2. Shovel

When you’re out in the middle of nowhere with the closest house many miles away it pays to have packed your very own shovel. We cannot even begin to tell you the number of times a tiny shovel has come in handy to escape from tedious situations. Think about how long it would take you to dig the snow out from under your car with only your hands or other items you could find around you. Take it from us, keep a shovel handy.

3. Food & Water

This is a no brainer, ensure that you have plenty of food stored in the car. You should have enough for 2 days’ worth of supplies at least, depending on the number of people in the car with you. Also, make sure to carry plenty of water with you as you go. This is for emergencies only as you’ll be able to melt the snow and drink that if you need to but for the most part keep some water handy as you may need it.

4. Flares

If you’re really in the thick of woods and you know there are people out looking for you but they’re not able to find your exact location having some flares is brilliant. It can be used to signal planes in the sky or search parties down on the ground. You just have to makes sure that you have enough room to make sure the flare reaches as up high to ensure as many people as possible can see it.

5. Cell Phone Charger

If you ever find yourself in an emergency you have to make sure to keep your cell phone charged. Stop using it immediately and only save batteries for emergencies. A prudent move is to always keep a charger in your vehicle so that in case you do run out of battery you can always charge it on the go.

6. Fix-A-Flat

A miracle tool especially when time is of the essence. Fix-A-Flat can help save time as you won’t need to put in your spare tire immediately after the flat. You can still drive your vehicle, although cautiously till you get to the closest Auto Repair Shop. It was not meant to be a permanent solution but having a can in your car can help you in the long run.

7. Jumper Cables

It’s absolutely crucial that you carry jumper cables in your vehicle. If all you need is a jump to kick start your engine then having jumper cables in your car will come in handy. If a good Samaritan wants to help and stops but can because he doesn’t have jumper cables? Or think about the number of times you stopped for someone only to not be able to help them. Carry a set in your car at all times, they’re affordable and reliable.

Conclusion
We think these are the absolute essentials you have to carry with you at all times. We haven’t mentioned the obvious bits like warm clothing and blankets because who travels without them in the winter anyway? If you’re looking for more tips on auto safety during the winters speak to The Car Salon experts today!

Four Wheel Drive Maintenance and Repair

Almost all 4×4 cars are rugged and built to take a beating, especially the trucks. Even though they withstand a lot more strain than most vehicles they can only go so far without the proper maintenance and repair schedule. The Car Salon, Calgary provides one of the most comprehensive four-wheel-drive maintenance and repair processes. And yes, before you ask, there is a vast amount of difference in maintaining four-wheel drives as the differential systems they run on is different from regular 2 wheel drives and even all-wheel drives. Although 4 wheel drives and all-wheel drives are sometimes used interchangeably they are quite different from each other. Let’s look at how to take care of your four by four.

Taking Care Of Your Four Wheel Drive

All Four Wheel and All Wheel Drives have a transfer case which transfers power to the front or rear axle depending on the requirement. In Four Wheel drives this transfer case shift power to either the front or rear of axel while in an all-wheel-drive power can be transferred to any of the 4 tires basis your requirement. You can only imagine the kind of stress it must be under constantly. This transfer case requires a large amount of lubricating, just like your engine failing which you are only calling for serious trouble. Our experts at The Car Salon ensure that you’re never left without the required fluids. Ensure that you get yours check every 2 years or 35,000Kms, whichever comes first.

You should also pay attention to the differential systems in your four-wheel drives. It what provides you with the ability to shift to the 4×4 mode when you need. In most cases, you are driving along as a regular 2 wheel drive with most of the power being drawn from the front or rear tires depending on your vehicle and model. However, it’s deferential that helps shift power to all 4 tires when you need it. Since most 4×4 cars are so unique they have their own maintenance schedules. Referring to the user manual provided with the vehicle and having regular visits to your local auto experts – The Car Salon will prevent you from having to spend more in repairs to other parts of the car.

4-Wheel Drive Inspection

All you have to do is ensure that your 4-wheel drive system inspection happens on a regular basis. If you’re having trouble with your drive system then the professionals at The Car Salon in Calgary can definitely help you get in sorted out in a jiffy. We also perform a wide array of 4-wheel drive inspections so that you can be stress-free before setting out on a long drive.

Conclusion

Looking after your 4-wheel drive in no laughing matter. Its mean business, which is why we mean business when we look at all the possible issues that could affect your vehicle. Our 4×4 vehicle inspections like everything we do at The Car Salon is very thorough. While being thorough we don’t take longer than necessary on any job so you’re back with your vehicle sooner rather than later. If you want to get your four-wheel car looked at by an expert book an appointment with The Car Salon today. We offer the best and most competitively priced services in Calgary and you’ll see why we take such pride in our work.

5 Signs You May Need Brake Repair Services

Do I Need To Get My Brakes Checked? If you’ve ever asked yourself that question after a close call chance are you probably do. When it’s all smooth sailing you could be forgiven for not remembering that your vehicle is a precision automobile and at the end of the day will only continue to remain so if you take proper care of all its parts including the brakes. If you have been experiencing any of these problems while driving and especially when you are driving the car, it is time to get your brakes checked immediately.

When Should I Get My Brakes Checked?

1. Squeaky Sounds

The only thing that should be squealing is the rubber on the roads as you hit the pedal to the metal. If you are hearing squeaky sounds from the brakes it is definitely time to get them checked. It could be a warning sign that the brake pad and the rotor are rubbing against each other which isn’t at all the ideal scenario. While this may seem like a common symptom, you should get it to check immediately to avoid further complicated damage.

2. Vibration on braking

Do you feel like you are being rattled to your bones every time you brake? This could be because you are dealing with warped rotors. Warped rotors seriously slow down the reaction time of the braking system and you could take a whole 5 seconds more to come to a standstill than under ideal conditions. During an emergency, 5 seconds could feel like an absolute lifetime. You need to visit brake repair professionals in Calgary immediately if this is happening to you.

3. Fluid Leaks

Anytime you have fluids leaking from your car you know its bad news. Couple that with a much softer braking pedal and you know where the problem is exactly. If you are leaking brake fluid it means the hydraulic pressure that’s being applied to the discs or pads is significantly lowered reducing the slowing power of your brakes. Not an ideal situation you want to find yourself in while going 100 kmph on the highway.

4. Veering Left Or Right

Another sign that you need brake repair services in Calgary is that when you brake your car automatically tends to veer either to the left or right. This could be caused due to one of your calipers in the braking systems freezing up. Or it could be because one brake caliper is applying more force than the other causing uneven braking and veering. If you are having trouble with veering, have that looked into by The Car Salon in Calgary immediately.

5. Burning Smell While Driving

Long drives or driving in harsh conditions can put quite a toll on the vehicle and especially on your engine & brakes. If you can smell a sharp pungent chemical odor while driving it could be the result of your braking systems heating up. It could either be the brake pads that need to cool down a little, it could be the brake fluid that needs to cool down after hours of repeated stressful use. If you do not take precaution at the right time it could even worst. Not only causing you a lot of money in repairs but more importantly, putting the lives of everyone in the car at risk.

Conclusion

You should never delay when it comes to getting your brakes checked for repairs. If your car has the functionality or a brake repair warning light and if and when it comes on you should head to your nearest auto repair shop in Calgary to have it checked. It could be a false positive but would you rather not be safe than sorry? If you are looking for a team of professionals to help you with your brake repairs or any auto repair related issues in Calgary. Please do visit The Car Salon. Get in touch with us today to schedule an auto check-up.

5 Tips On Finding A Good Auto Body Repair Shop In Calgary

A customer generally has a hard time trusting auto shops when it comes to auto body work. No matter the amount of work that goes into fixing the car, the customer feels like they are being ripped off. As an auto body repair workshop ourselves we have heard horror stories from our customers about their experiences before they came to us. We understand the plight that some customers might face and so we’ve published a list of tips to help you select the best auto body repair shop near you.

How To Find The Best Auto Body Repair Shop Near Me!

1) Ask For Multiple Quotes
One of the biggest concerns that customers have when choosing an auto body repair shop in Calgary is the varied prices they are presented with when asking for a quote. As a customer you will most likely want to find the most affordable auto body repair shop in Calgary, however, it is important to note that the cost is not the final say. As a company, we will try and match the estimates you’ve gotten but it is your responsibility to ensure that you’re getting a good bang for your buck. The price should also be in conjunction with other factors as detailed below.

2) Ask A Lot Of Questions
A great way of picking the right auto shop in Calgary is to ask the right questions to the mechanics & the auto repair shop. Some questions that you need to ask are
– Does the repair shop provide a warranty?
– What does the warranty cover?
– How long does it last?
– How long do routine repairs take?

Most auto body shops that are confident of their work will offer at least a one-year minimum warranty on their work. When companies offer warranties that seem too good to be true they normally are so don’t always take it with a pinch of salt. A lifetime warranty sounds nice but is it really practical?

3) Check Overhead Costs Beforehand
One of the highest costs involved in body repair shops are the overheads that companies charge customers. While it may feel good to have a spruced up waiting room. A service staff waiting on your when you go to the posh repair shops are the overheads worth the amount of repairs you need done? Most of the money you’re paying is going to the salaries at counters in front of the shop. Think about where you want your money to be spent.

4) Ask Your Family and Friends
One of the best methods of finding a good auto repair shop in Calgary is to ask your friends & family. In fact, anyone who that seems knowledgeable about cars & lives in the area can be a good source of information when it comes to finding a reliable auto repair shop. Word of mouth is a powerful tool even in the online age & the best way to use it is to ask. There is plenty of online tools like consumer forums & online reviews but when you meet someone who’s had first-hand experience with a company it is much better.

5) Trust Your Gut Instinct
I always say you should listen to your instinct as much as you should to the information you’re presented with. Sometimes we have been saved from a tricky situation by listening to my instincts rather than following the brain. Now the best case scenario is to listen to pay attention to all the parameters when it comes to choosing an auto collision repair shop in Calgary.

Conclusion
While there may be plenty of auto repair shops to choose from only one has a reputation for quality work. Ask around and you’ll know. If not for nothing come over & get an estimate from one of our experienced and expert. Auto repair consultants & you’ll have a better idea of what the cost should be. Get in touch with one of our experts today!

Benefits Of Paint Protection Film Installation In Calgary

A lot of car manufacturers in recent times have switched to water-based paints. These are good for the environment and shave off a few dollars for the car manufacturers as well. However, what it gives the end customer is a softer, feebler paint that chips easily and fades very quickly. Now we’re all for being environmentally friendly but we pay dearly for our cars to look and feel nice. We would always recommend a Suntek paint protection film installation on your car. There are several benefits of a paint protection film and we’ll look at a few of them in detail.

Benefits Of Paint Protection Film Calgary

1) Paint Protection

This one is a bit obvious but the number one reason to install a PPF in Calgary is to protect the paint on your car from chips and fading. Forget about going off-road on a trail like the Deerfoot trail (which is known as the rock chip capital of Canada), but even on regular roads the chances of having debris accidentally chip away the color from your car is extremely high. Protect your exteriors by installing a PPF from a respectable mechanic shop in Calgary.

2) No Additional Maintenance Required

We use the Suntek paint protection film, it has a lot of advantages over other PPFs and is superior in quality. What we like about the paint protection film is that it does not require any additional maintenance. You simply install it and let it do its job while you drive around carefree. Simply wash and clean your exterior as you normally would.

3) No Drilling Or Chemical Adhesives Required

Another benefit of using a paint protection film on your car is that you don’t need to use additional adhesives on your car to have the film stick to the exterior. The film already has an adhesive that is safe for your car paint and installs extremely easily. You don’t need fasteners, drilling or any other additional effort to install the film

4) Lifetime Warranty Available

We are so sure about the work we do and the materials we use that we provide a lifetime warranty against peeling of the film, against bubbles appearing on your car where the film has not been installed properly, and the film turning yellow due to exposure to the environment. We take our handiwork very seriously and we only use the best paint protection film available in the market – Suntek Paint Protection Film. If you don’t believe us we’ll be happy to give you references of any of our happy customers who’ve had the paint protection film installed at the best auto workshop in Calgary – The Car Salon

5) Extremely Clear and Undetectable

Most car owners are hesitant to use paint protection films because when not installed properly you can clearly tell there is some sort of plastic coating on your car. This not only looks bad, but it can be pretty harmful to the actual paint of your car. When installing a paint protection film in Calgary, always make sure to visit a professional auto shop certified in the installation of PPF. If you’re looking for the best in the business get in touch with The Car Salon to install PPF today!

Conclusion
A paint protection film is absolutely crucial, especially in Calgary. There are plenty of auto body shops in Calgary that claim to be able to give you the precise finish that will have your car looking spanking new all over again but only one company, The Car Salon, can back those claims up with verified customer testimonials. If you are looking to protect your car paint with a film, get in touch with the best in the business.

How To Find A Good Mechanic Shop Near Me?

Most people treat cars like more than just property. They are companions that join us for the ride. So when it comes to picking a spot that will take proper care of the car you have to think more than twice about which mechanic shop to pick. While there is no one “magic rule” that you can use to find a good mechanic shop there are several guidelines you can use to pick the best mechanic shop near you. We’ll be looking at some of the best methods of helping you find the best car repair shop around.

How To Find The Best Car Mechanic Shop?
1) Search For A Shop That Specifically Deals With Your Car Brand
Many garages like to be a jack of all trades and masters of none, while they do serve their purpose they aren’t really what you’re looking for when you want someone to give your car the A+ treatment. When looking for a good car garage around you, look for a shop that caters to one particular brand of cars. That way you know they have the expertise in the kind of problems your car might throw from time to time. They will also have all the necessary tools, equipment, and training often from the brand itself to ensure that they do the best possible work on your vehicle.


2) Ask Friends and Family
Men and women that are really fond of cars and are knowledgeable about them tend to stick together in social circles. If you’re new to the city or even your particular area you’ll soon find yourself around one such group. You may not be friends but they’ll be sure to help out. If you don’t have anyone like that in your social circle you might find someone with the best knowledge among your family members. That could also be a good place to start if you want to find out about the best car mechanic shop near me.


3) Ask The Internet
The internet is filled with information and you can use it to also find yourself the best car repair shop near you. Most car repair shops have their listing on local business listing sites. Scout a few and check out the reviews for the shop you were hoping to send your car to maintenance and repairs.


4) Look For Certified Repair Shops
You have certifications from a lot of places these days. The ones that matter though are the certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and the one that the brand provides assuring the customer that they have received at least some form or formal training from the brand themselves and are equipped to make repairs to the vehicle.


5) Check For Convenience
While this isn’t a top priority it is important that the shop you pick should be located at a convenient location. Here’s why; imagine you finish your repairs and there still seems to be some issues that have not been completely resolved; you’ll have to go out of your way to go back to the same repair shop to have the issue resolved. On the other hand, if you pick a convenient location, to begin with, you can just hop on over and have the issue fixed with less of a burden.


6) Try and Test
If you’re not convinced with the referrals received from friend, family and the internet and you would want to listen to your own gut instinct that’s fine too. You will then need to try and test out a couple of places and find out which one is most suited to you and your car’s needs.


Conclusion
Like we said, in the beginning, there is no general rule of thumb when looking for the best car mechanic shop near you but if you do your research you should be able to find a good one. If you’re looking for an affordable auto repair shop that can help you from the smallest to the biggest problems get in touch with our representative today!

Checklist For Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection

Buying a vehicle can be very stressful and expensive. People try different methods to get the best deal and more often than not end up with a bad deal that they have to live with. One of the ways people try to get a good deal on a car is to buy a car at an auction. Cars that have been repossessed are usually re-sold by the banks at auction houses and they’ll even take it back if you show proof of a significant defect in the car. If you’ve recently purchased a vehicle at an auto-auction that includes a return option and you would like to have it thoroughly inspected before you take full possession of the vehicle then get in touch with the experts at ‘The Car Salon’.

What Is Covered Under The Buyer Protection Policy Of Action Houses?
1. Engine troubles such as cracked cylinder blocks, broken valves, issues with the gaskets, or cylinder compressions.
2. Transmission failures due to problems with the shift or gearbox
3. Problems and damage to the frame which is certified by a certified frame shop
4. A transfer case is binding or inoperable

Why Do You Need Professional Vehicle Inspection Services?
Apart from the checklist that is mandatory for the buyer protection policy to come into effect, there could be several things wrong with the vehicle that the auction house would not cover and you would have to pay for it out of pocket. Instead of buying a complete lemon ensuring that you make a solid purchase and if not than ensuring that the changes will not cost you too much to fix is what you need. A professional vehicle inspection service will look into all the tiny details that you might have missed when you gave the car a once over to look for any problems. We’ve included a tiny checklist of things we look out for when we do a vehicle inspection for you.

Vehicle Inspection Checklist

• Tires
o Check the tire pressure
o Tire Threads
o Wear on the tire
 Uneven tire wear could sometimes indicate a bigger problem related to the suspension of the frame quality of the car that laymen could tend to miss out on.

• Batteries
o Charge-Discharge load test
o Voltage check

• Brakes
o Brake fluids check
 It is the lifeblood of your braking system that often gets overlooked because of the amount of time it takes to check
o Wear and tear on the drums, rotors and other minor parts

• Steering and Suspension
• Steering belt
• Fluid levels

• Engine
• Leaks
• Damage
• Maintenance checks

• Frame

• Exhaust Systems

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but a good reference to give you a general idea of how well we really plan out vehicle inspections to not only cover issues that you might have now but possible issues that you might be facing in the future. If major faults are noticed during the inspection you can be assured that your Buyer Protection Policy will protect you. If there isn’t anything major wrong with the vehicle then you can always rely on our affordable car servicing options to fix and tune up whatever is required.

Conclusion
While you may have protection from the auction house if you end up buying a car sold to you under false pretenses or a car that is damaged beyond repair, what happens when this is not the case? You’ll need a reliable car service station to look into all your repairs and fixes in the most affordable manner. If you need your vehicle inspected for other reasons as well our services will come in more than handy. Get in touch with us today!

Tips To Buy New Car Tires

Your car tires are most often one of the most overlooked feature of the vehicle, however, they are also one of the most essential. Regarding safety, fuel efficiency, or comfort your tires play an important role in keeping your car in the best shape. Unfortunately, it’s difficult buying new car tires because it requires an in-depth knowledge of what’s best for your vehicle.  That does not mean that you cannot learn, in this post, we will look at the best tips to buy car tires.

the car salon calgary

How Do You Know If You Need New Car Tires?

In most circumstances, the common Joe won’t be able to tell you if you’re due for a tire overhaul. Chances are the only time you’ll hear someone speak about your tires is when you’re in the garage for an oil change. You can’t always rely on the off chance that someone else notices something amiss about your tires so here is how you find out:

1) Wear & Tear

Tires usually have a mark showing the wear and tear on them. If you’ve gone beyond that point chances are you must change your tires pretty quickly to avoid dangerous situations. 

2) Toonie Test

With a toonie. Slip a toonie in between your tread blocks. If the tread reaches the bear’s paws, your tires have lots of tread left (they’re probably new!). If the silver part of the toonie is covered by the tread block, your tires are about half worn.

3) Visible Wear Signs

Sometimes the tire is so far gone that you can see visible signs of distress on the tires. Tears, inner lining visible, tires balooning out in odd shapes and lumps. You absolutely cannot ignore these signs. 

Tips To Make Sure You Buy The Right Tire

There are several factors you need to consider about yourself and your vehicle before you buy a new set of tires for your car. Here are tips to make sure you always buy the right kind.

1) Check Size

Each car comes with a specific size tire that is best suited for their design. Some people buy smaller or larger tires based on their aesthetic requirements. We would recommend against that as it affects the performance of the car poorly. 

2) Speed Rating

Most tires come with speed ratings. This is the tolerance levels of your tire for high speeds. Most tires have a regular speed rating of over 100 mph so you need not worry about the rating unless you are part of a race crew. 

3) Cost

It should come as no surprise to anyone but tires can be very expensive. Even the base variants on most tire models are expensive and the prices only go up from there. We would recommend buying a tire in the mid variant segment. Never go for the cheapest option (do only after a thorough inspection), as it might give out sooner than you expected and come back to the tire store.

4) Quality

The most important aspect of a tire you should focus on is the quality. One cannot overlook the importance of the value that a good quality tire provides. If there is one area where you should not compromise it is this. But like I have said in my previous point, most expensive does not always mean best quality for you. 

Where To Buy The Best Car Tires In Calgary?

The Car Salon naturally should be your first option. We sell car tires all year round with a special focus on the special weather tires during winters. You will most likely look for car tire stores near me which is what I would recommend. You should, however, also make sure that the shop has an expert in that particular tire department. As experts we provide you just the kind of answers you are looking for from a practical standpoint of your vehicle. Also, never hesitate to ask questions as it‘s the only way you‘re guaranteed to be fully satisfied when buying a car tire.

Troubleshooting Anti-Lock Brakes

Over the river and through the woods was more dangerous back when cars had crummy bias-ply tires, rear-wheel drive, and ordinary brakes.

So, tonight you feel confident driving home through several inches of freshly fallen snow after a sumptuous holiday dinner. Your front-drive car has excellent all-season tires and ABS (antilock braking system) — although the ABS light has been on since you banzai’d the berm at the end of the driveway an hour ago. This may explain the loss of steering control when you’re slowing down for a corner. Like this downhill turn, right … there, as you blow straight past it with the wheels skidding and the steering cranked over hard against the stop.

ABS has become pretty much standard equipment on most vehicles. Sensors tell a computer when a wheel stops rotating, which indicates — at least when the vehicle still has forward speed — that the brakes have overpowered the available traction at that particular wheel. The computer then directs a hydraulic valve to release some brake fluid pressure to the wheel to let it rotate again.

This process repeats many times per second until the vehicle stops or you lift your foot off the brake pedal. The ABS computer does a power-on self test every time you cycle the ignition. If it finds it’s lacking data, or a hydraulic pump or valve isn’t responding, it illuminates the ABS warning light on the dash.

Originally published at www.thecarsalon.com