Just Ask Brian

Do you have a vehicle maintenance question?    Just Ask Brian at fastlane@waterlooford.com and he will respond with an answer.

Frequently asked questions:

With the price of fuel rising is there anything I can do to save fuel?
You can save up to 40% by fixing serious maintenance problems such as faulty oxygen sensors.  Replacing a clogged air filter will save up to 10%, and keeping tires inflated to the right pressure will save up to 4%. 

How often should I flush the radiator in my vehicle?
Flushing your radiator with new antifreeze every two to three years (approximately every 75,000 km to 100,000 km) will help maintain and extend the life of your vehicle.

Should I purchase a set of tires with a higher kilometre rating?
You should consider how long you want to keep your vehicle before a decision is made.  If you anticipate owning the vehicle for another 5 years then I would definitely say yes. 

When can I put synthetic oil in my engine?
You can switch over to synthetic oil at any time.  Even a brand new vehicle can use synthetic oil.  It was recommended in the past to wait until the engine was "broken in", but with the new engine technology it is no longer necessary to wait. 

What can I do to make sure my engine is obtaining the best fuel economy?
I recommend a tune-up inspection every two years or 50,000 km.  A properly tuned engine may improve fuel mileage by 4%.  Also, replacing a dirty air filter can improve your fuel mileage by 10%. 

How do I maintain the appearance of my new tires?
I recommend purchasing a wheel and tire cleaner that is environmentally safe and not harmful to your skin if contacted.  Be aware of products that contain acids or detergents that can damage your tires. 

Why would I install winter tires if I already have all-season tires?
I recommend driving with winter tires in the winter months as all-season tires lose their elasticity and harden in cold temperatures.  Winter tires stay soft which enables them to grab the road better in poor conditions.  They have also been designed to clear snow while in movement and come equipped with multi sipes which bite ice and snow. 

I drive a 2006 Taurus and after a period of driving I see black dust on the front mag wheels.  What is it and how can I keep the wheels clean?
The black dust is brake dust and occurs on all vehicles with disc brakes.  To clean the wheels use a wheel cleaner designed for mag wheels that in non-corrosive to wheels and tires. 

When should I plug in the blockheater on my 2007 Escape and how long should I keep in plugged in for? 
I recommend plugging the blockheater in at -20 degrees and colder.  It is best to leave it plugged in for 4 to 5 hours.  An outdoor timer can be purchased to save on electric power.

I drive a 2005 Explorer and I notice when I put on the left signal light, the light flashes very quickly.  What is the problem?
I recommend inspecting the signal light bulbs.  When a signal light bulb is burnt out the resistance is lower and the working light will flash quickly.  Some vehicles are equipped with a message centre which will indicate if a bulb is not working. 

Do I set the tire pressure on tires according to the label on the sidewall of the tire?
I recommend setting the tire pressure from the information in the owner's manual or from the label on the edge of the driver's door.  The inflation label on the sidewall of the tire is the maximum operating pressure determined by the tire manufacturer. 

Where would I install 2 new tires on a front wheel drive vehicle?
I recommend having the tires installed on the rear to prevent oversteer and improve handling.  You can rotate the tires after 6 months, or 10,000 km.  Refer to your owner's manual for specific rotation periods.

How do I spot irregular tread wear on tires?
You'll know it is time to replace your tires when the wear band is visible through the treads.  It is also a good idea to check your tires regularly for uneven tread wear. 

How often should I check the air pressure in my tires?
I recommend checking the tires once a month.  By maintaining the tire pressure to recommended specifications you will extend your tire life, have better handling, increased fuel mileage, and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. 

How often should I rotate my tires?
I recommend rotating tires every 6 months or 10,00 km.  By doing regular rotations you will prevent irregular and premature wear.  You will also extend the life of the tires.  Refer to your owner's manual for specific rotation periods. 

How often should I change my wipers?
For maximum driving safety I recommend replacing wipers every six months.  If you notice the wipers are streaking or chattering, the blades are worn and should be replaced. 

Why should I check tire pressures in the cold months?
Air is a gas which contracts as temperatures drop.  Generally a tire will lose about 2 pounds of pressure per month in cold weather.