Owning a vehicle can be expensive so it helps to know what the most common vehicle problems are and how to avoid them. At Hansma Automotive, we believe that preventative maintenance is the key to avoiding expensive vehicle repairs so contact us to avoid nasty surprises on the highway.
There's nothing worse than hopping into your car on a frosty morning and realizing your heater is blowing cold air. If you're experiencing "Heat Not Working In My Car" woes, you're not alone.
This is a common automotive issue, and thankfully, often fixable.
Let's dive into the potential culprits and how to get your car toasty again.
When the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall, many Canadian drivers face a crucial decision: should they stick with all-season tires or switch to winter tires?
While both tire types have their advantages, making the right choice can significantly impact safety, handling, and overall driving performance. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of winter and all-season tires to help you determine which option best suits your needs.
Winter can be a challenging season for drivers, with icy roads, snowstorms, and frigid temperatures putting your vehicle to the test.
Taking the time to prep your vehicle for winter can ensure it performs well and keeps you safe during the cold months. From winter tires to routine maintenance, here are five essential tips to get your vehicle ready for winter.
Overheating is a common issue that can leave you stranded and cause serious damage to your vehicle. Understanding the reasons behind it can help you prevent costly repairs. Here are the top 5 causes of overheating in cars and what you can do about them.
If you car is overheating, give us a call.
Coolant (or antifreeze) is essential for regulating your engine's temperature. When coolant levels drop too low, your engine can quickly overheat.
Leaks in the radiator, hoses, or water pump are common culprits.
Regularly checking and maintaining the coolant level can prevent this issue. If there’s a concern here, we can schedule a coolant flush.
Low coolant levels is one of the biggest causes of overheating in cars.
Your radiator is responsible for cooling the engine by transferring heat from the coolant to the air.
If the radiator is clogged with debris, dirt, or rust, or if it’s damaged, it won’t be able to dissipate heat efficiently.
This can cause your engine to overheat. Cleaning your radiator regularly and checking for damage can help avoid this problem.
A blocked radiator could cause your car to overheat.
The thermostat controls the flow of coolant through the engine.
When it malfunctions, it may stay closed, blocking coolant flow and causing the engine to overheat.
A broken thermostat is a simple fix, but if ignored, it can lead to severe engine damage.
To understand more about the role of the thermostat, read this article on vehicle air conditioning system repairs.
A blown head gasket is one of the most serious causes of engine overheating. It can allow coolant to leak into the engine cylinders, leading to a loss of coolant and an overheated engine.
This issue often requires professional repair, as it involves disassembling part of the engine.
A car tune up service should begin with a number of performance checks to test or confirm your engine's overall condition, including head gaskets.
Regular maintenance will reduce the potential causes of overheating in cars
Cars are designed to carry a certain amount of weight. Exceeding this load can put extra strain on the engine, causing it to work harder and generate more heat.
This is especially true for older vehicles or those with smaller engines. Ensure you’re not overloading your car by checking the manufacturer’s weight recommendations, usually found in the owner’s manual.
For tips on avoiding vehicle overloading, check out this resource from the Government of Ontario.
So, as we’ve seen, preventing your car from overheating involves regular maintenance and understanding the limits of your vehicle.
By staying on top of these common issues, you can keep your engine cool and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
If you suspect your car might be overheating, don’t hesitate to bring it into our professional auto shop for a thorough inspection.
If you live in the Region of Waterloo region and you’re looking for a reliable, skilled, and trustworthy mechanic, you can trust the professionals at Hansma Automotive.
We’ll expertly repair and service your vehicle, and only perform the services you need.
We've built a solid reputation with our customers in Waterloo over the years for honesty and high quality workmanship.
Find out for yourself why we are Kitchener-Waterloo's first choice for auto service.
Contact us today to book an appointment.
“I have been going to Hansma Automotive for regular maintenance for a couple of years. Much better than going to the dealership.
I recently had an accident where my rear rim took the impact and my steering wheel was crooked and the wheel bent. Adrian did the assessment and explained to me that he is prepared to only replace the necessary parts rather than replacing all the parts that would be done by an auto body shop through insurance.
Adrian replaced 2 different parts and fixed my car back to 100%. I’m so thankful that I took the car to Hansma, I highly recommend them and their honesty and not upselling and doing more work than was required.”
Experiencing difficulty shifting gears in your car can be frustrating and concerning. If you’re gears are sticking, it could indicate several underlying issues that may need attention.
Here are five common reasons why your gearbox might feel like it’s sticking, along with tips on how to diagnose the problem.
1. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid
3. Faulty Shift Linkage or Cables
5. Software Issues in Automatic Transmissions
Are your gears sticking? Give us a call!
One of the primary reasons for a sticking gearbox is low or contaminated transmission fluid.
This fluid lubricates the moving parts within the gearbox, allowing for smooth gear shifts.
If the fluid level is low, or if it’s dirty and contaminated, it can hinder the proper function of the gearbox.
Check the transmission fluid level using the dipstick. If it’s low, top it off with the appropriate fluid.
Look for a burnt smell or dark coloration in the fluid, which indicates contamination. If the fluid is dirty, consider a transmission fluid change.
Transmission fluid lubricates the moving parts within the gearbox, allowing for smooth gear shifts.
For manual transmissions, worn clutch components can lead to difficulty in shifting gears.
Over time, the clutch disc, pressure plate, or release bearing can wear down, causing incomplete disengagement of the gears.
Pay attention to the clutch pedal. If it feels spongy or doesn’t engage/disengage smoothly, it may indicate a problem.
If the car struggles to shift into gear, especially when the clutch pedal is fully pressed, it’s likely time to inspect or replace the clutch components.
The shift linkage or cables connect the gear lever to the transmission. If these components become misaligned, worn, or damaged, they can cause the gears to stick and create difficulty when shifting.
Inspect the shift linkage and cables for any visible signs of wear, fraying, or damage.
Shift into different gears while observing the linkage to see if there’s any resistance or misalignment.
Over time, internal components of the transmission can wear down, leading to shifting problems. Worn gears, synchronizers, or bearings can cause gears to stick or grind during shifts.
Listen for unusual noises, such as grinding or clunking, when shifting gears.
If you notice slipping or unexpected gear changes, it may indicate internal wear that requires professional evaluation.
Gears sticking? Could be a transmission issue.
Modern automatic transmissions are controlled by complex software. If there’s a glitch or error in the transmission control module (TCM), it can lead to improper gear engagement and shifting problems.
Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any error codes related to the transmission.
If error codes are present, a software update or reset may be necessary. Consult with a professional mechanic for assistance.
If you’re experiencing a sticking gearbox, it’s crucial to diagnose the issue promptly to avoid further damage. Whether it’s low fluid, worn components, or software glitches, identifying the problem early can save you time and money in repairs.
If you’re unsure or the issue persists, don’t hesitate to consult with a qualified mechanic for a thorough inspection and professional advice. Safe driving!
Your transmission is a vital component in your vehicle, as it plays its part in transmitting power from the engine to the drive wheels.
Our professional staff are trained to cope with any type of transmission repairs your vehicle may need in the Kitchener area.
We believe in taking care of our customers and their vehicles to the highest satisfaction levels possible so contact us for an appointment.
“My first time there. They did what they said they would do for the price they said they’d do it for. Courteous and friendly staff. I’ll go back.
I’ve been back and they are now my mechanics. They have never advised me to do unnecessary repairs to my car. I trust them.”
