Mar 30

How to Properly Care for Your Used Car

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Whether you have a used car or a new car, proper car maintenance can reduce your service bills, keep your car running smoothly, and extend the life of your car and its engine. Here are some of the things you need to look for when caring for your used car in Belleville:

Belts

Belts help to ensure that your engine runs smoothly and that you stay safe while driving. In order to check your belts for durability and quality, simply push on the belt with one finger. The belt should only move by about half of an inch. If it moves more, you may want to have it checked by a professional. Also, make sure that the belt does not have any cracks or worn places.

Hoses

It’s important to check the hoses in your used car in Limerick regularly to ensure that they do not crack, tear, or leak. To check your hose, simply pinch the hose in between your fingers. If the hose feels spongy or sticky, then it’s time to replace it.

Tires

The tires should be one of the easiest things for you to check on your car because they require very little expertise in order to see if they are worn. When inspecting your tires, check to see how thick the treads are. If they look worn down or smooth, then you are experiencing balding, which could reduce your traction and increase the risks of driving. If your tires are balding, it’s time to replace them.

Windshield Wipers

It’s important to remember that on a used car in Bancroft, windshield wipers are not just there for convenience; they are also critical safety mechanisms that will help to keep your line of vision clear in rainy weather. Check to make sure that the rubber blade of the windshield wiper is in good condition, that it is not cracked, and that it is attached to the metal or plastic part of the wiper securely from end to end.

Keep in mind that if you used your windshield wipers to help remove ice from your windshield in the winter, then the wiper may become more easily cracked or damaged. Therefore, you may have to replace your wiper more frequently in the winter.

Contact Bancroft Motors for more questions about how to maintain or service your car in Bancroft. We’re always helpful to provide tips or schedule an appointment with one of our mechanics.

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Feb 09

How to Stay Safe on the Roads in the Winter

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Whether you’re a seasoned driver or are just getting behind the wheel for the first time, knowing safe winter driving methods is one sure-fire way to stay out of trouble on often-unpredictable winter roads. No matter where you drive or how much you plan to be behind the wheel this year, take some time to read up on these helpful winter driving tips:

Understand Your Options

In many cases, people get into trouble when driving in the winter even though they don’t need to actually go out. Before you leave your home or office to drive this winter, ask yourself if you really need to go out. If you don’t, it might be better to stay put or rely on public transportation.

Basic Tips

Before you head out on the road, make sure that you follow these basic winter driving tips:

  • Turn on headlights so other drivers can see you – even if it’s not dark
  • Use lower gears when possible to have more traction
  • Keep your windshield clean. You may need to install fresh windshield wipers.
  • Avoid using the cruise control function.
  • Be aware that bridges and overpasses will freeze before other road surfaces. Use extra caution.
  • Stay behind slow plows; don’t try to pass them even if they are slow. They will clear the road for you.
  • Know that all vehicles can get into dangerous situations on slippery roads – even four-wheel drive vehicles.

How to Handle Icy Roads

If you plan to drive this winter, it’s certain that you’ll come across some icy roads. Some of these roads will be obviously icy. Other roads may conceal the ice and make it appear as if there is no ice on the road (this is called black ice). If you find yourself stuck on an icy road, do the following:

  1. Take your foot off of the accelerator. Slow down. When stopping on ice, it will take about three times the normal time to stop if you were driving in dry conditions.
  2. Don’t slam on the brake. Instead, brake slowly and smoothly.
  3. Remove your foot from the accelerator if you begin to skid.
  4. If skidding, turn your steering wheel in the direction that you want your wheels to go, even if you are travelling sideways.
  5. Pump standard brakes. DO NOT pump ABS brakes.

Contact Bancroft Motors today at www.bancroftmotors.ca  for more tips on how to drive safely in winter conditions. We’re happy to help you understand how your particular vehicle is likely to respond to some conditions and give you advice about how to handle it. Need a winter check up? We offer full car service in Bancroft and you can schedule on line!

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