1. When I have to stop fast, my anti-lock brakes vibrate or pulsate. Is there something wrong with them?

This is exactly how an anti-lock braking system (ABS) should perform. When you brake hard on a car without ABS, you will often lock up one or more wheels depending on speed, road conditions, etc. This wheel lock up results in longer stopping distances and a loss of control. On a car without ABS, you should manually pump the brakes to prevent wheel lockup.

On a car with ABS, the computer keeps your brakes from locking up. Your foot should remain firmly on the brake pedal, allowing the system to automatically pump the brakes. This on and off pressure to the wheels is felt in the brake pedal as a vibration or pulsation.

2. How do I find out if there's a recall or service bulletin on my car?

There are several ways to do this:

1. Contact Transport Canada: www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/Recalls/search_e.asp
2. Contact the dealer or manufacturer of your car
3. To determine if your vehicle was involved in a recall and has not been corrected, you should contact the manufacturer and provide the vehicle's make, model, year and vehicle ID number (VIN).

3. My "Check Engine" light is coming on, but there's plenty of oil and water in the car. What's wrong?

When the Check Engine light comes on, your system is notifying you to have the internal computer checked out at the earliest possible opportunity. A Check Engine light means that your car's computer system has recognized a fault in one of its circuits. This is different from the oil pressure light. When that comes on, it means STOP driving the car.

4. When should I change my fuel filter?

The fuel filter is an important vehicle component, especially on a car with fuel injection. A fuel filter removes the dirt from the fuel that can get into the fuel injection or carburetor, and cause engine problems. Replacing the fuel filter once a year is good preventive maintenance.

5. My owner's manual says I should use 5W-30 oil in my engine. Can I use 1OW-30 or I0W-40 instead?

Many car manufacturers recommend using lighter weight oil in newer cars. Newer engines are built to tighter tolerances than previous specifications. This requires lighter weight oil for proper lubrication when the engine is cold. Lighter weight oil also helps to marginally increase fuel economy.

Most manufacturers will list a range of oils that are suitable for different conditions. Some work best below 30°C, some are designed for temperatures above 40°C, or when you require extra performance when towing a vehicle or trailer. Oil weight ranges will be listed in your owner's manual. If the oil is not listed in the manual, it's not a recommended weight.

6. What is a cabin air filter and why do I need it?

During hot summer months, contaminants like pollen, dust, mold spores, and smog, can easily enter a vehicle's passenger compartment through the air conditioning, and heating and ventilation systems, making the air in the car easily six times more contaminated than the air outside.

Motorists can protect themselves, and their passengers, from these contaminants by replacing the vehicle's cabin air filter annually, (or more often in areas with heavy contaminants), or whenever heating or cooling efficiency is reduced. Cabin air filters clean the incoming air and remove allergens.

If your vehicle is model year 2000 or newer, there's a good chance it is equipped with a cabin air filter. Check your owner's manual to confirm. If the cabin air filter is not replaced, musty odours may occur in the vehicle, and over time, the heater and air conditioner may become affected by corrosion.

7. How often should I have my air conditioning checked?

Your air conditioner will not function efficiently if outside air and moisture make their way into the closed system. An annual inspection of the vehicle, including the air conditioning system, will help to eliminate this situation, as well as other possible unforeseen repairs.

8. How can I prevent my car from overheating this summer?

Radiator coolant (or anti-freeze as it is commonly known) works to combat both heat and cold, ensuring that your engine doesn't freeze, or overheat in serious conditions.

Over time, and with exposure to the cold of winter and heat of the summer, the protective components of radiator fluid are weakened and its effectiveness can drop dramatically. Check your car's cooling system and have it serviced every 48,000 km, or every 2 years (for most vehicles) and pressure test the system and radiator cap to ensure they are in proper working order.

A PRO OIL CHANGE radiator fluid change will thoroughly flush your radiator and internal engine block, draining exhausted anti-freeze, and replacing it with fresh, warranty approved coolant.