Removing the Mystery: Common Service Questions, Answered

All vehicles will need to be maintained or repaired at some point or another, but for many people the idea of bringing their car, truck, van, or SUV into a service centre is scary. We want you to be comfortable and confident when you service your vehicle with PineRidge Ford so we compiled and answered some of the more common service questions. You may find answers to some of the same questions or concerns you have. If not, feel free to contact us anytime for friendly, professional answers and advice.

Common Service and Repair Questions

Why do my Brakes Vibrate and Squeal?

As automotive writer Richard Russell explains, “Brakes consist of rotating components and pads that are pushed (drum) or squeezed (discs) against them. If the drum or disc is out of round it will vibrate, shake and grab. If something gets stuck between the pads and the surface of the drum or disc, it will cause a noise.” If you are experiencing vibrations when you brake and/or hear noises that you’ve never heard before, it’s a good idea to bring in your vehicle to have your brakes inspected. We’ll let you know if there are any issues and if you have anything to worry about.

Why do I have to switch to winter tires?

All-season tires lose their grip and suppleness in cold weather. Generally speaking, once the temperature goes below 7 degrees all-season tires begin to lose their effectiveness. You should have your winter tires installed each fall.

What’s a Timing Belt and When Should I Have Mine Replaced?

The timing belt is an underrated but incredibly important part of your engine. It’s essentially responsible for synchronizing many of your engine’s most important parts and if it ever breaks, it’s bad news. We recommend you go by the suggested replacement schedule your car’s manufacturer lists in your user’s manual.

“The timing belt is the lifeline of an engine. If it stretches too far or breaks, the results can be catastrophic – and expensive. Don’t press your luck.” -

Richard Russell, Globe and Mail

How Long Does a Battery Last?

There are a lot of factors that go into battery life, including climate, driving habits, how often you forget your lights on and drain your battery, etc. Consumer Reports has reported that hot weather can be a hard on car batteries, so if you live in a hot climate you should have your battery tested every couple of years and they recommend people in colder climates have their battery tested every 3-4 years.

"Heat kills batteries. Many times in cold climates your battery fails to start your car on a below-freezing day. The reason this happens is that the heat of the past summers has weakened your battery. When you use it in the cold, the starter requires more electrical current to turn over the cold engine with its thickened oil." - John Banta, a Consumer Reports

We hope this Q/A was helpful and if you have a further questions or concerns, contact us online or stop by the dealership for a coffee and some honest advice.