Your Top 10 Questions About Vehicles
Got automotive questions? AMA’s team of experts has the answers. Here are some of the questions AMA members ask us most often. By Matt Bubbers | Illustrations by Sam Island
What should I look for when evaluating a used car? You’ll want to go in armed with as much information as possible, says Klodian Spahillari, AMA automotive asset manager. “Ask the seller for the vehicle’s registration documents and maintenance history,” he says. “If a car has been well looked after, it should come with a stack of invoices and receipts.” Getting a Carfax vehicle history report and lien check is always a good idea. While not foolproof, these reports can tip you off to any tampering with the odometer — an immediate red flag. Spahillari advises most buyers to steer clear of used vehicles that have been in a major crash. Get the car inspected by an independent mechanic. Book a thorough inspection at an Approved Auto Repair Services (AARS) facility and ask your mechanic to flag potentially serious issues.
Should I follow my dealer’s maintenance recommendations or stick to the schedule outlined in the owner’s manual?
What often happens at dealerships, says Spahillari, is that drivers take their cars in for a scheduled oil change or some other regular maintenance, and a dealership representative may suggest an additional service: say, a coolant flush, cleaning the fuel injectors, or changing the power steering fluid.
Spahillari’s simple advice? When in doubt about any service, consult your owner’s manual. It’ll have a service and maintenance schedule that outlines what your vehicle needs when, based on accumulated mileage or time intervals (whichever comes first).
“Ask the dealer about any recommendation that is not in the manual,” Spahillari says. For example, ask what any extra service does and why it’s necessary now. Look for dealerships that are part of AMA’s Approved Auto Repair Services (AARS) program, which identifies repair facilities that meet AMA’s standards for quality service and fair prices.
How do I calculate the total cost of ownership for my vehicle? Use AMA’s free online Driving Cost Calculator. Input your vehicle’s year, make and model, as well as your province. The calculator automatically includes gas, maintenance, depreciation and even environmental costs. Drivers can further customize the estimate by inputting annual mileage, insurance, car payments and ratio of city to highway driving. How do I get a Vehicle Information Report? Anyone can request a VIR online or through a registry agent. This will reveal non-protected information about a vehicle registered in Alberta. You will see such information as the vehicle’s year, make, model, style, colour and fuel type, the vehicle’s status (active, rebuilt, salvage), odometer reading, registration dates and locations, and any liens on the vehicle. The fee is $21.10. What kinds of information does a Carfax report provide? They typically show ownership and service history, as well as any reported accidents and insurance claims, whether the vehicle has been reported stolen, and any structural damage. Be sure to check that any odometer readings line up with the current mileage. Carfax offers AMA members a discount on reports. I’m headed to a warm state down south in winter. Should I remove my winter tires for the drive? Spahillari always advises drivers to check the weather patterns in advance and plan the tires accordingly. If you’d rather not be an amateur meteorologist, just stick to all-weather tires; they’ll work for both frigid Canadian winters and balmy Florida ones.
When should I replace my tires or brakes? Brakes, tires and the rest of your vehicle should be inspected every six months (or at least once a year) by a qualified mechanic. The more you drive, the more maintenance your car will need.
The lifespan of brake pads can vary wildly depending on how and where you drive. The frequent stop-start of city driving, for example, can wear pads down faster. Signs your brakes should be inspected include: squeaking or grinding sounds, vibration when braking, pulling to one side when braking, a soft or spongy brake pedal, or reduced stopping power. When it comes to tires, the “toonie test” is the easiest way to check if the tires are worn out. Insert a toonie into the most worn part of the tire’s tread (with the polar bear’s feet inserted first). If the top of the tread blocks reach the bear’s paws, the tires are good to go. If the tread blocks cover the silver part of the toonie, the tires have roughly 50 per cent of their life left. If the tread doesn’t even cover the letters around the edge, it’s probably time for new tires.
Should I lift my wipers before a storm? Some people lift their wipers to prevent them from freezing to the glass, Spahillari says. If you lift the wipers, lower them gently back onto the windshield. If you leave them down, be careful that the rubber doesn’t stick to the windshield as you pick them up.
How can I maximize traction and handling in Canadian winters? Get the right tires. The following types of tires are all designed to keep you safe when the temperature drops below 7° C:
- Winter studded tires: these are the gold standard for snow and ice, but their metal studs mean they’re not road legal in all regions, and can’t be used in summer.
- Winter tires: they’re great on snow and ice, but you’ll definitely want to swap them out once the weather warms up.
- All-weather tires: not to be confused with all-season tires — which are not designed for cold winter conditions — all-weathers have decent traction on snow and ice, but their major advantage is that they can be used safely year-round in Canada.
Having a vehicle with an all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) system will also help with winter traction. But, as Spahillari says, “both systems are great at propelling your car, but neither necessarily does any good in braking or turning, which is when you’re usually going to slide.” Having the right tires is crucial, no matter what sort of vehicle you drive.
What do all the dashboard warning lights mean?
Dashboard warning lights may look like ancient symbols found in cave paintings, but they need not be as mystifying. Here are what some of the common symbols typically mean — but keep in mind that cars vary, so check the owner’s manual.
Check engine light: This could mean anything from a loose gas cap to a serious engine issue. Get it checked soon.
Oil pressure light: Your engine may not be getting enough oil, which could be a very serious issue. Stop the car immediately to avoid damaging the engine.
Battery light: There may be a problem with your battery or charging system. AMA’s Mobile Battery Testing & Replacement service can test the battery and replace it if needed.
Brake warning light: The most likely cause? You left the parking brake on. It could also indicate low brake fluid or a problem with the braking system. Don’t ignore it.
Tire pressure monitoring system light: One or more tires may be underinflated. Newer cars may tell you exactly which tire needs air, but if not, check all tires. (And keep a portable tire inflator in the trunk.)
Engine/coolant temperature light: If it’s red, it could mean the engine is overheating, which can cause serious damage. Pull over safely.