What Can Cause a Car to Overheat While Driving?

April 26, 2021 by Hardik K

Car engine overheating can be one of the most horrifying experiences. After driving for a couple of hours, you experience smoke coming out from the hood. It is a sign that your engine is overheated. Even if regular servicing like oil changes and seasonal tire change service have been carried out, your engine can face overheating.

Here are the Top 6 Reasons that Cause Engine Overheating While Driving

1. Low Coolant Level

The most common cause of car overheating is low coolant levels.
Coolant is the main cooling fluid that your engine relies on for cooling.
Coolant circulates through the engine and removes heat from it.
If the coolant reservoir is empty or below the recommended levels, you need to add fresh coolant and top it up.
A coolant top off can help cool the engine quickly and prevent overheating until you can take the vehicle to a local repair centre, so get coolant levels checked when you go for an oil change.

2. Damaged Radiator

The radiator is the core of the cooling system.
It is the place where the coolant gets cooled.
The temperature of the coolant reduces as it passes through the radiator.
If the radiator has malfunctioned and is not working properly, the coolant will not be able to cool down, thus resulting in overheating of the engine.
Clogging and leakage are the two main causes of a faulty radiator.

3. Blocked Radiator Hoses

When the coolant passes between the engine and the radiator, it moves through the hoses.
If the coolant in your car is at optimal levels, there is a possibility that the hoses are blocked, cracked, or damaged.
This may cause the coolant to leak or may result in the improper flow of the coolant, which causes the engine temperature to rise.
When you get seasonal tire change services also get your radiator hoses inspected.

4. Radiator Fan/Cooling Fan Malfunction

The main role of the cooling fan is to pull cool air into the radiator when the car is not running at a high speed.
If your engine is overheating, make sure to check the cooling fan under the hood before an oil change.
If the car is being driven at a slow speed and the radiator fan is not turning on, it will result in overheating of the engine.

5. Malfunctioned Water Pump

A water pump propels the coolant through the engine where it absorbs extra heat.
If the water pump is damaged or not functioning correctly, the coolant flow may get impaired or it may stop flowing completely.

6. Faulty Thermostat

A thermostat allows the coolant to enter the engine only once it has warmed up sufficiently.
A broken or faulty thermostat will not open and the coolant won’t be able to enter the engine when it has to.
This leads to the engine overheating.

If you have been the victim of a car overheating while driving on the road, it is best to take your car to UrbanLube to get it inspected. In addition to engine overheating problems, Urban Lube takes care of oil changes and provides seasonal tire change services as well. Contact us now!

What Does It Mean When Your Brakes Feel Soft

April 24, 2021 by Hardik K

When it comes to driving cars, most Canadians tend to focus on acceleration, speed, and how fast a car is able to move. However, driving a car is not merely about speed. Stopping a car from a higher speed is equally important. Being a driver, you know how it is supposed to feel when you hit the brakes.

If you are having a problem with the brakes, stopping your car will require much more effort and time. If your vehicle is suffering from the problem of spongy (soft) brakes, it is time to address the issue right away without any delay. Spongy brakes are not just irritating while driving, they are dangerous, too.

Here are the Top 3 Causes for Spongy Brakes

Old or Low Brake Fluid

The brake fluid converts the force you apply to the brake pedal to pressure that causes the brakes to bring the car to a halt. This makes regular brake fluid changes
Brake fluid plays a crucial role in making the braking system function properly.
It lasts for a long time. However, it is not something that will last forever.
Brake fluid lasts for the service duration from 25,000 to 30,000 miles. However, it can last for more than 100,000 miles as well provided there is no leakage.
Moisture damages the braking system, thus resulting in spongier brakes.
Hence, if there is a low brake fluid level or leakage, it is time for you to get a brake fluid change.

Presence of Air in the Braking System

Air in the braking system is one of the most common causes of spongy brakes.
You need to find out how the air got into the braking system.
It may be due to a leakage somewhere or probably due to low brake fluid.
If you have had some repair work done on your braking system that might be a cause as well.
The presence of air in the braking system results in pressure imbalance which can cause the vehicle to take longer to stop.
Getting it repaired and an immediate brake fluid change can be the right steps to take.

Damaged Brake Line

The brake line can become brittle due to the rust from road salt and moisture present on the road.
Corrosion can result in holes in the brake line causing the brake fluid to leak and create a need for frequent brake fluid change.
Leakage of brake fluid results in reduced levels, which causes the hydrostatic pressure to become less.
The brake lines become weak, thus causing the brakes to become spongy.
Brake lines do not have any protection against corrosion.
The longer the rust and corrosion take place, the higher the chances are of brake fluid being lost from the system.
Brake line damage also causes air to enter the braking system.

If you are looking to get brake fluid change done, Urban Lube is the best place to do it. In addition to brake fluid changes, Urban Lube offers other services as well, such as mobile oil change, windshield wiper change, seasonal tire change service, battery booster, and more. Get in touch for more details.

How Do You Know When Wiper Blades Need Replacing?

April 23, 2021 by Hardik K

A windshield wiper is an indispensable part of your vehicle. It provides you with a clear view of the road while driving. Whether it is rain, snow, or dust that has accumulated on your windshield, the windshield wiper blades help to clear any obstruction that is there on the windscreen so that you can continue your journey safely. Without proper wiper blades, one can end up in an accident due to a lack of clear vision.

Here are the 5 common warning signs that it is time for a windshield wiper change.

5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Windshield Wipers

1. Visibility of Cracks on the Windshield Wiper Blades

Similar to tires, wiper blades develop cracks too due to the extreme weather conditions and tend to deteriorate.
You can visually inspect the wipers by lifting them away from the windscreen.
If you find cracks or lines on the rubber of the blade, it is time for a windshield wiper change.

2. Unusual Noise

Windshield wipers are designed to function with minimal noise.
If you are experiencing irritating sounds like screeches, squeaks, smearing, scrapes, or clicking, it is an indication that the wiper blades have become worn out.
Unusual noises indicate that the wipers are not cleaning the windscreen properly.
Unusual noises and sounds are a sign that you need to get those windshield wipers replaced.

3. Improper Windshield Contact

If the wiper blades are not coming in proper contact with the corners or certain portions of the windshield, it may be due to damaged rubber or bent metal.
This is an indicator that the wiper blades are not doing their job properly anymore and need to be repaired or replaced immediately.

4. Excessive Windshield Streaking

The wiper movement must leave the windshield clean and smooth.
If you notice streaks or a film being formed on the windshield even after you have sprayed water to remove it, this indicates that the wipers are dirty and need a windshield wiper change.
Streaking indicates that some part of the wiper blade has worn out.

5. Bent Metal Frames

There may be several reasons for the metal part of the wipers to get bent.
It may be caused due to removal of accumulated ice from the windshield during winter or probably due to rough handling of the wiper blades.
If the blades are bent, they won’t come in proper contact with the windshield.
Even if they function properly now, you will need a windshield wiper change sooner than later.

How Often Should You Change the Windshield Wiper?

Windshield wipers are essential for safe driving.
It is recommended to get the best windshield wiper blades replaced once every six months to one year.
Also, before the winter season starts, it is essential to get a new set of winter wipers installed even if the existing ones are functioning properly.
This is because the regular set of wipers will get damaged much faster than the winter wipers.

Contact Urban Lube for windshield wiper change, oil change, all-weather tire change, seasonal tire change or shop brand new tires online.

Engine Oil Top Off Vs. Engine Oil Change: Understanding the Difference

April 21, 2021 by Hardik K

The engine is the heart of your vehicle and the engine oil is the blood that keeps the engine running seamlessly.

The oil lubricates the engine and helps it to fight heat and friction.
The heat and friction produce wear and tear.
This will destroy the engine over time and cause the oil to degrade.
Hence, the oil and filter need to be regularly replaced.

What is the Difference Between an Engine Oil Top Off and Oil Change?

Many people believe that topping off the oil and an oil change refers to the same thing. However, this is not true in reality.

Engine oil top off refers to adding new oil to the existing old oil.
The main challenge in adding new oil to old oil is that fresh oil is likely to become contaminated with the impurities and debris already present in the old oil.
If you have been frequently topping up oil and ignoring warranty approved oil changes, it may lead to some serious issues and even damage the engine considerably.

Warranty Approved Oil Changes:

In case of an oil change, the existing old oil is fully flushed and drained out of the vehicle.
Used oil along with the oil filter is discarded and replaced with fresh oil.
The new oil which is free from any type of impurities ensures that the engine and its parts keep functioning and operating optimally.

How do you find out whether you need an Oil Change or a Top Off for your Vehicle?

You can come to know whether an oil change or top off is required by inspecting the condition of the existing oil in your vehicle:

Park the car on a level surface.
Ensure that the engine has been turned off for at least 10 minutes.
Open your car’s hood and find the oil dipstick.
The oil dipstick has a bright coloured plastic handle which you can easily find towards the engine side.
Once you have located the dipstick, remove it and wipe it clean from any oil residue using a clean cloth.
You can see the minimum and maximum markings on the dipstick.
Push the dipstick back all the way and wait for a few seconds. Pull it back again and check the oil level.
If the oil level is between the minimum and maximum markings, the oil level is fine.
If the oil level is near the minimum marking, you need to an oil change in Regina or to top off.
If the oil level is above the maximum mark, some amount of oil needs to be drained and you need to get your car inspected by a professional oil change service provider.
The smell and the colour of the oil are an indicator of whether the oil is contaminated or not.

It is recommended to get an oil change done once every 3,000 – 5,000 miles or as recommended by your car’s manufacturer. If you have been topping off oil and avoiding an oil change, it is best to go for a mobile oil change service in Regina without any further delay.

5 Tips for Improving Government Fleet Service

March 30, 2021 by Hardik K

Managing a government fleet is not an easy task. It requires several things to be taken care of. Each vehicle in the government fleet is different and has to be dealt with differently. Some may require an oil change, tire change, battery boost, while some may need replacement of key components.

5 Things to be Kept in Mind While Managing a Government Fleet

If you are offering automotive fleet services, Regina, keep in mind that the usage of vehicles that are a part of the government fleet is quite high.
Vehicles must be repaired and serviced within the shortest possible time.
With the government department, the budget is always a constraint.
High-performance standards of the vehicles need to be met.
Comprehensive support and vehicle care must be provided during emergencies.

Preventive maintenance service checklist for government fleet:

Engine oil change
Air filter change
Coolant change
Braking system
Battery boost
Tire change
Fleet tire services
Wheel alignment/ balancing
Exhaust system
Fluid leakages
Fuel system
Interior and exterior lights
Windshield and wipers

Here are 5 tips for improving and effectively managing the government automotive fleet services Regina.

Understanding the Requirements of Government Fleets

Managing government fleets is quite different from managing other commercial fleets.
There is so much to handle within minimum time and a tight budget of course.
One needs to be conscious about the cost and time factor while not compromising on the quality of services like fleet tire services.

Keeping the Overall Government Fleet Maintenance Cost Low

Managing a government fleet always has budget constraints.
The cost of repairs and maintenance like battery boost, oil change, etc. always needs to be kept as per the budget.
The worn-out parts need to be repaired in-house rather than relying on any third-party.
As far as possible, the focus must be on repairs and not a replacement of parts.
Components must be procured from local vendors instead of vendors located at far-off locations. This will help lower the shipping costs significantly.

Making the Vehicles Accessible to the Department as Soon as Possible

Government vehicles often experience downtime mainly due to the way they are driven.
It is crucial to reduce the downtime and get the vehicles back up and running on the road in the least possible time with automotive fleet services Regina.

Focus on Preventive Maintenance

Even though the budget is low and time is less, preventive maintenance is what will help the vehicles in the long run.
For example, an oil change today will ensure that the engine holds good for at least 5000 miles more.
Similarly, a battery test would make sure a vehicle does not suddenly stop midway.

Not Compromising on Safety

It is crucial to ensure that all government vehicles are safe to be driven on the road.
For example, in fleet tire services, it is essential to make certain that all tires of the vehicles are in good condition and there is no safety issue while driving.

5 Tips to Keep Your Truck Tires in Excellent Condition

March 27, 2021 by Hardik K

The tire is a crucial component of your commercial trucks. Despite being the main point of contact between the truck and the road surface, they are most often neglected and overlooked by drivers and fleet owners.

If you own or manage commercial trucks, it is essential to maintain the tires in prime condition. Otherwise, you may end up going for a mobile tire change and replacement.

Why is Maintenance and Servicing of Commercial Truck Tires Important?

Ensures seamless and smooth drive on the road
Improves braking experience.
Avoid breakdown or stoppages
Better fuel mileage
Cuts down on the cost of commercial truck tire change
Increases the longevity of the tires
Prevent blowouts and flattened tires on the road
Adds the safety element while driving the truck
Better grip and complete control of the truck while driving
Increased braking distance

Top 5 Tips that Would Help Keep Your Truck Tires in Optimal Condition

1. Align the Truck Wheel

One of the main reasons for the early need for a tire change and replacement is misaligned tires and wheels.
If truck tires are not aligned properly, it causes uneven tread wear.
Lack of proper wheel alignment will cause the tires to wear out quickly, thus resulting in the need for a commercial truck tire change.
Hence, it is important to get your truck wheels aligned every 50,000 – 100,000KM

2. Keep the Tires and Wheels Clean

In order to increase tire health and prolong its life, it is essential to keep your tires and wheels clean.
Cleaning not only helps the tires to look good but also removes the mud, dirt, grease and road salts from them.
Regularly cleaning tires and wheels prevents their deterioration in the long run.

3. Optimal Tire Pressure

Both underinflated and overinflated tires can damage the key components of your truck.
In addition to reducing the lifespan of tires, driving a truck with either high or low air pressure in tires may cause safety concerns.
Hence, in order to prevent the need for a mobile tire change and replacement, it is important to regularly check the air pressure in tires once a week.

4. Practicing the Right Driving Habits

Caring for truck tires is necessary.
Apply brakes suddenly at high speed and over-speeding are the two main bad driving practices that tend to damage tires significantly.
To prevent sudden or too frequent commercial truck tire change, it is essential to follow the best driving practices.

5. Fix minor issues immediately

If you find any minor wear and tear on your truck tires, it is advisable not to overlook it.
Instead, getting minor tire problems fixed at the right time will help save money in the long run.