Top Reasons All-Weather Tires Are Ideal for Car Owners

June 4, 2021 by Hardik K

For most Canadian, tire change is quite common with the change in the climate. For summers, there are summer tires, while for winters, there are winter tires.

Do you know?

There are all-weather tires and all season tires as well.

Many people feel that both are the same and use them interchangeably. However, both of them are quite different from each other.

If the winter is not far off, you would probably be thinking of tire change from all-season tires to winter tires.
There is one more class of tires, which you can consider while going for a tire change. These are all-weather tires.
All weather tires are not the same as all season tires. While driving in extreme winter weather or below freezing temperature, all weather tires are far more superior compared to all season tires.

All Weather Tires vs. All Season Tires:

Let us understand the difference between the two to help you with seasonal tire change:

Rubber Compound: A key differentiator Between All Weather Tires and All Season Tires

It all comes down to the rubber compound that they are made from.
When the temperature falls below 7 degrees Celsius, the rubber compound of all season tires
To have a perfect grip on the road, especially during the winter, tires need to have flexibility.
As all season tires get harder during winters (below freezing), they lose their traction and are not at all suitable for driving.
On the other hand, the rubber compound used to make all weather tires remain soft, even below freezing temperature (till -25^oC).
Hence, all weather tires offer greater traction and can handle snow during winter.
All weather tires are flexible above and below 7^o

Can All Weather Tires Handle Harsh Winter Conditions?

In harsh winter conditions, there is plenty of snow, ice, and slush on the Canadian roads.
All weather tires are capable of handling mild winter conditions that involve light snowfall and rainfall.
For harsh winter conditions having plenty of snow, a winter tire change would be the perfect option.

Can All Weather Tires Be Used During Summer?

All weather tires are perfectly suited for driving during summer when the temperatures rise.
The rubber compound used for manufacturing all weather tires does not get soft while driving in the summer heat.

Are there Any Drawbacks of Using All Weather Tires?

All weather tires can be used in all seasons. This means that they are capable of handling a wide range of temperatures.
All weather tires generally get worn out much faster compared to all season tires or winter tires.

All Weather Tires: A Blessing For Drivers

Since all weather tires work well in winter as well as summer, they can be used all around the year without compromising on the safety aspect.
Having all weather tires, drivers won’t need frequent tire change.

To sum up, all weather tires offer great flexibility and adaptability in all four seasons in Canada: winter, summer, spring, and fall. On the other hand, all season tires are best suited for all seasons, except winter.

5 Storage Tips to Help Extend the Life of Your Seasonal Tires

June 3, 2021 by Hardik K

Setting aside your seasonal tires is not an easy task. It is not just about removing those tires and keeping them somewhere. You need to keep them in good shape and condition. Seasonal tires are sensitive to weather changes, sun, temperature, and moisture. Seasonal tire storage in the right conditions will help you prolong their life and prevent degradation.

For seasonal tire storage, it is best to take the help of a professional tire storage service provider. Urban Lube is one such professional seasonal tire storage company.

Here are five important tips from Urban Lube for seasonal tire storage to keep their warranty and extend their life or simply use the tire storage service from Urban Lube.

Clean and Dry Your Tires Before Storage

Since tires are exposed to the road, they get dirty like any other part of the vehicle.
Before seasonal tire storage, it is important to remove any traces of dust, dirt, and asphalt from the tires.
The cleaning process involves making use of a warm soapy wash of the tires and rinsing them with clean water.
Avoid using any cleaning products that contain petroleum and other corrosive chemicals.
Before proceeding further for seasonal tire storage, it is important to make sure that the tires are completely dried. (Don’t dry the tires under direct sunlight.)

Place Each Tire In Bags

For seasonal tire storage indoors, it is crucial to place them in airtight and opaque bags before searching for winter tire storage near me.
Leaf bags and yard bags work well for seasonal tire storage. However, you may find large airtight plastic bags that are specially meant for tire storage at local shops in your vicinity.
Prior to sealing the bag, make sure that you remove as much air from the bag as possible. This helps to prevent the oil of the rubber compound from drying.

Avoid Exposure to Sunlight

Exposure to UV rays of the sun results in heating of the rubber compound, which damages it, and causes premature ageing of the tires.

Store the Tires in a Clean, Dry, and Cool Environment

For seasonal tire storage, it is important to select a place that is cool, dry, and well-ventilated.
The humidity and temperature of the place must remain constant.
Ozone is a compound that damages the tires. Hence, it is important to keep the tires away from:
- Furnaces
- Water pumps
- Water heaters
- Generators
- Electric motors and
- Sump pumps

Store Tires Vertically or Horizontally

The most ideal way to store unmounted tires is to place them upright and vertically.
Stacking the unmounted tires horizontally may cause damage due to stress and pressure.
Never hang the unmounted tires using a hook as it may result in deformation.
Tires mounted on rims should be stacked horizontally and not vertically.

Want to avoid the complexities associated with seasonal tire storage? Looking for different options for winter tire storage near me?

Urban Lube offers the best tire storage service in Canada at reasonable prices. Get in touch.

A Quick Guide: Michelin Defender LTX M/S Summer Tire

June 2, 2021 by Hardik K

Michelin LTX M/S Summer Tire belongs to the category of Michelin defender tires and is set to replace the top-performing LTX M/S2 tire. Michelin summer performance tires are best suited for light trucks, SUVs, crossovers, pickup trucks, and those vehicles, which have to carry a lot of payloads.

Pros of Michelin Summer Tires:

Designed to Last Longer

The Evertread technology used in Michelin summer performance tires makes the LTX M/S last 10% longer than its predecessor, the Michelin LTX M/S2 defender tire, in severe conditions.
Evertread technology improves the tread life so that the Michelin summer tires can resist wear and tear under tough driving conditions.
Fleet operators and drivers don’t have to replace Michelin summer performance tires that frequently compared to other tires.

Long Mileage Warranty

Michelin summer tires have a 115,000-kilometre tread wear warranty.
Michelin also offers a warranty on the materials and workmanship for 6 years.

On-Road and Off-Road Driving

Michelin summer performance tires work well in a variety of conditions: on-road and off-road driving.
While driving on a smooth and undulating road, Michelin summer tires give an exceptional and quiet performance on the road.
Michelin summer tires offer a superior grip when driving through the corners.
Although Michelin summer performance tires are not designed for off-road driving, drivers can still move and drive their vehicles on hard surfaces having dirt, gravel, mud, and slippery stones.
The traction levels offered by Michelin summer tires won’t be the same on rough terrains as that on smooth roads. However, a driver can manage driving off-road without any cuts and chips of the rubber.

Improved All-Season Traction

Michelin defender tires are meant for all-season safety and reliability while driving.
The traction offered by Michelin defender tires on dry, wet as well as snow-covered roads is exceptional among the best tires available in the market today. This has been proved by Michelin through a third-party test.

Brilliant Performance On Dry Roads

Michelin summer performance tires run seamlessly on dry tarmac, both with or without heavy payloads, which make it perfect for summer driving conditions.
They offer short braking distance, exceptional grip, and brilliant stability at high speeds on dry roads.

A Class-Apart Performance On Wet and Slippery Roads

The performance of Michelin defender tires is impressive on wet roads as well.
They perform exceptionally well on damp surfaces as well due to the presence of the Evertread compound in the tires.
They are unaffected by puddles of water on the road and extremely slippery conditions.
They offer ultimate traction, a great cornering grip, and short braking distances even during rainy days.
With Michelin defender tires on, a vehicle runs smoothly and gives a stable drive even on slippery roads.

Fuel Economy

The MaxTouch Construction helps Michelin summer performance tires to save up to 250 litres of fuel over their entire lifespan.
This translates to enhanced fuel economy for the drivers.
It also means that Michelin summer tires are eco-friendly.

How Often Does a Semi Truck Require Oil Change?

June 1, 2021 by Hardik K

A semi truck being a commercial vehicle has different oil change intervals compared to a private vehicle. For fleet owners, truck drivers, and owner-operators, it is crucial to know when a semi truck needs an oil change in Regina. Generally, a semi truck requires a mobile oil change service after 25,000 miles. However, most often, a semi truck is easily driven for more than 25,000 miles, before a driver or fleet owner chooses to search for semi truck oil change near me.

Why is Oil Change Important for a Semi Truck?

Oil change in Regina is a key aspect of preventive maintenance for semi trucks.
Oil is the lifeblood of the engine and ensures that it functions seamlessly.
It keeps the engine well lubricated.
It helps to increase the longevity of a semi truck’s engine.
Investing in semi truck oil change near me means lower cost of ownership and higher ROI in the future.
Regular oil change improves fuel economy, too.

How to Increase the Oil Change Interval for your Semi Truck?

Following the best driving practices on the road and driving efficiently means you won’t have to go for a mobile oil change service that frequently.
Drive at constant speeds on the highway and avoid sudden braking.
Carry out routine maintenance of the semi truck’s engine.
The oil change frequency is also determined by external factors such as the climate, road conditions, and pollution in the environment.
Driving in rough terrains, multiple climate zones (severe heat and severe cold), and places that have a lot of pollution can deteriorate the quality of oil quickly, which requires you to go for semi truck oil change near me more frequently.
High quality oil lasts much longer and also protects the engine better compared to poor quality oil.

How to Find Your Semi Truck Needs an Oil Change in Regina?

Being a trucker, owner-operator, or fleet owner, you need to know when to go for an oil change in Regina. Performing an oil change for your semi truck is vital to keep it in good health and prevent any major expenses.

The owner’s manual will give you an idea about the time interval for carrying out an oil change for your semi truck. However, there are other indicators as well based on which you can decide when to look for semi truck oil change near me.

Oil sensors in the truck indicate that the oil level is low or it has reached the end of its life.
Oil dipstick shows degraded oil.
Oil dipstick indicates that the oil level is extremely low.
If the oil shows sludgy particles or deposits of dirt, then it is time for a mobile oil change service

The question ‘How often should you change your semi truck oil?’ will have different answers for every trucker and semi-truck. Follow the tips and facts shared in this blog to know the oil change interval for your semi truck.

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.