5 Most Frequent Car Problems You Could Have

August 16, 2022 by Hardik K

Just like humans are susceptible to infections, car machinery is not everlasting. Being driven in various climatic conditions and terrains, cars are expected to witness some kind of breakdown.

Five Most Common Car Problems That Car Owners May Encounter

1. Dead or Discharged Battery

Most car batteries have a lifespan of around 36 months, i.e., 3 years. Most car batteries may last longer than that, but they can start showing performance issues. Hence, most vehicle manufacturers recommend a battery change after 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever is earlier.

The common causes of a dead or discharged battery could be:

Corroded battery terminals
Faulty charging
Defective alternator
Parasitic drains
Loose battery connections
Extremely high or low temperature

If the battery has discharged, you can try charging it using the jumper cables or a battery booster. However, if the car battery does not respond even after charging, it is time to consider a battery change for your vehicle.

2. Engine Overheating

With most modern cars having a very powerful cooling system, the chances of the occurrence of engine overheating are less, though not impossible. If the temperature gauge of your car’s engine turns towards red signal and your engine is overheating, there may be a problem with the cooling system. The most common reason for engine overheating is low coolant levels. Hence, a coolant top level is a must when the coolant levels are low.

3. Low Engine Oil Levels

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your engine. For your car’s engine to function optimally, you need to ensure that there is sufficient engine oil in your vehicle. Driving with a low engine oil level can result in increased wear and tear of the engine parts and components. If the engine oil levels in your car are sufficiently low, you need to go for a warranty-approved oil change immediately.

4. Problems with Braking Systems

Brakes are a key safety component of your car. By applying the brakes, you can stop your car at the right time to avoid any accidents and mishaps. If you notice certain problems with the brakes, like grinding or squealing noises, spongy or soft brakes, car vibration when applying brakes, brake light indicator on the dashboard, or complete brake failure, it is time to get the brakes inspected by an expert and professional mechanic.

5. Uneven Wear of Tires

After regular driving, you may see that the treads on a particular tire do not match with the rest. This is uneven tire wear. The front tires are subjected to more pressure because they carry the weight of the engine, too. The reasons for uneven tire wear include unbalanced wheel and tire assembly, tire inflation issues, or worn out suspension. If you notice uneven tire wear, get wheel balancing done immediately.

All cars need periodic maintenance to function smoothly. No matter your car’s model, a battery change and warranty-approved oil change are a must at regular intervals. The car service provider will also make other suggestions, which you must consider to enjoy a safe and fun drive.

Engine Warning Light – Common Causes and Solutions

March 21, 2022 by Hardik K

For any vehicle owner or driver, the check engine light activation is a dreadful feeling, especially when the car is running.

Common Causes of The Engine Warning Light Turning On

There may be many reasons why your car’s check engine light is on. Here are some of them.

1. Loose Fuel Cap

A common reason why the check engine warning light is displayed is that the fuel cap is loose or open.
Incorrect air pressure within the fuel tank may trigger the engine warning light on.
If the fuel cap is loose, ensure that you close it tightly.
In case the cap is damaged, or the rubber has worn off, it is time for a replacement.

2. Faulty Oxygen Sensor

The role of an oxygen sensor is to measure the levels of unburned oxygen in the car’s exhaust.
The data is sent to the electronic control unit (ECU), which then regulates the ratio of fuel and air in the engine.
In case of a faulty or failed sensor, the vehicle could burn more fuel than normal.
A defective or damaged O₂ sensor could damage other components of the vehicle as well.
For this reason, the engine warning light turns on if there is a problem with the oxygen sensor.
A solution to this issue would be to get the faulty O₂ sensor replaced by a new one.

3. Damaged Spark Plugs

Damaged or faulty spark plugs may also cause the engine warning light to turn on.
Spark plugs are small, but important components of the vehicle, responsible for igniting the mixture of gasoline and air in the combustion chamber.
Spark plugs are those electric components that do not require replacement every time.
However, if it has been a long time before they were replaced, or the odometer reading displays 100,000 miles, it is definitely time for you to get them replaced.

4. Problem With the Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter is a part of the vehicle’s exhaust system, which converts harmful and toxic emissions into less harmful gases.
A problem with the catalytic converter can reduce the vehicle’s performance, result in lower mileage, and emission of sulphur-like (rotten-egg) smell from the engine.
The engine warning light may be displayed due to a fault in the catalytic converter.
A minor fault in the catalytic converter can be repaired.
However, if the catalytic converter has malfunctioned, it will need a replacement, which is quite expensive.

5. Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor

The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine to ensure that the air/fuel mixture is in the right proportion.
A faulty mass airflow sensor can trigger the engine warning light on.
If the mass airflow sensor stops working completely, replacing it is costly.

Be it an engine warning light or any other problem with your vehicle, Urban Lube is there to help you. Urban Lube specializes in offering a wide range of services such as battery boost, tire replacement, oil change, and roadside assistance to inspect issues in your car that flashes engine warning light.

Contact Urban Lube today for any help or assistance with your vehicle.

5 Useful Maintenance Tips to Increase Car Battery Life

January 28, 2022 by Hardik K

A dead car battery is common for Canadians during the winters when the temperature falls to freezing and sub-freezing levels. In such cases, you would need to opt for an onsite vehicle battery replacement.

There are several factors that reduce the longevity of the car battery and increase the need for mobile battery replacement. The most common reason is extreme temperatures, both during summer and winter. On average, most car batteries last for around 3 to 5 years, after which it is time for a mobile battery replacement in Regina.

If you don’t take proper care of your car battery, battery life will reduce. Here are some useful tips using which you can increase the life of your car battery.

Keeping Battery Terminals Clean

Prolonged use of a car battery without cleaning terminals may cause rust and dirt accumulation on positive and negative terminals.
Accumulation of any kind of residues on the terminals can result in an obstruction in electric current
To increase car battery life and reduce the need for onsite vehicle battery replacement, it is crucial to inspect and clean the battery terminals at least once a month.
There are special corrosion and terminal cleaning sprays, which you can use.
You need to ensure that the terminals are dry before you reconnect the wires.
Timely cleaning of battery terminals.

Driving Your Vehicle Regularly

If your car remains parked in the garage for several days, the car battery won’t get sufficient time to charge itself.
Also, taking short trips is bad for the battery as it does not give it enough time to charge fully.
In order to prevent early battery replacement, it is advisable to take your car out for a long drive on a regular basis.
Driving the vehicle frequently will enable the battery to achieve a full charge.

Keep Car Accessories Turned Off Before Starting the Engine

It is crucial to switch off all car accessories like radio, music player, air conditioner, GPS, etc. when the car is being turned on.
Switching on the car accessories without starting the car engine will drain the car battery.

Replace Other Faulty Components

Other faulty components for your car can have a negative impact on your car battery.
Loose wiring, faulty fuses, and other problems with your car need to be fixed as soon as possible as they tend to drain the battery.

Avoid Driving During Extreme Temperatures

You must avoid taking short trips on extremely freezing winter days or extremely hot days, as extreme temperatures can take a toll on your car’s battery.

Slow crank engine, dim lights, and ignition noise are some warning signs that the car’s battery is about to die. In such situations, it is best to opt for an onsite vehicle battery replacement from a reputed company.

Urban Lube is a professional, expert, and renowned company for mobile battery replacement in Regina. Get your car’s battery inspected today from Urban Lube and if the condition is too bad, it is time for an onsite vehicle battery replacement.

7 Things You Need in Your Car Emergency Kit

January 26, 2022 by Hardik K

Any unforeseen situation can lead you and your vehicle stranded on the road. For this reason, emergency attentiveness is important, especially, for the harsh and extreme climatic conditions in Canada. You must keep an emergency kit to handle unanticipated car breakdowns.

Here is where your car emergency kit would come in handy.

Here are the 7 things that must be a part of your car emergency kit.

1. Emergency Battery Booster

A dead battery is a common problem encountered by most vehicle owners in Canada.
To solve the problem of a dead battery in Canada, having a powerful emergency battery booster is crucial.
It can charge your car’s battery if the battery is completely dead and your vehicle fails to start.
An emergency battery booster must be fully charged before you put it in the vehicle.

2. LED Flashlight with Extra Batteries

Whether you need tire change and replacement due to a flat tire or if you want to inspect a problem under the hood in the dark, an LED flashlight will really come in handy.
Old batteries in the flashlight may fail to work during the cold. Hence, it is best to put some spare batteries in your car emergency kit.

3. Smartphone Car Charger

If something goes wrong on the road, a fully charged mobile phone will be a blessing to call some emergency numbers for help. For example, you may call a service center for an emergency battery booster.
For keeping your smartphone charged up in case of emergencies, having a USB car charger with the right cord is a big lifeline.

4. First Aid Kit

Many unexpected situations may need more than just a painkiller medicine or bandage.
You must have a first aid kit in your vehicle containing antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, band-aids, crepe bandages, triangular bandages, hand-gloves, scissors, gauze pads/rolls, etc.

5. Tire Change and Replacement Equipment

During your travel, you need to be prepared for an emergency tire replacement.
Be it any season, you need to have all the tools and equipment for a smooth tire change and replacement.
Your tire change and replacement tools should include jack, wheel wrench, extension bar, lug wrench, wheel nut adapter.
Of course, you need to also ensure that the spare tire is present in your vehicle.

6. Roadside Assistance Documents

If you require any roadside assistance like towing the car, tire change and replacement, emergency battery booster, Urban Lube provides emergency roadside assistance services round-the-clock to ensure an uninterrupted journey.
All you need to do is register for the roadside assistance program from Urban Lube and keep the documents handy with you.
You may also call them to give you emergency services. Keep all vehicle documents and the number of Urban Lube stored in your phone, which is 306 993 0991.

Guide to Use Booster Pack To Jumpstart Your Car

December 15, 2021 by Hardik K

Winter is that time of the year when the problem of a dead battery is quite common with car owners living in Canada. If the battery is relatively old, an onsite vehicle battery replacement is the perfect option.

What if the battery is relatively new? Do you still need a mobile battery replacement?

If your car battery is in relatively good condition, an emergency battery booster can get it running.

What is a Battery Booster Pack?

A battery booster pack provides a jump to a dead battery at a safe voltage without the risk of damaging any components.
Using a battery booster is safe as it generates less voltage, and the risk of sudden voltage spike can be avoided.

Using the Emergency Battery Booster to Jump Start a Car

Step 1: Ensure That the Booster Pack is Fully Charged

For jump starting your car, the battery booster should be in the charged condition.
It needs to be charged at least once in 6 months.

Step 2: Position the Booster Pack Correctly

The battery booster needs to be positioned in, such as way that the jumper cables/wires easily reach the discharged battery in the car.

Step 3: Turn Off Everything

Before connecting the cables, it is crucial to turn off everything, i.e. both the car and the booster pack to prevent damage to any electrical components.

Step 4: Connect the Jumper Clamps Carefully

Open the hood to locate the battery terminal.
Attach the red (positive) jumper clamp to the positive terminal (red) of the dead battery.
Connect the black (negative) jumper clamp to an unpainted, non-moving metal part of the car instead of the negative terminal of the dead battery. This will ensure a safe jump-start.
Clamps connected from the booster battery to the car should be tight enough.

Step 5: Turn on The Booster Pack

Once the clamps of the jumper cable are attached firmly to the battery, it is time to start the booster pack.

Step 6: Start Your Car

Once you start the booster pack, you can try starting the car as well.
If the engine does not start immediately, and you hear a cranking sound, wait for 5 seconds and try again.
This would ensure that your car battery is getting maximum current from the booster pack.

Step 7: Turn Off the Booster Pack and Remove the Cables

Once the car starts, switch off the battery booster.
Remove the negative clamp first, followed by the positive one.

Even after trying this method, your car doesn’t start; you need onsite vehicle battery replacement.

Contact Urban Lube for battery booster and mobile battery replacement in Regina.

Cold Weather Making the Car Battery Dead

November 24, 2021 by Hardik K

The cold weather brings a lot of problems for car batteries. There are several Canadians who go for an emergency battery booster or mobile battery replacement Regina during winters. Do you know what could be the reason for this?

Cold weather negatively impacts the performance of the car battery, making it difficult to start the engine. It is not only about poor performance. Cold weather can severely damage a car battery beyond repair, making a mobile battery replacement inevitable.

How Does Cold Weather Result in a Dead Battery?

Car batteries can go dead at any time of the year. However, mobile battery replacement is extremely common during winters in Canada.
The main role of a battery is to provide power to start the engine.
The lead-acid car battery has two electrodes: positive and negative. There are lead plates immersed inside the liquid electrolyte solution.
Chemical reactions take place inside the battery that produces the electric charge required to power the engine.
When the temperature goes below freezing in countries like Canada, the chemical reactions occurring in the battery slow down. As a result, a higher voltage (charge) is needed to start the car.
As the battery gets older, there is natural deterioration happening due to internal corrosion. It becomes difficult for the battery to deliver a higher charge during cold weather.
In cold weather, a car battery can use nearly two times the current than what it would use at normal temperature to start the engine.
Cold weather does not reduce the life of the car battery, it makes it completely dead.
As the temperature drops below 0^oC, the liquid inside the battery starts freezing, causing irreversible damage.
Due to the impact of freezing temperatures, even the capacity of the new battery gets knocked off completely, making mobile battery replacement.
On any cold and chilly winter morning, you may find yourself stuck on the road because your car won’t start due to a completely dead battery.
Going for a mobile battery replacement or an emergency battery booster is the only way to start your car.

Precautionary Measures To Avoid a Dead Battery in Winter

If you feel the battery is losing power or giving a sluggish start, go for a mobile battery replacement
Get the battery inspected regularly for corrosion and electrolyte levels.
Park your car in the garage or underground parking.
Don’t keep your car idle. Drive for at least 10 – 15 km in a week to keep the battery in good shape.
Consider using a battery charger as an emergency battery booster.
Avoid using the radio, air conditioner, and lights in the car during winter.
If the battery is really old, mobile battery replacement Regina can ensure complete peace of mind during the winter.