Top 5 Driving Habits that Can Damage Your Car

September 23, 2022 by Hardik K

Vehicle owners in Canada love their cars. Are you one of them? If yes, then you must ensure that it is safe and protected. One way to do it is to maintain it well and go for an oil change to ensure the longevity and seamless functioning of the car. However, this is about preventive maintenance. What about when you are driving the vehicle on the road? When you are self-driving, protecting the vehicle from damage is in your own hands.

Top 5 Driving Habits that Can Damage your Car

1. Making Hard Stops Frequently

Sudden emergency brakes will happen every now and then. Being a responsible driver, you need to avoid hard stops whenever you can. When you slam on the brakes suddenly, it puts a lot of pressure and strain on the brakes, which may cause the brake pads and discs to get worn out faster.

2. Speed Shifting from Reverse to Drive

The most common mistake that drivers make is performing a speed shift from the reverse gear to drive just to save time. However, this speed shifting means a sudden directional change for the vehicle. It has a negative impact on the transmission system and the drivetrain of the vehicle. To prevent damage to the engine and transmission, it is best to halt the vehicle properly and engage the driving gear.

3. Driving with No or Low Engine Oil

Engine oil is the lifeblood of the engine. Your vehicle engine has so many small parts that move rapidly when the car is running. Engine oil keeps the engine parts well lubricated and prevents friction. Driving with no or low engine oil will result in excessive wear and tear of the engine parts. Engine repairs are very expensive. To avoid this, it is best to go for warranty approved oil change and not drive with a low oil level.

4. Overloading the Car

Just like obesity is harmful to the human body, it is to your vehicle, too. An overloaded vehicle consumes a lot of fuel. Not just this, but it puts a lot of stress on the engine, brakes, and suspension too. Hence, it is best to avoid overloading your vehicle unnecessarily.

5. Braking Downhill

When driving downhill, the vehicle becomes too fast, and the first thing that most drivers do is apply the brakes. Downhill braking puts a lot of stress on the brake pads and rotors causing them to get worn out prematurely due to excessive heat. To avoid this, you can switch to a lower gear to let the engine achieve its full capacity.

Wrap up

Apart from following the right driving habits, you must not overlook the maintenance part of your car. Maintaining your car regularly will help prevent sudden breakdowns and increase the longevity of different cart parts.

From oil change to tire change, Urban Lube is a one-stop for car maintenance service providers.

Get in touch with the Urban Lube team to get the best vehicle maintenance and servicing for your vehicle at your doorstep.

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.

Which Motor Oil Should You Choose for Your Vehicle?

June 25, 2022 by Hardik K

Motor oil is the key to a healthy engine. With so many brands and types of engine oils available in the market, the choice for a warranty approved oil change is not easy. Choosing the wrong motor oil for a car can result in deleterious consequences and even a full engine failure. In a country like Canada, where the winters are freezing and harsh, choosing the right motor oil is even more important.

If you are planning for a oil change, here are the different types of motor oils and their recommended usage.

Conventional Motor Oil

Uses less refined base oil.
Manufactured with refined crude.
Breaks down and evaporates quickly
Prevents the engine from overheating.
Lubricates various parts of the engine and reduces wear and tear due to friction.
Becomes thick in cold climates and lower temperatures.
Less expensive compared to synthetic motor oils.
Conventional motor oil is recommended for drivers with a simple driving style and cars having a basic engine design.
On average, conventional motor oils last for 5000 km.

Synthetic Motor Oil

Molecules of synthetic motor oil are chemically engineered and uniform in shape.
Synthetic motor oils have high performance additives, making their performance better in extreme high and low temperatures.
High resistance to oxidation and heat.
If you are mainly driving within the city for short distances in stop-start traffic, synthetic motor oil is the best choice for your car.
Synthetic motor oil offers superior lubrication and better wear and tear protection compared to conventional oil.
Synthetic motor oil can last for an average of 10000 km or even more.
With a longer oil change interval in the case of synthetic motor oil, you won’t be required to go for warranty approved oil change Regina

Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

Also known as semi-synthetic motor oil, this is a blend of synthetic and conventional base oils.
Synthetic blend motor oil provides better engine protection and lasts longer than conventional motor oil.
It is cost-effective and economical since it carries a lower price tag compared to synthetic motor oil.
It is resistant to corrosion and has exceptional low temperature properties.

High Mileage Motor Oil

High mileage motor oil is specifically formulated for protecting engines with over 75,000 miles.
This type of oil consists of special additives and agents that help dissolve the sludge accumulated on the engine due to the use of other oils.
It also helps to lower oil less caused due to burn-off.

Viscosity – A Key Factor to Keep in Mind

Viscosity refers to the resistance of a fluid to flow.
In the case of motor oils, viscosity is the speed at which the oil flows to protect the engine.
Engine oils are available in different viscosity numbers.
If highly viscous oil is used, you will experience unresponsiveness from the engine.

For warranty approved oil change, it is best to refer to the owner’s manual to know about the correct motor oil specification and viscosity grade for your car.

Difference Between 5w20 Oil vs 5w30 Oil

March 16, 2022 by Hardik K

Motor oil is the fluid that your vehicle’s engine needs to keep functioning smoothly. For every vehicle owner in Canada, it is crucial to take care of the car engine by ensuring that the right engine oil is used during warranty approved oil change in Regina. Most vehicle owners would just see the oil change near me, and take their vehicle to a nearby garage or mechanic to get the motor oil change done. But, it is crucial to use the right engine oil.

The 5w20 oil and 5w30 oil are the most common types of motor oils used in Canada. Most vehicle owners tend to get it wrong and often use them interchangeably.

The main difference between the 5w20 oil and 5w30 oil lies in their viscosity.

What is Oil Viscosity?

Oil viscosity refers to the capability of oil to travel.
Viscosity is also the resistance of a fluid (here oil) to flow.
To keep it simple, you can also think of oil viscosity as the thickness.
Oils having a higher viscosity resist motion, while those having lower viscosity are runnier.
Between 5w20 oil and 5w30 oil, the higher the number, the thicker the oil is.
5w30 oil is thicker and more viscous compared to 5w20 oil.

What Do The Letter ‘W’ and Numbers Stand For?

The ‘W’ in 5w20 oil and 5w30 oil stands for winter.
The first number, i.e., 5 represents the viscosity rating at low temperatures.
Lower the first number, thinner is the oil and superior is its performance in a cold climate when the temperature is low.
The number after W refers to the thickness of oil when the engine is operating at normal temperature.

Key Differences Between 5w20 Oil and 5w30 Oil

5w20 Oil

It is thinner.
Viscosity is less.
Best for cold climates.
Exceptional fuel efficiency and superior performance in places where temperatures are low.
Being less viscous, it flows quickly with less friction.

5w30 Oil

It is thicker.
Viscosity is more.
Ideal for places where temperatures are high.
Less fuel efficiency and low performance in cold climates.
Being thicker and having high viscosity, it flows slowly due to more friction.

Which One Should You Choose for Your Car?

5w20 or 5w30 Oil

If you are living in that part of Canada where the temperatures go very low and the climate gets too cold, 5w20 oil would be preferable during warranty approved oil change in Regina.
In cold climates, the 5w20 oil flows quickly in the engine, allowing it to start quickly.
Less friction means that the various mechanical parts won’t have to work hard.
On the other hand, 5w30 oil does not break down quickly, even when the temperature is high in warmer climates. Instead, it protects the engine due to its high viscosity.
Thus, 5w30 oil would be ideal for your car if you live in a region having high temperatures.

Both 5w20 oil and 5w30 offer great protection to the engine. The choice during warranty approved oil change in Regina will depend on the temperature in your area, but keep the knowledge shared in this article in mind.

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.

Transmission Fluid: Types, Functioning, and Benefits

December 20, 2021 by Hardik K

Several types of fluids ensure your vehicle stays in good condition and run seamlessly. What we generally focus on is the engine oil, radiator oil, and coolant. However, there is one essential fluid and its importance should not be overlooked. It is the transmission fluid.

What is Transmission Fluid?

Transmission fluid is a liquid that lubricates various components of a vehicle’s transmission, so that a vehicle can deliver optimal performance.
When you go for transmission fluid change, you will need to choose between automatic or manual transmission fluid.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) vs. Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)

The automated transmission is more complex compared to the manual one.
Automatic transmission fluid is a hydraulic fluid having a lower viscosity compared to manual transmission fluid.
The low viscosity enables faster and smoother gear shift in the automatic transmission.
Manual transmission fluid has a higher viscosity as it helps the fluid to create a thick and protective coat for the transmission

How Does The Transmission Fluid Function?

The act of shifting gears while driving a car requires constant lubrication.
The transmission fluid circulates through the small channels inside the transmission.
As the transmission fluid moves through the small openings, it lubricates the crucial parts of the transmission box.
This is true with both manual and automatic transmission fluid.

Functions of Transmission Fluid

Lubricate different parts of the transmission
Cleans and protects the metal surface from wear and tear
Increases cooling and reduces high temperature operations
Increases rotational speed
Condition gaskets

Benefits of Regular Transmission Fluid Change

One of the most common problems that car owners in Canada face is related to transmission. If you are a car owner in Canada, or for that matter in any part of the world, it is important to take care of your car’s transmission by going for transmission fluid change periodically.

Here are the benefits of transmission fluid change at a regular interval:

Improved fuel economy
Seamless ride on the road
Prevents engine lock-up
Saves money on maintenance
Avoid costly fixes or replacement of spare parts
Smooth gear shifting
Optimized engine functioning
Minimal transmission problems
Increases the longevity of the car’s transmission

When Is It Time for a Transmission Fluid Change?

Checking the transmission fluid on a regular basis will let you know whether the transmission fluid needs to be changed or not. When checking for automatic or manual transmission fluid, you need to check for two things.

Transmission Fluid Level

If the level of transmission fluid has gone below the recommended marking on the dipstick, it is time for you to top up the transmission fluid.

Quality of the Transmission Fluid

If you notice that the quality of the transmission fluid has deteriorated, i.e. it has become opaque and emitting a foul odour, it is time for you to go for a transmission fluid change.

Most vehicle manufacturers recommend a transmission fluid change every 30,000–40,000 miles. However, it is advisable to get the transmission fluid inspected at regular intervals of time.