What Services Should Car Owners Expect Car Detailers To Include In Their Cleaning Package?

Have you ever wondered what services are included in a car detailer package? You will find that there can be a wide variety of services offered by different car detailers. In this post, we will discuss the key services that should be part of a package. These would include paint protection;chassis and wheel care; headlights, taillights and trim; and interior cleaning.  Come in and see our vehicle detailing specialist today or call us to book an appointment.

Your Exhaust System - Muffler Definition

Most people know that they have a muffler on their vehicle, but would they be able to give you a simple muffler definition? The Collins English Dictionary defines a muffler as "any device designed to reduce noise, especially the tubular device containing baffle plates in the exhaust system of a motor vehicle." In this post we will break down that muffler definition and describe in easy to understand terms how a muffler works. Contact us if you think your muffler is not working properly.

What Are Engine Sensors and What Happens When They Fail? - Part 2

In our post "What are Engine Sensors and What Happens When They Fail? Part 1"   we defined what an engine sensor was and discussed the function of oxygen, coolant and throttle position sensors as well as the consequences when these components fail. We'll continue our discussion of engine sensors in this post looking this time at map airflow, crankshaft position, vehicle speed and manifold air pressure sensors.If you notice your engine light come on, then you may have a problem with one of these sensors.  If you need an engine sensor replaced, book an appointment with one of the reliable and trustworthy staff at Hansma Automotive.

What Are Engine Sensors and What Happens When They Fail? - Part 1

Engine sensors play a vital role in the smooth running of your vehicle. They send important data to your car's Powertrain control module (PCM) allowing it to make critical control decisions. Engine sensors work similar to the nerves in the human body sending messages to our brains. Without accurate data from these sensors, the PCM is unable to function properly thus having a negative effect on emissions, drivability and performance.

How To Choose A Car Detailer

If you take pride in your car, but haven't got the time or expertise to care for it yourself; you should find a car detailer who can do it for you. But how do you know which one to choose? In this blog we'll explore some questions you can ask and why those questions are important to help you make an educated decision. Questions like, "Do their services meet your needs?", "Do they have a reputation for quality?", "Is their pricing competitive?", and "What are their hours of service?" At Hansma Automotive we offer professional, high quality car detailing at a fair price. If you want to find out more, contact us.

Top 5 Apps For A Car Owner

From the myriad of applications currently on the market we've selected the top 5 Apps that every car owner should consider using. With so many different apps available, it may be daunting to know which ones would best suit your driving needs. We've reviewed a cross-section of navigational aids, dashboard cameras, engine diagnostics, and even apps that will help you save money and put together our top 5 picks.

My Radiator Coolant is leaking - What Should I Do?

My Radiator Coolant is leaking - What Should I Do?

How do I know if my car is leaking radiator coolant? There are several signs to look out for if you think that your car is leaking radiator coolant. If it is a small leak, you may be able to fix it using a sealant preparation which you can purchase from a reliable shop. More complicated problems such as leaks in the radiator seam or leaks in cars with plastic coolant tanks should be repaired by a professional.  If your car is leaking radiator coolant then call us for help.

Top 5 Reasons Car Detailers Recommend Having Your Car Detailed

Top 5 Reasons Car Detailers Recommend Having Your Car Detailed

In this post, we examine the top five reasons car detailers give for regular cr detailing.   The list includes: maintaing the interior, protecting the paint, removing contaminants, improving visibility and protecting wheels and tires. Having your vehicle regularly and properly cleaned lengthens the life of your vehicle.  Contact us at Hansma if you require car detailing.

Alternator Problems - When Should They Be Replaced?

Alternator Problems - When Should They Be Replaced?

Alternator problems are not pleasant. Sometimes you will attempt to start your car and only hear a clicking noise when you turn the ignition. Usually its on a day when you simply cannot afford to be late! On average, alternators need to be replaced one or twice during  the lifetime of the vehicle, as they usually last between 70,000 and 150,00 kms.  In this post we will examine the role an alternator plays and look at some of the clues that it might be nearing the end of its life. 

Replacing Tires - How Often Should They Be Changed?

When it comes to replacing tires on your vehicle, there's no real way to know when to replace them without examining them.  As every set of tires on every vehicle performs differently depending on your unique driving circumstances. Having said that, wow often should you expect to change them? How should they be examined?  Can I do it myself? These are some of the questions we will attempt to answer in this post. To learn more about the important role that tires play on  your vehicle, read on. If you suspect you need new tires and are looking for advice, contact us.

"Hansma Automotive is a top-notch service and repair centre. You can count on the job being done right at an honest and fair cost. It is good to see the integrity and dependability they display." - John

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How Often Should Tires Be Replaced?

There are a number of factors that affect the longevity of the tires on your vehicle. These include the quality and manufacture of the tire, your personal driving style, the climate that you live in, the care that you show your tires, and the road conditions you are driving on.  Ultimately you are the only person who can decide whether it is worth repairing or replacing your tires. Numerous factors come into play, one of them being how long you intend to keep the vehicle. Obviously, if the tires are no longer safe and roadworthy, they should be replaced immediately.

Anticipated Lifespan

All tires come with a manufacturers anticipated lifespan. This will indicate the number of kilometers a tire can be expected to last under average wear. If, for example, your tires are rated for 60,000 kilometers, you can expect that you will need to be examining them closely as that mark approaches. However, if you are an aggressive driver, you can expect to replace them earlier than that. 

Tread Wear Bars

Another way to determine if your tires are reaching the end of their life is to examine the tread wear. Tires have "tread wear bars" that appear as bridges across your tire's channels and grooves as a warning that their useful life is over.  Searching the internet for new tires and comparison shopping across numerous tire outlets is a good way to save on tire wear (and gas) while you shop!

Cracks In The Wall

Cracks in the wall of the tire are a sure sign that you should change your tires as soon as possible in order to avoid a possible life-threatening blow-out on the highway. Cracks can be caused by poor alignment, so make sure that your alignment is checked every time the tires are rotated. 

 

Bulges In The Sidewall

Driving over a pothole, hitting a curb or driving with low tire pressure can damage the internal rigid structure of the tire and allow the air to escape, causing a bulge in the sidewall. It is dangerous to drive the vehicle with tires in this condition. Take the vehicle to a professional auto repair facility immediately. 

Consistently Low Air Pressure

If you find that you are constantly losing tire air pressure, you probably have a leak either in the tire. It may be that a minor repair can fix the leak. It could also be that your tires have passed their useful life and degraded. Your tire professional can check to determine what the issue is. To keep track of your tire's air level, use a tire pressure gauge to check the psi (pounds per square inch). You can buy a tire pressure gauge inexpensively from most large department stores or an auto parts store. If you suspect that you may have a slow leak, you can use soapy water to check the suspicious area. Simply rub on the soapy water and watch for bubbles. 

 

How To Maintain Your Tires

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated at all times. Make a habit of checking tire pressure regularly to detect leaks. Have your tires rotated at the recommended intervals; tires should be rotated about every 6 months or every 10,000 km. Some recommend rotating your tires at every oil change. This prevents uneven tread wear. 

Why Hansma Automotive?

We care about you and your car and believe in honesty, reliability, and exceptional service. We have been in existence since 1987 and are proud to have established a trustworthy reputation over the years. You can find us at 88 Shoemaker Street in Kitchener, Ontario.

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US TODAY

Call or Text: 519-748-5533

info@hansmaautomotive.com

Sources:

Do I Need New Tires?

How Often Should You Replace Your Tires?

How To Know When Car Tires Need Replacing

How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

How Often Should You Replace A Car Water Pump?

When do you need to replace a car water pump? How long should a water pump last?  What is a water pump, and what does it do? How do I know it needs replacing? The water pump is a small, but vital component in your vehicle. To learn more about the role a water pump plays in your vehicle, read on. If you suspect your water pump may be failing, contact us.

Headlights Don't Work - Most Common Reasons

Headlights Don't Work - Most Common Reasons

In this post, we talk about what the possible causes are if your headlights don't work, or don't work properly. This article will deal primarily with halogen headlights, the most common type in use on auto-mobiles today. Driving with damaged, broken or malfunctioning headlights is dangerous.  Contact us at Hansma Automotive if you have malfunctioning headlights or require any other type of car repair.  

Alternatives To Canadian Tire Auto Repair in Kitchener

Alternatives To Canadian Tire Auto Repair in Kitchener

If you are looking for an alternative to large, retail auto repair shops like Canadian Tire Auto Repair in Kitchener, take a look at the following list. We include some of the smaller repair shops in the Kitchener - Waterloo area and include their Google review rankings. The list includes Autologix, Byma's Tire And Auto Service, Rowa's Auto Collision Repair, Keyko's Auto Service and our own Hansma Automotive. If your car is not running properly and you are looking for a reliable, family owned business, book an appointment with Hansma Automotive.