Hansma Automotive.
The Top Ten Most Common Vehicle Problems And ...

Owning a vehicle can be expensive so it helps to know what the  most common vehicle problems are and how to avoid them. At Hansma Automotive, we believe that preventative maintenance is the key to avoiding expensive vehicle repairs so contact us to avoid nasty surprises on the highway.

The Top Ten Most Common Vehicle Problems And How To Avoid Them

Top 5 Car Maintenance Procedures to Keep Your Vehicle Running Strong

Regular car maintenance isn’t just about preventing breakdowns—it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring your vehicle stays safe, efficient, and reliable for years to come.

At Hansma Automotive in Kitchener, we offer a wide range of maintenance services designed to keep your car in top shape, whether you’re heading into another Canadian winter or planning a summer road trip.

Here are five of the top maintenance procedures we recommend to help extend the life of your vehicle.

  1. Oil Changes

  2. Rust Proofing

  3. Tire Swaps, Balancing, and Alignments

  4. Fluid Flushes

  5. Tune-Ups & Safety Checks

  6. Why Preventative Car Maintenance Matters

To book your next car maintenance appointment in Kitchener, contact us today.

1. Oil Changes

Changing your oil regularly is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain your engine’s performance and avoid costly repairs.

Hansma Automotive recommends an oil and filter change every 5,000 kilometers to ensure that your engine stays lubricated and runs smoothly.

Old or dirty oil becomes thick and gritty over time, causing friction and overheating. If you run low on oil—or worse, run out completely—you risk catastrophic engine failure.

Our technicians will complete your oil change efficiently, using high-quality products and proper disposal methods.

Pro Tip: Set a reminder every 5,000 km so you never miss an oil change.

2. Rust Proofing

Ontario winters are tough on vehicles. Road salt, slush, and moisture can quickly lead to corrosion, especially underneath your car, where it’s hard to see.

That’s where rust proofing comes in.

At Hansma, we apply specialized rust inhibitors that form a protective barrier over vulnerable areas of your car’s frame, undercarriage, and seams.

This helps extend the lifespan of your vehicle, maintain structural integrity, and even preserve resale value. Annual rust protection is especially important before winter arrives.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait for rust to appear—prevent it before it starts.

3. Tire Swaps, Balancing, and Alignments

Your tires are the only part of your car that actually touch the road, so they deserve regular attention. At Hansma Automotive, we offer complete tire services, including:

  • Tire Swaps: Switch between winter and all-season/summer tires as the seasons change.

  • Balancing: Ensures each wheel rotates evenly, reducing vibrations and uneven wear.

  • Wheel Alignments: Helps your vehicle drive straight and prevents premature tire wear.

Misaligned wheels or uneven tire pressure can hurt your gas mileage, steering, and braking performance. Regular tire care helps you drive safely and saves money over time.

Pro Tip: Check your tire pressure monthly and rotate tires every 10,000 km.

4. Fluid Flushes

Your car runs on more than just gasoline. Fluids play a critical role in everything from shifting gears to stopping safely and seeing clearly.

That’s why regular fluid flushes and top-ups are an essential part of your car maintenance routine.

At Hansma, we inspect and service:

  • Transmission Fluid – Keeps your gears shifting smoothly

  • Brake Fluid – Crucial for responsive and safe stopping

  • Differential Fluid – Reduces wear in your drivetrain

  • Windshield Washer Fluid – Keeps your visibility clear

  • Chassis Lubrication – Ensures suspension and joints move smoothly

If any of these fluids are low, dirty, or neglected, they can lead to serious problems down the road.

Pro Tip: Watch for warning lights on your dashboard and schedule fluid checks seasonally.

5. Tune-Ups & Safety Checks

Even if your car seems to be running fine, regular tune-ups and safety checks are key to catching issues before they escalate.

Today’s tune-ups may look different from those in the past, but the goal remains the same: to keep your car operating at peak performance.

At Hansma, our safety checks cover important components like:

  • Spark Plugs – Poor spark plugs can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 30%

  • Fuel Filters – Should be changed every 15,000 km

  • Crankcase Vent Filters – Replace every 40,000 km

  • Vapour Canisters – Also replaced every 40,000 km

By staying on top of these items, you’ll enjoy better fuel economy, smoother starts, and improved reliability.

Pro Tip: Your owner's manual includes a maintenance schedule—follow it or contact us for personalized guidance.

6. Why Preventative Car Maintenance Matters

Preventative maintenance isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns—it’s about maximizing the lifespan, performance, and value of your vehicle. Staying on top of routine services like oil changes, fluid checks, and rust proofing helps you:

  • Avoid unexpected repairs: Small issues can be caught early before they become major, expensive problems.

  • Improve fuel efficiency: A well-maintained vehicle runs more smoothly and uses less fuel.

  • Extend vehicle life: Regular upkeep reduces wear and tear, helping your car run reliably for years to come.

  • Increase resale value: A documented service history shows buyers and dealers that your car has been properly cared for.

At Hansma Automotive, we make maintenance simple and stress-free. Not sure what your vehicle needs? Just ask—we’re happy to help you stay on schedule based on your car’s make, model, and mileage.

 
 

Book Your Car Maintenance Here

At Hansma Automotive, we believe preventative maintenance shouldn’t be complicated or stressful. That’s why we offer:

  • Certified technicians who know your make and model

  • Honest advice about what your car actually needs

  • Convenient scheduling and competitive pricing

  • A commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction

Whether you're a new driver or someone who’s clocked countless kilometres, we're here to help you keep your car on the road and running strong.

If you’re unsure what maintenance is required, bring your vehicle in—we’ll walk you through the recommendations based on your driving habits and vehicle type.

 
 
“Recently got a cabin filter changed in my car. It was a very quick and efficient job. Very friendly and professional staff as well. I would highly recommend and will be bringing my car back in the future should I need any further repairs/maintenance.”
— John
 

Why Is My Heat Not Working In My Car?

Why Is My Heat Not Working In My Car?

There's nothing worse than hopping into your car on a frosty morning and realizing your heater is blowing cold air. If you're experiencing "Heat Not Working In My Car" woes, you're not alone.

This is a common automotive issue, and thankfully, often fixable.

Let's dive into the potential culprits and how to get your car toasty again.

Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

When the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall, many Canadian drivers face a crucial decision: should they stick with all-season tires or switch to winter tires?

While both tire types have their advantages, making the right choice can significantly impact safety, handling, and overall driving performance. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of winter and all-season tires to help you determine which option best suits your needs.

5 Tips to Help Prep Your Vehicle for Winter

Winter can be a challenging season for drivers, with icy roads, snowstorms, and frigid temperatures putting your vehicle to the test.

Taking the time to prep your vehicle for winter can ensure it performs well and keeps you safe during the cold months. From winter tires to routine maintenance, here are five essential tips to get your vehicle ready for winter.

Top 5 Causes of Overheating in Cars

Overheating is a common issue that can leave you stranded and cause serious damage to your vehicle. Understanding the reasons behind it can help you prevent costly repairs. Here are the top 5 causes of overheating in cars and what you can do about them.

  1. Low Coolant Levels

  2. Clogged or Damaged Radiator

  3. Faulty Thermostat

  4. Blown Head Gasket

  5. Overloading the Vehicle

If you car is overheating, give us a call.

 

Top 5 Causes of Overheating in Cars

1. Low Coolant Levels

Coolant (or antifreeze) is essential for regulating your engine's temperature. When coolant levels drop too low, your engine can quickly overheat.

Leaks in the radiator, hoses, or water pump are common culprits.

Regularly checking and maintaining the coolant level can prevent this issue. If there’s a concern here, we can schedule a coolant flush.

 

Low coolant levels is one of the biggest causes of overheating in cars.

2. Clogged or Damaged Radiator

Your radiator is responsible for cooling the engine by transferring heat from the coolant to the air.

If the radiator is clogged with debris, dirt, or rust, or if it’s damaged, it won’t be able to dissipate heat efficiently.

This can cause your engine to overheat. Cleaning your radiator regularly and checking for damage can help avoid this problem.

Click here if your radiator coolant is leaking.

 

A blocked radiator could cause your car to overheat.

3. Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat controls the flow of coolant through the engine.

When it malfunctions, it may stay closed, blocking coolant flow and causing the engine to overheat.

A broken thermostat is a simple fix, but if ignored, it can lead to severe engine damage.

To understand more about the role of the thermostat, read this article on vehicle air conditioning system repairs.

4. Blown Head Gasket

A blown head gasket is one of the most serious causes of engine overheating. It can allow coolant to leak into the engine cylinders, leading to a loss of coolant and an overheated engine.

This issue often requires professional repair, as it involves disassembling part of the engine.

A car tune up service should begin with a number of performance checks to test or confirm your engine's overall condition, including head gaskets.

Schedule one today.

 

Regular maintenance will reduce the potential causes of overheating in cars

5. Overloading the Vehicle

Cars are designed to carry a certain amount of weight. Exceeding this load can put extra strain on the engine, causing it to work harder and generate more heat.

This is especially true for older vehicles or those with smaller engines. Ensure you’re not overloading your car by checking the manufacturer’s weight recommendations, usually found in the owner’s manual.

For tips on avoiding vehicle overloading, check out this resource from the Government of Ontario.

So, as we’ve seen, preventing your car from overheating involves regular maintenance and understanding the limits of your vehicle.

By staying on top of these common issues, you can keep your engine cool and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

If you suspect your car might be overheating, don’t hesitate to bring it into our professional auto shop for a thorough inspection.

 
 

Car Overheating? Let’s check why

If you live in the Region of Waterloo region and you’re looking for a reliable, skilled, and trustworthy mechanic, you can trust the professionals at Hansma Automotive.

We’ll expertly repair and service your vehicle, and only perform the services you need.

We've built a solid reputation with our customers in Waterloo over the years for honesty and high quality workmanship.

Find out for yourself why we are Kitchener-Waterloo's first choice for auto service.

Contact us today to book an appointment.

 
 
“I have been going to Hansma Automotive for regular maintenance for a couple of years. Much better than going to the dealership.

I recently had an accident where my rear rim took the impact and my steering wheel was crooked and the wheel bent. Adrian did the assessment and explained to me that he is prepared to only replace the necessary parts rather than replacing all the parts that would be done by an auto body shop through insurance.

Adrian replaced 2 different parts and fixed my car back to 100%. I’m so thankful that I took the car to Hansma, I highly recommend them and their honesty and not upselling and doing more work than was required.”
— Lorraine Banton
 

Are Your Gears Sticking? Diagnose Your Gearbox

Experiencing difficulty shifting gears in your car can be frustrating and concerning. If you’re gears are sticking, it could indicate several underlying issues that may need attention.

Here are five common reasons why your gearbox might feel like it’s sticking, along with tips on how to diagnose the problem.

1. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid

2. Worn Clutch Components

3. Faulty Shift Linkage or Cables

4. Transmission Wear and Tear

5. Software Issues in Automatic Transmissions

Are your gears sticking? Give us a call!

 

Gears Sticking? Why + What To Do

1. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid

One of the primary reasons for a sticking gearbox is low or contaminated transmission fluid.

This fluid lubricates the moving parts within the gearbox, allowing for smooth gear shifts.

If the fluid level is low, or if it’s dirty and contaminated, it can hinder the proper function of the gearbox.

Diagnosis:

  • Check the transmission fluid level using the dipstick. If it’s low, top it off with the appropriate fluid.

  • Look for a burnt smell or dark coloration in the fluid, which indicates contamination. If the fluid is dirty, consider a transmission fluid change.

 

Transmission fluid lubricates the moving parts within the gearbox, allowing for smooth gear shifts.

2. Worn Clutch Components

For manual transmissions, worn clutch components can lead to difficulty in shifting gears.

Over time, the clutch disc, pressure plate, or release bearing can wear down, causing incomplete disengagement of the gears.

Diagnosis:

  • Pay attention to the clutch pedal. If it feels spongy or doesn’t engage/disengage smoothly, it may indicate a problem.

  • If the car struggles to shift into gear, especially when the clutch pedal is fully pressed, it’s likely time to inspect or replace the clutch components.

 

3. Faulty Shift Linkage or Cables

The shift linkage or cables connect the gear lever to the transmission. If these components become misaligned, worn, or damaged, they can cause the gears to stick and create difficulty when shifting.

Diagnosis:

  • Inspect the shift linkage and cables for any visible signs of wear, fraying, or damage.

  • Shift into different gears while observing the linkage to see if there’s any resistance or misalignment.

4. Transmission Wear and Tear

Over time, internal components of the transmission can wear down, leading to shifting problems. Worn gears, synchronizers, or bearings can cause gears to stick or grind during shifts.

Diagnosis:

  • Listen for unusual noises, such as grinding or clunking, when shifting gears.

  • If you notice slipping or unexpected gear changes, it may indicate internal wear that requires professional evaluation.

 

Gears sticking? Could be a transmission issue.

5. Software Issues in Automatic Transmissions

Modern automatic transmissions are controlled by complex software. If there’s a glitch or error in the transmission control module (TCM), it can lead to improper gear engagement and shifting problems.

Diagnosis:

  • Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any error codes related to the transmission.

  • If error codes are present, a software update or reset may be necessary. Consult with a professional mechanic for assistance.

If you’re experiencing a sticking gearbox, it’s crucial to diagnose the issue promptly to avoid further damage. Whether it’s low fluid, worn components, or software glitches, identifying the problem early can save you time and money in repairs.

If you’re unsure or the issue persists, don’t hesitate to consult with a qualified mechanic for a thorough inspection and professional advice. Safe driving!

 

Gears Sticking? We Can Help!

Your transmission is a vital component in your vehicle, as it plays its part in transmitting power from the engine to the drive wheels.

Our professional staff are trained to cope with any type of transmission repairs your vehicle may need in the Kitchener area.

We believe in taking care of our customers and their vehicles to the highest satisfaction levels possible so contact us for an appointment. 

 
 
“My first time there. They did what they said they would do for the price they said they’d do it for. Courteous and friendly staff. I’ll go back.

I’ve been back and they are now my mechanics. They have never advised me to do unnecessary repairs to my car. I trust them.”
— Tom Bomhof
 

RPM Gauge Not Working: What To Do

Your RPM (revolutions per minute) gauge is a key part of your vehicle’s dashboard, helping you monitor engine performance and shift gears at the right time. When it stops working, it can be frustrating and even risky if left unaddressed. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes and solutions so you can get back on the road with confidence.