New car tires can be one of the priciest aspects of car maintenance, but worn, cracked or damaged tires are a recipe for disaster. To ensure that your car is road-worthy and safe to operate, you’ll need to check your tires periodically and replace them when they display these following signs: When should I get new car tires? Tread depth The tread depth is what gives your car grip on the road, giving the tires traction to avoid slipping in wet conditions. The tread effectively moves water away from the part of your tires that need to grip on the road, so there is better contact, which … [Read more...]
Car maintenance: Check and change your car’s oil
While most aspects of car maintenance should be left to the professionals, there are some maintenance tasks that you can perform yourself, including checking and changing your car’s oil. Here’s how we at CRS Automotive in Hamilton and Oakville, Canada recommend you do it. Car maintenance items you’ll need to check and change your car’s oil Gather your supplies, including: Vehicle user manual Protective gear including safety glasses, and old clothing Cleaning rags Wrench set with a box end wrench Oil drain pan or something similar to catch the drained oil Container and a funnel for … [Read more...]
Signs it’s time for new car tires
How much should I budget for car maintenance?
Car maintenance can be a costly part of owning a vehicle, but it can be planned for. There are different aspects to remember when creating an annual car maintenance budget. At CRS Automotive in Hamilton and Oakville, Canada, we’ve created a guide to help you set up an annual budget for car maintenance. Three crucial aspects to consider in your car maintenance budget Each car is different, so your car maintenance budget will vary based on the different driving conditions, use and care of your vehicle. When planning your annual budget, remember to include these aspects: Care: If you … [Read more...]
Are Tinted Windows Legal in Ontario? (Infographic)
Are you a fan of tinted windows? Window tinting can be hazardous for drivers, as it impairs communication between drivers and pedestrians. This is true especially if a pedestrian is not able to establish eye contact with a driver as it can sometimes lead to dangerous situations. But what does the Ontario law state about window tinting? Take a look at the infographic to find out! For anything you need taken care of in your car, visit CRS Automotive in Hamilton and Oakville. We are expecting you! … [Read more...]
Ice Safety Guide
It’s not that unusual for Canadians to go out to a frozen lake in the winter, right? Get some peace and quiet, enjoy the fresh air for a bit, rest from your phone… But are you sure you know what to expect and what to do if something unexpected happens? Read on! When going out on a lake for ice fishing, skating, or even snowmobiling, you should prepare yourself as much as possible to avoid going through the ice and having to deal with thin ice. Here are some dos and dont's: Never go out on the ice alone. Go out with another person and keep a good distance apart as you move about. If … [Read more...]
Spark Plugs: All You Never Knew
Platinum and iridium have become a buzzword for ignition durability - as good conductors of heat and electricity. Both metals also have the ability to resist chemical corrosion and electrical erosion. That is why platinum and iridium are used on the electrodes of many spark plugs today. Some plugs have a solid platinum or iridium center electrode, while others have a small button of platinum welded onto the tip of center electrode or both electrodes (single platinum vs. double platinum). Some even use an alloy of platinum and iridium in the center electrode. Platinum and iridium are … [Read more...]
Highway Car Breakdown: Dos and Dont’s (Infographic)
It’s never pleasant to have your car broken down on the side of the road - especially a highway. You can’t just stop to repair a punctured tire, you may not even be able to call for help depending on your location. Take a look at the infographic to see what you should and what you should never do in such a situation. Should you have any issues with your car or just want a regular checkup, come to our repair shops in Hamilton and Oakville. … [Read more...]
Best (and Worst) Cities for Driving in Canada
Driving can be stressful no matter where you are in Canada. Even though some Canadians think they have it worse, on the world-wide stage the best places for drivers are in Canada. The best driving cities in Canada are actually the best in the world. A new report by Mister Auto ranked 100 cities from around the world to figure out which were the best and worst cities for drivers in 2019. It turns out that no fewer than 3 Canadian cities are some of the best driving cities in the world. From infrastructure and congestion, to driver behavior, driving and parking costs, their … [Read more...]
Smart Cities: What’s the Progress Status?
The idea of smart cities was not on anyone's radar back in 2005, but then New Orleans got a head start on data-driven decision making thanks to Hurricane Katrina. After Katrina hit and the city's levees failed, the city started using data to improve and speed-up decision making to support the city's recovery. Amsterdam was another early adopter with the Amsterdam Smart Cities Initiative in 2009. The team used data to address depression and increase treatment for people who were not getting help. By combining statistics from insurance companies and information about the cost of treatment for … [Read more...]
