100 questions for a mechanic
The questions Montréal and Laval drivers ask most: brakes, oil, tires, battery, warning lights, winter, SAAQ. Straight answers in plain words.
Brakes
- How do I know if my brakes are worn?
- Why are my brakes squeaking?
- Why do my brakes make a grinding metal noise?
- How much does a brake job cost in Montréal?
- Do I need to replace rotors with the pads?
- Why does my steering wheel shake when I brake?
- My brake pedal feels soft, is it dangerous?
- Why does my car pull to one side when braking?
- How often should brake fluid be changed?
- How long do brake pads last?
- Why are my brake rotors rusty?
- My parking brake is frozen, what should I do?
Oil changes
- How often should I get an oil change?
- How much does an oil change cost?
- Synthetic or conventional oil, which should I use?
- What happens if I skip an oil change?
- Why is my oil light on?
- How do I check my oil level myself?
- Why is my car leaking oil?
- My car is burning oil, is that serious?
- Should the oil filter be changed every oil change?
- My car sits a lot, do I still need oil changes?
Tires and seasonal changes
- When do winter tires have to be on in Quebec?
- How much does a tire change cost?
- When can I take off my winter tires?
- Are all-season tires legal as winter tires in Quebec?
- How often should tires be rotated?
- How do I know if my tires are worn out?
- Why does my tire pressure light come on in winter?
- Can a flat tire be repaired?
- Is it worth buying separate rims for winter tires?
- Do wheels need balancing at every tire change?
- Can I put on just two winter tires?
- Where should I store my tires between seasons?
Battery, alternator and starter
- How do I know if it's the battery or the alternator?
- What are the signs of a bad alternator?
- How much does an alternator replacement cost?
- My car clicks but won't start, why?
- How much does a starter replacement cost?
- Why does my battery die in winter?
- How long does a car battery last?
- How do I boost a car safely?
- Why does the battery light come on while I'm driving?
- Do I need a block heater in Montréal?
Warning lights
- Can I drive with the check engine light on?
- Why is my check engine light on?
- What does the engine temperature light mean?
- What does the ABS light mean?
- Why is my traction control light flashing?
- My check engine light went off by itself, is it fixed?
- What does the airbag light mean?
- What if several warning lights come on at once?
Noises and smells
- Why does my car clunk over bumps?
- Why does my engine squeal on startup?
- Why does my car smell like rotten eggs?
- Why do I smell something sweet in my car?
- Why do I smell burning while driving?
- Why is my exhaust suddenly louder?
- Why do I hear a humming noise that gets louder with speed?
- Why does my car click when turning?
A/C and heating
- Why is my A/C blowing warm air?
- Why is my car heater not working?
- Why won't my windows defog?
- Why does my A/C smell bad?
- How often should the cabin air filter be changed?
Suspension, steering and alignment
- How do I know if my shocks are worn?
- When do I need a wheel alignment?
- A pothole damaged my car, will the City pay?
- Why does my car pull to one side?
- Why does my steering wheel shake on the highway?
- Why is my steering hard to turn?
- What is a ball joint and why replace it?
- My car sits lower on one side, what's wrong?
SAAQ inspection and rules
- Do I need a SAAQ inspection every year?
- Does MRY Pro Services do SAAQ inspections?
- When is a mechanical inspection mandatory in Quebec?
- What does a vehicle inspection check?
- My car was towed in Montréal, how do I find it?
Winter driving
- How do I get my car ready for winter?
- Should I warm up my car for a long time in winter?
- Does road salt damage my car?
- What should go in a winter emergency kit?
- What washer fluid should I use in winter?
- My doors or locks keep freezing, what should I do?
- How do I drive safely on snow and ice?
Buying a used car
- Should I get a used car inspected before buying?
- How do I check if a used car has a recall?
- What should I check myself on a used car?
- Is rust a big deal on a used car in Quebec?
- How do I know if a used car's transmission is OK?
Maintenance and warranties
- Will I lose my warranty if I service my car outside the dealer?
- What maintenance is due at what mileage?
- Do I need to change transmission fluid?
- When should the timing belt be replaced?
- How do I know if my car has a recall?
Costs and timing
- Is an independent garage cheaper than the dealer?
- How long does a brake job or oil change take?
- How much does a transmission repair cost?
Breakdowns
Not found? Call us and we'll answer.