Thunder Bay Auto & Truck Repair

Winter weather in Ontario can be unpredictable, and driving in the snow can be a challenge for even the most experienced drivers. At our auto repair shop in Ontario, we want to ensure our customers stay safe on the roads during winter. Here are some tips for driving in snowy conditions: Prepare Your Vehicle Before you hit the road: Make sure your vehicle is prepared for snowy conditions. Check your tire pressure and make sure your tires have adequate tread depth. Consider switching to winter tires for increased traction. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition, and your windshield washer fluid is topped off. Slow Down Driving too fast on snow-covered roads is a recipe for disaster. Slow down and leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles on the road. Accelerate and brake gradually to avoid skids and keep control of your vehicle. Avoid Sudden Maneuvers Abrupt turns or sudden stopping can cause your car to skid or spin out of control. Wh ... read more

Your car's electrical/starting system consists of the main parts: battery, alternator, and starter. These three critical components work hand in hand to start your vehicle and run its electrical features (radio, lighting, power windows, etc.). If one of them malfunctions, good luck trying to get anywhere. Here's what you need to know about these three components: Battery: We are all familiar with the battery when we hear anything "electrical" about our car. It is a powerhouse that supplies energy to your electrical accessories. In addition, it also delivers the electrical flow required to start the engine. Alternator: The alternator is what charges your battery every time your car is running. Without a functioning alternator, the battery would die on you all the time. Starter: Though the battery brings power to the engine, the starter is the part that engages the engine pistons. Electrical currents discharge from t ... read more

As a car owner, it's important to be prepared for unexpected emergencies, especially during the winter season. One way to do this is by having a winter emergency car kit on hand. A winter emergency car kit is a collection of supplies and equipment that can help you stay safe and comfortable in the event of a breakdown or other unexpected situations. Here are some items that you should consider including in your winter emergency car kit: Blankets: It's important to stay warm if you're stranded in your car during cold weather. Keep a few blankets in your car to help keep you warm if you need to wait for help. Flashlight and extra batteries: A flashlight can be a lifesaver if you have to change a tire or signal for help at night. Make sure to keep a flashlight and extra batteries in your car in case of an emergency. First aid kit: Accidents can happen at any time, so it's a good idea to keep a basic first aid kit in yo ... read more

Your transmission is the most complex system in your vehicle. It is made of hundreds of parts that work together to transfer engine power to move your wheels, which allows you to drive your vehicle. When one of these parts stops doing what they are supposed to do, your car will no longer be safe to drive. There’s a chance that it won’t drive at all.  So, how can you tell that your transmission is in trouble?  Here are the most common warning signs of transmission problems: Unusual or burning smells Red fluid leaks under the vehicle Difficulty shifting gears Problem staying in gear Grinding or hissing noises  Check engine light illuminates on the dashboard When vehicle owners catch the early signs of transmission trouble, they tend to put it off until the damage spreads. With this knowledge, we hope you bring your vehicle to our shop at the first signs of transmission problems. A transmission repair can get complex quickly. Fortunately, the team at Pref ... read more

A vehicle's performance is based on the overall health and performance of the exhaust system. Since it's made of various parts, it only functions well if all parts work together. Failure in any part causes the system to malfunction. According to the workability of an exhaust system, it's prone to face problems at some point. Here are some of the common exhaust system problems. 1. Rust Rust is mostly caused by rain, snow, or salt on the road during bad weather. Once the rust affects the exhaust system, it generates holes that make the exhaust a victim to the potholes, and in the case of a kicked-up rock, the exhaust becomes loose and may fall off. 2. Faulty exhaust manifold gasket The exhaust manifold gasket provides a seal between the exhaust manifold and the cylinder head to prevent any gases from leaking into the system. In case of any faulty occurrence, you will notice a hiss or tap sound provided by the engine, especially at acceleration. 3. Bad oxygen sensor The ... read more