SASKATOON AUTO REPAIR

The first real snowfall in Saskatoon arrives with a mix of excitement and reality checks. Tires spin on that thin layer of early-season ice, windows fog up faster than you remember, and small maintenance items reveal themselves at the worst time. A short, focused checklist now will save headaches when temperatures dive and roads glaze over. Here are the eight items most drivers overlook before winter takes hold. 1. Battery Health Under Real Cold Loads A battery that seems fine in October can struggle in November. Cold weather thickens oil and raises the current needed to turn the engine. If cranking speed sounds slower than last winter, get the battery tested with a proper load test, not just a voltage check. Clean the terminals, inspect the ground strap to the body, and confirm the alternator is charging within spec. Weak batteries often fail on the first subzero morning, which is why this check comes first. 2. Tire Tread, Pressures, and True Winter Rubber ... read more

A freezing car cabin in the middle of a Canadian winter makes driving uncomfortable, more difficult, and unsafe. If your car’s heater suddenly stops working or only blows cold air, it’s a sign that something in the system isn’t functioning correctly. The heater relies on several components working together to warm the air and direct it into your vehicle. When one of those parts fails, you feel it immediately. These are the five most common reasons your heater is not doing its job when you need it most. 1. Low or Leaking Coolant Your car’s heating system uses engine coolant to create warm air. The hot coolant flows through the heater core, which acts like a mini radiator inside your dashboard. When the blower fan passes air over it, that warm air gets pushed into the cabin. If your coolant level is too low, there won’t be enough hot fluid circulating to warm up the heater core. Leaks in hoses, the radiator, or the water pump can cause t ... read more