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Take care of your car
all year round

Practical advice for Quebec drivers: maintenance, safety and seasons.

19 articles

ElectronicsOctober 15, 2026

Check engine light on: what to do? (steady or flashing)

Orange engine light on or flashing: what it means, when to stop right away and how to find the cause without getting taken for a ride.

ElectricalOctober 15, 2026

Car won't start: causes and what to do (clicking, no sound, battery OK)

One click, several clicks, no sound or an engine that cranks but won't start: each symptom points to a different cause. Here's how to tell.

MaintenanceOctober 15, 2026

Pre-purchase inspection of a used car: why and what to check

Before buying a used car in Quebec: what a pre-purchase inspection covers, the documents to ask for and SAAQ rules for a vehicle from another province.

TiresOctober 15, 2026

All-season tires: are they legal in winter in Quebec?

From December 1 to March 15, tires must bear the mountain and snowflake pictogram. All-season tires with it are allowed; others are not. The rules, clearly.

TiresOctober 15, 2026

Tire wear: when should you replace your tires?

Minimum depth, wear bars, inside wear or cupping: how to read your tires' wear and know when to replace them.

MaintenanceOctober 15, 2026

SAAQ mechanical inspection: when is it mandatory?

Vehicle from another province, rebuilt, stored for over 12 months, taxi, driving school… The cases where the SAAQ requires a mechanical inspection, and how to prepare.

MaintenanceOctober 15, 2026

Car repair warranty in Quebec: your rights

Written estimate required over $100, 3-month or 5,000 km warranty, maximum price: what Quebec's Consumer Protection Act guarantees you at the garage.

TiresOctober 5, 2026

Tire pressure: how to check it and how much to inflate

Poorly inflated tires wear unevenly, increase fuel consumption and reduce grip. Checking takes 5 minutes. Here is how.

MaintenanceSeptember 28, 2026

Getting your car ready for a Quebec winter

A Quebec winter puts your vehicle through a lot. This complete checklist makes sure you drive safely from November to March.

EngineSeptember 21, 2026

Abnormal fuel consumption: the real causes

Is your car suddenly using more fuel than usual? Several simple causes can explain the increase, and most are easy to fix.

Air conditioningSeptember 14, 2026

My car's A/C no longer cools: causes and fixes

An air conditioner that blows warm air in midsummer is often low on refrigerant. Here is what to know before you go to a mechanic.

BrakesSeptember 7, 2026

Squeaking brakes: dangerous or just annoying?

Not every brake noise is alarming, but some are. Learn to tell a normal noise from an emergency.

ProtectionAugust 31, 2026

Rustproofing in Quebec: is it really essential?

Quebec's road salt is especially hard on a vehicle's body. Here is what you need to know about rustproofing treatments and how well they really work.

EngineAugust 24, 2026

My engine is overheating: what to do and what to avoid

A temperature needle in the red is an emergency. Here are the right reflexes, and above all the mistakes not to make.

ElectricalAugust 17, 2026

Car battery: how long does it last?

A battery lasts 3 to 5 years on average, and Quebec's cold wears it out faster. Here is how to know when to replace it and avoid a breakdown at the worst moment.

MaintenanceAugust 10, 2026

Oil changes: how often, really?

Every 3,000 km is a thing of the past. Modern synthetic oils let you drive much longer. Here is the real answer for your vehicle.

ElectronicsAugust 3, 2026

Dashboard warning lights: what do they mean?

Oil pressure, engine, battery, TPMS… Each light has a different level of urgency. This guide explains which ones can wait and which ones mean you must stop right away.

TiresJuly 27, 2026

Winter tires 2026 in Quebec: mandatory dates and when to install them

The law requires winter tires from December 1 to March 15, but ideally you should install them as soon as the temperature drops below 7 °C.

BrakesJuly 20, 2026

Why does my car shake when I brake?

Vibrations under braking often point to warped rotors or worn pads. Learn how to identify the cause and when it is urgent.

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