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.
Practical advice for Quebec drivers: maintenance, safety and seasons.
19 articles
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.
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.
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.
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.
Minimum depth, wear bars, inside wear or cupping: how to read your tires' wear and know when to replace them.
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.
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.
Poorly inflated tires wear unevenly, increase fuel consumption and reduce grip. Checking takes 5 minutes. Here is how.
A Quebec winter puts your vehicle through a lot. This complete checklist makes sure you drive safely from November to March.
Is your car suddenly using more fuel than usual? Several simple causes can explain the increase, and most are easy to fix.
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.
Not every brake noise is alarming, but some are. Learn to tell a normal noise from an emergency.
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.
A temperature needle in the red is an emergency. Here are the right reflexes, and above all the mistakes not to make.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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