Archives: Maintenance & Parts

Tires are a big deal. Ever stop and think about all the active safety features on your car? Ever delve into what they all have in common other than a computer? Tires. They rely wholly on your tires.

Does your car make you cringe in a fingernails-on-chalkboard kind of way every time you hit the brakes? Maybe it vibrates in an annoying little way too, making you feel like you're not in complete control? Has the brake-pedal position changed? Do you need to press down harder on said pedal, or did you feel a twinge of worry the last time you had to resort to an emergency braking manoeuvre?

Bridgestone this week unveiled its next-generation Turanza Serenity and Firestone Destination products at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

No, officer, I swear my car isn't dying a gruesome death, it's this new James Bond technology! See, to lose my pursuers, I just press firmly down on the gas pedal here, and a thick cloud of smoke envelops the car behind me. It's like a secret agent car!

After months of meticulous research, poring over the latest information on fuel efficiency, and technology that will keep you and your family safe - you've finally purchased that spanking new vehicle.

Xenon lights are those fancy-looking, often colorful lights you see on high-end cars going down the road. But they're far from merely cosmetic.

Those frosted windshields greeting us in the early morning are a surefire sign that winter's on its way. However, we can take some of the sting out of Jack Frost's bluster by making sure our vehicles are well prepared for the cold.

Although the blazing autumn colours make this one of the prettiest times of the year, we all know that they're a sign of tougher times ahead, climate-wise. It won't be long until that colourful palette gives way to a blanket of white - also pretty in its own way - but potentially treacherous for motorists.

Feel that chill in the air? That's winter knocking on our collective door. The first snowfalls are mere days, hopefully weeks away, and preparing yourself and your car for the worse driving conditions is essential.

This year, we are including Vredestein tires, a quality brand from the Netherlands that Canadian drivers have yet to become familiar with.

The main new performance winter tire for passenger cars this year is the Kumho I'ZEN KW27. Please note that we have also added Vredestein, a quality tire brand from the Netherlands which Canadian drivers have yet to become familiar with.

There are no new winter tire models for light-duty trucks and SUVs this year. Please note that we have also added Vredestein, a quality tire brand from the Netherlands which Canadian drivers have yet to become familiar with.

Now a benchmark for many car drivers, the winter tire reviews and rankings by PMCtire.com are back. A total of 129 different models have been evaluated.

Fall is in full swing and educated drivers know it's time to prepare their car for the cold season ahead, which not only means a proper set of winter tires but also a good rustproofing treatment.

There are many so-called "miracle" rustproofing therapies available. On this subject, we are regularly quizzed about electronic rustproofing. We have heard of and seen some of these treatments and as far as we can tell (as with most other experts), all of them require specific circumstances for them to work - that is if they work at all.

The alternative to an oil-based rustproofing treatment is one that is grease-based. This treatment offers excellent protection. The compromises are few and far between, and most experts agree that this is the best way to protect the large investment that are our cars.

Summer is over. If the cooling of the temperature wasn't enough of a sign that fall is in the air, ads for rustproofing treatments are always a telltale sign that cold weather is just around the bend.

"Bling" is what this category of wheels is all about. By definition, this encompasses many shapes and sizes however all have the same goal: to be stared at. FastCo's Director of Product Development explains.

Yes, winter is approaching and if you happen to face some tricky road conditions at this time of the year, you'd better start thinking about fitting your car with proper tires. In fact, winter tires are now mandatory in Quebec, Northern Ontario and certain parts of British Columbia.

Different types of finishes on wheels dictate and require different types of care. Ian Pavelko, Director of Product Development at FastCo, lets us know what to do to keep them shiny and new.

October is right around the corner, Christmas stuff is starting to flood all the big stores and wearing a T-shirt early in the morning has now become almost heroic (or is it foolish?). No doubt about it, winter's coming!

A new brand of tires is gradually making its way onto the Canadian market. GT Radial, from Asian manufactured GITI Tire, targets consumers after modern, affordable products.

Toyo Tire Canada Inc. will release the latest addition to their winter passenger tire lineup this fall. Developed specifically for Canadian winters, the Observe GSi5 was designed to perform in snow, slush and icy conditions, while maintaining excellent wear life. It features Toyo Tires' latest development in Total Control Sipe Technology (TCST) and was created using a new winter compound made partially of environmentally-friendly material.

This feature is an important part of the safety accessories included with most modern cars. FastCo's Director of Product Development explains what they do to keep you on the straight and narrow.

Do you know why they call them "mag" wheels? Do you really know what they are? FastCo's Director of Product Development reveals all.

Call it the real-wheel deal. Starting today, Canadian consumers who purchase a set of four MICHELIN tires will automatically receive the new Michelin Promise Plan, the first offer of its kind in the tire industry.

What is a fastener you ask? They're also known as wheel bolts and are certainly crucial to keeping wheel and car in contact. Beyond that, they are far more complex than you might imagine. Listen to Ian Pavelko from FastCo to find out more.

It is possible that you've never heard of the term but it does make a difference in driving performance as well as styling.

Loving the "stock" look of your beloved luxury car need not end in winter with ugly steel wheels. Replika wheels offer a range OE copies that sustain the car's design philosophy. Ian Pavelko from FastCo breaks it down for us.

Looking to upgrade your car's styling without increasing tire and wheel sizes? Replacement alloy wheels are a suitable and affordable alternative. FastCo's Director of Product Development explains.

One of the first things that you learn when you become a car owner is to regularly monitor tire pressure in order to prevent flats and/or unfortunate incidents. Since many of us are lazy by nature, we often overlook this little check-up.

Competition wheels range from weekend racers to serious track applications. Ian Pavelko from FastCo describes what makes a wheel good enough to satisfy that hover between show and go.

This article is part 2 in a series of stories on Fastco, a Canadian alloy wheel company established in Vaudreuil-Dorion, located west of the Island of Montreal. You can get acquainted with the company by reading up on their origins by clicking here.

Fastco's story reads exactly like a boyhood dream come true: "Some day I will race cars, and have a great life doing what I wanna do!"

PHOENIX, Arizona - Heat waves shimmering off the hot tarmac, a group of automotive media gathered at Firehawk raceway watched two identical Honda Civics free-roll down gigantic Hot Wheels-style ramps. Since we're here to learn about the newest Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 low rolling-resistance tire, we're only marginally surprised to see the Ecopia-clad Civic coast to a stop about 25 metres further than the vehicle clad in conventional Bridgestone Turanza tires.

All-season tires are the most commonly used in the business. Ever wonder what makes up a tire that is expected to be capable in all weather conditions? Check out this video to find out.

Tire balancing is crucial. It is part of basic tire maintenance. Jay Zinniger from Talon Tire describes what the shimmy you feel in your steering wheel may be while driving and what is used to create balance in a tire and wheel setup.

It has been written, many times in fact, that a well-maintained car will return better gas mileage than a car that has been neglected. In the event that you have not been exposed to these tips in the past, we've put together a list of suggestions to reduce the increasingly strong "pain at the pumps" syndrome.

Have you heard about inflating your tires with nitrogen instead of regular air? What are the advantages if any? Is it worth the extra cost? This video explains it all.

Love your sporty sedan or your flashy coupe? Need tires that will measure up? Jay Zinniger from Talon Tire breaks down what you need to know about performance tires.

How critical is tire inflation? Jay Zinniger from Talon Tire explains the importance of maintaining the proper pressure in your expensive tires.

Whenever you shop for tires, the second detail you need to know after the make, model and year of your car is size. Curious about all the other numbers and letters on the rubber? This video explains everything.

We all know what a winter tire is right? We are obviously aware that it performs better in cold unfriendly conditions but do we know why? Jay Zinniger from Talon Tire explains what makes a winter tire tick.

Cars need fuel and oil just like we need water and blood. If you don't eat and drink well enough, your body won't last very long. Likewise, your automobile requires quality fluids and regular maintenance to survive and perform as it should.

These commercial-grade, heavy-duty tires are designed for trucks and SUVs that require maximum all-terrain grip on construction sites, recreation areas and snow-covered surfaces. Their beefier, more aggressive tread design generates off-road traction by biting into loose or muddy surfaces.

These tires are primarily designed for deep mud, loose dirt, slippery rocks and the toughest trails, including snow-covered trails. They offer much more capability off the road but can also be driven on the road. However, they become quite noisy and provide limited grip on asphalt. Their design features aggressive tread lugs that bite into loose or muddy surfaces to provide maximum traction.

These tires are designed both for paved roads and those covered in stones, gravel, dirt, sand and snow, including trails. As such, they usually offer more capability off the road than on the road. They feature multifaceted tread blocks to help deliver traction in any direction. Plus, they are branded with the M+S symbol indicating their ability to provide all-season versatility, including traction in snow.

Today is Earth Day and we saw fit to write about fuel economy, which is something we at Auto123.com take to heart. Many automakers have been using low rolling resistance tires (LRRT) for a few years. While mostly found on hybrids and electric vehicles, these tires are growing in popularity. But are they really worth it or is this a gimmick to steal some of your hard-earned money?

These tires are designed to offer solid performance all year long with SUVs, crossovers and other light-duty trucks. Their sporty-looking tread makes them drivable any day of the year (except in provinces where winter tires are mandatory), however drivers are advised not to use them in deep snow and when temperatures drop below -7° Celsius. As large-diameter, low-profile tires, they represent great sporty alternatives to stock tires.

These tires are designed to offer pleasant comfort and predictable handling all year long with SUVs, crossovers and other light-duty trucks, including premium vehicles. Their all-season compound makes them drivable any day of the year except in provinces where winter tires are mandatory. They provide medium grip on snow and ice. Drivers are advised not to use them when temperatures drop below -7° Celsius.

Though we all love the spring with its warm weather and melting snow, it's the worst season for your windshield. Rocks and various debris accumulate on the side of the road and increase the risk of damage. Drivers have to be particularly be careful at this time of year and should, if at all possible, avoid dirty streets.

With the arrival of spring each year, many of us look upon our filthy cars with dismay and decide a good spot of spring cleaning is in order. No one really likes to drive a car that could pass for the local garbage dump. Also, improper care of your vehicle can eventually lead to the deterioration of the fabric and paint, which in turn can affect the resale value or force you to fork over more of your hard-earned cash when the lease is up.

Extreme performance summer tires include models designed to offer the ultimate high-speed performance - either on wet or dry pavement - for sports coupes and sedans. These aggressively-styled tires can all be driven on the road. Some of them even meet the requirements of professional race tracks.

Performance summer tires include models designed to offer great high-speed performance - either on wet or dry pavement - for sports coupes and sedans. These attractive, sporty-looking tires can all be driven on the road.

Performance all-season tires include models designed to offer good high-speed performance - either on wet or dry pavement - any day of the year. As such, these tires can be driven at all times in provinces where winter tires are not mandatory. However, they provide poor grip on snow and ice.

All-season tires include versatile models designed to offer comfort and durability as well as ''grand touring'' models for premium cars. These tires can be driven all year long in provinces where winter tires are not mandatory. However, they provide medium grip on snow and ice.

Environmentally-friendly all-season tires are a strong trend going into 2011. These models enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions with their lower rolling resistance. Durability compares favourably to the average conventional all-season tire.

Every year, a number of new tires are introduced on the Canadian market. The team at PMCtire.com came up with a list of the main new models, including all-terrain and all-season tires for light trucks, to help you identify them. We also highlighted their top features as described by their manufacturers.

Hankook Tire, the seventh largest and one of the fastest growing tire companies in the world, unveiled its plan to build a new Main R&D Center in Daejeon, Korea.

Every year, a number of new tires are introduced on the Canadian market. The team at PMCtire.com came up with a list of the main new models, including summer and all-season tires, to help you identify them. We also highlighted their top features as described by their manufacturers.

The Rubber Association of Canada released the findings of their study on winter tire usage across Canada recently. What it shows is that winter tires are becoming more common-place, however certain provinces are still lagging behind.

You want to know if your winter tires are still safe for the upcoming cold season without having to ask your local mechanic? Here are various methods to calculate winter tire wear.

We, Canadians, live in a fairly harsh climate with temperatures dropping from plus to minus in just a couple of weeks and weather conditions alternating between rain, hail, snow, sleet and ice. Drivers and their cars need to adapt and rely on the proper equipment at all times.

Mississauga, ON - Continental Tire Canada (CTC) announces a price increase of up to 6% with some in-line adjustments on all Continental, General and Proprietary Brand passenger and light truck tires in Canada. The price increase will vary by product line and size. The price increase is effective as of January 1, 2011 for the Canadian market and is a response to the continuing rise in raw material costs. This alignment will only affect summer and all-season tires.

A lot of people wonder how to go about choosing the right winter tire for a given vehicle. That's an excellent question. Vehicles are marketed for their unique, distinguishing features, so you'd expect winter tires to be specially designed for optimal performance on a particular vehicle. Unfortunately, that's not the case.

Winter is inevitably around the corner. If you haven't bought your winter rubbers, your probably planning on doing it very soon. We all know what a big expense this is, however we've got some bad news... It's only going to get more expensive.

There are different types of winter tires on the Canadian market, and it's important to evaluate your needs in order to select the right tire for your kind of driving. Some buyers drive mostly on highways, others in the city, and yet others in the country. So when choosing winter tires, it's important to know the difference between snow and ice models.

Canadian outdoor-tool company Garant has just introduced their newest accessory for tackling our harsh winters, the SnoFlex Compact snow shovel.

These tires meet the severe demands of winter driving. They bear a symbol depicting a snowflake and mountain, in compliance with Quebec's Bill 42. They are designed for the majority of vehicles on the market and offer maximum performance on snow and ice. The following chart compares the different models.

These low-profile tires are available in many sizes with H or V speed ratings. They are designed for luxury vehicles and high-performance cars. Tire manufacturers recommend using 4 identical winter tires.

To help you select the right model, here is an evaluation of winter tires for commercial vehicles, designed to offer maximum carrying capacity as well as excellent performance on dry, wet, snowy and icy roads.

These low-profile tires are available in many sizes with H or V speed ratings. They are designed for light trucks and SUVs with large wheels. Tire manufacturers recommend using 4 identical winter tires.

LANGLEY, B.C.- The zero-emission Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car will roll across Canada on sophisticated, low rolling resistance Yokohama prototype tires manufactured in one of the world's most environmentally responsible factories.

The Pagani Zonda R set a new record at Nürburgring's Nordschleife (20.83 km) with a time of 6 minutes and 47 seconds, breaking the mark established a few months ago by another extreme supercar riding on a different set of tires than the Pirelli P Zero Slicks (265/645-19TL front, 325/705-20TL rear) of the Zonda R.

RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Toyo Tire Canada Inc. announces the Toyo® Proxes® T1RTM as an original equipment upgrade for the all-new 2011 Mazda2 Yozora. The Mazda2 Yozora is a special edition, sub- compact vehicle exclusive to the Canadian market.

Hot enough for you? As we shuttle ourselves from house to office, to mall and back, looking for a place to stay cool, our cars are suffering. Not exactly in pain mind you, but keeping the temperature down in the car's cabin requires lots of energy and we all know what the by-product of energy consumption is right? Heat. Couple that to your internal combustion engine and ambient temperatures hovering in the low to mid 40s and you get a potential recipe for trouble.

Tokyo - The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has announced that its racing team, Team Yokohama, in only its second year, turned in the best performance for an EV at the 2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Information on proper tire sizes, inflation pressures and premium replacement products is just a click away for Apple iPhone and Apple iPod touch users. Introduced by Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., the first mobile tire fitment guide is now available at http://tirefinder.toyotires.com.

When I see a driving course marked out with pylons in a big parking lot, I know one sure thing: some pylons are going to get hurt.

Canadian winters are hard on your vehicle. A little care and effort can help ensure its negative effects are minimized.

Alignments are key to safety, tire life and fuel efficiency. If you've hit a good pothole, chances are you'll need one.

Brampton, ON - Hankook Tire Canada Corp., is launching a national 'Tame the Road' marketing campaign - the largest integrated marketing communications campaign to date for the brand in Canada. It includes television, print, radio and online components and reflects the company's dedication to strengthen their brand and support their dealer network.

Ottawa - April is Earth Month in Canada and you can make a positive impact with your vehicle and save money at the same time. It doesn't matter if the car you're driving is new or old, big or small. There are preventive maintenance steps every vehicle owner can take to make sure their car is green, clean and lean this spring, summer and all year long, according to Car Care Canada.

BARCELONA, Spain, - Pirelli presents Scorpion Verde, the first high-performance eco-friendly tyre for SUVs and Crossovers at the Idiada International Testing Circuit in Barcelona (Catalonia). Scorpion Verde boasts new materials and a new structure guaranteeing steady performance throughout the tyre's life, lower noxious emissions, noise reduction, running economy, shorter braking distances, and comfort.

Dearborn, Mich. - They've been around awhile - a snippet of advice here, an old adage there. They're the guidelines that are supposed to help keep cars running in top condition. Problem is, most of them aren't based in fact - or they're just plain outdated.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario -- Before Yokohama showed us its new dB Super E-spec tire, I never even knew that "orange oil" existed. But apparently it's made from discarded orange peel, and is one the stickiest substances in the organic world -- especially when it heats up.

Toyo Tires introduces the newest member to the Versado® line of luxury tires, the all-season Versado CUV. The Versado CUV is designed specifically for the growing crossover vehicle category, and is equipped with features that enhance handling, stability and fuel efficiency. It's available in 25 sizes to fit 17-inch through 20-inch diameter wheels.

Bridgestone has extended its sport tyre line-up with the launch of the Potenza S001 for top sports cars and high-powered luxury vehicles. They developed a new flagship UHP tyre for the world's top sports cars: the Potenza S001. Designed for maximum sports performance, the tyre also delivers high efficiency with reduced rolling resistance.

WHITE, GEORGIA -- Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc. (TNA), manufacturer of Toyo Tires® and Nitto® brand tires, recently produced its 5-millionth tire. Considered the most technologically advanced manufacturing facility in the global network of Toyo Tires plants, TNA is located in White, Georgia, a community of Bartow County.

CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA - Toyo Tires unveiled its new 2010 model poster which is printed double-sided so you can select your favorite scene, whether with Robby Gordon's Hummer H3 Dakar® racer equipped with Toyo® Open Country M/T®-R tires, or with Rhys Millen's RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe drift car equipped with Toyo Proxes® R1R extreme performance tires.

GREENVILLE - BFGoodrich® Tires is looking to continue its domination at the 2010 Griffin King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, Calif. on Fri., Feb. 12 with its third straight victory. In 2008 and 2009, competitors on BFGoodrich tires won five of the six possible podium spots with the coveted King of the Hammer scepter going to Shannon Campbell in 2008 who then handed it off to Jason Scherer in 2009.

Toyo Tire Canada, Inc. introduces the Extensa(tm) A/S, a new all-season tire which delivers extended wear and high value for passenger cars and minivans.

PPG will host an MVP Business Solutions Conference for collision center owners and managers at the Paradise Point Hotel in San Diego, CA, March 28 - 30.

Kumho has won an iF Product Design Award for the innovative laser etching technology it launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. A total of 2486 entries were submitted by 1061 companies from 39 nations for the contest, from which Kumho was declared victorious in the Advanced Studies category.

Canadian and American Consumers could win $750 by submitting a video of Blue Devil, a Premium Head Gasket Sealant, used in their vehicle.

As the December 15th deadline fast approaches (like, tomorrow), I thought it useful to recount my winter/summer tire story. For starters, I purchased a used 2004 Volvo XC70 in the Fall of 2008. As I picked up the car in Toronto (not in my native Montreal), I was aware that the car required some new rubber.

Bosses, spouses, financial advisors and local politicians take note: many Canadians say their local weather reporter is just as influential as you, according to a new poll sponsored by Goodyear Canada. The poll reveals that almost 8 in 10 (76 per cent) of us check our local weather report at least once a day - a preoccupation that may translate into serious anxiety behind the wheel, come winter.

AKRON, Ohio, The 2010 Toyota Prius, with its excellent fuel economy and low emissions, now comes standard with Goodyear's new fuel-efficient tire, Assurance Fuel Max.

Cooper Tire's first ever premium UHP 4x4/SUV tyre, the Cooper Zeon 4XS, has been designed and built by British engineers.

Cypress, Calif. - Nitto Tire announces the release of its all-new D.O.T.-compliant competition drag radial, the NT05R. The NT05R is Nitto's most aggressive drag radial designed for competition use. Nitto will officially debut the tire at this year's SEMA show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 3 to 6, 2009. Visit Nitto at booth #46115 to see the tire. The NT05R will be available for purchase in the first quarter of 2010.

When snow, icy or wet roads and other extreme winter conditions make driving nearly impossible, drivers may have trouble maintaining control of their vehicles. To make driving safer and easier for utility van drivers in severe, challenging weather conditions, Michelin has introduced a new studded tire, the MICHELIN Agilis X-ICE North.

Halloween is the time of year for squeals, squeaks, screeches and things that go bump in the night, but when these eerie and haunted sounds come from your car, it's time for maintenance. Noise is to the vehicle what pain is to the body: a warning.

Have you noticed that the leaves have begun falling? This inadvertently means that the winter season is fast approaching. Believe it or not, it is already time to seriously start thinking about getting some winter tires.

Every fall it's the same story: Rustproofing companies begin an aggressive advertising campaign, corner garages put up signs on the kerb displaying their available rust treatments and we get coupons in the mail and by email. It is a seasonal topic but rust is a year-round issue. Many people are confronted by something they know they should do to protect their car but are often not certain as to what they should do.

Dreieich/Frankfurt am Main, - Everyone knows that sandals are anything but the optimal shoes in winter. However, many drivers have difficulties when making the safe switch from summer tyres to winter tyres. But: In comparison to summer tyres, only winter tyres possess a softer tread surface mixture which ensures a better wheel grip at temperatures below seven degrees Celsius. Volkswagen Accessories offers winter complete wheels with high-quality light alloy rims and premium winter tyres for the majority of the Volkswagen models.

Kumho is exhibiting examples of a brand new laser etching process at the Frankfurt Motor Show (September 15-27) - technology that is set to transform the way the company designs its tread patterns.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - For emergency, rescue and police vehicles, a tire that delivers top performance, durability and dependability is critical. With lives potentially on the line, there's no room for error. In recent testing by Police Fleet Manager, the Firestone Firehawk GT Pursuit proved to be the best tire for this demanding job, garnering top overall honors and rating first in wet-oriented performance.

The tire industry's best light truck tire just got better. Today, Michelin announced the introduction of the new MICHELIN® LTX® M/S2 tire for light trucks and SUVs, offering significant improvements in safety, longevity and fuel efficiency.

Are your brakes making questionable sounds? Does your brake pedal nearly go to the floor before your vehicle slows down? Does your car or truck's stopping power seem to be going out the window?

The Michelin Man is flexing his green tire muscle this week at the 2009 Great American Trucking Show (GATS). Show attendees will be able to see 10 Michelin tires on the EPA SmartWay verified technologies list at the company's GATS booth #13081.

TORONTO, - A revolutionary new tire from Yokohama manufactured with natural rubber and orange oil, and targeted at the rapidly growing hybrid car market, establishes a new standard for environmental responsibility while contributing to improved fuel economy and safety, Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. has announced.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - It's a tire line that has set the standard for toughness, durability and quiet comfort and now Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) is excited to announce the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2, the next generation all-terrain tire in the Dueler family.

Sometimes winter just bites. However, when sure-footed traction is needed, tackle wintry conditions with Bridgestone Americas, the company offering the most comprehensive winter tire range in North America.

In August 2009, Michelin will introduce the market's first 295/60R22.5-size multi-purpose tire--the new Michelin X MultiWay XD for truck drive axles. With the new tire, drivers of large-capacity trucks in Europe will be able to travel safely on all types of road and in all weather conditions.

LANGLEY, B.C. The right replacement tires for the full range of Mitsubishi vehicles, from the hottest new sports sedan to the most rugged sport utility vehicle, will be available from Mitsubishi dealers across the country, the result of a new agreement between Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc. and Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc.

The specialists will tell you, cleaning a car requires extensive care, good products and the patience of a saint. Especially if you're doing it yourself. But mishandle products or use inappropriate ones, and you can kiss the desired results goodbye.

Washington, DC - Tens of millions of U.S. motorists continue to ignore a simple step that can save money, save gas and save lives: checking tire pressure.

Driveability, fuel consumption and performance issues on a vehicle can cause motorists to assume the worst-- but the fix is sometimes a very simple one.

Spring is right around the corner -- March 20, at 11:44 am to be exact. Yet, starting yesterday, March 16, Quebecers can legally remove their winter tires if they so choose!

It's a concept you're familiar with from the entrance way to your house: in wintertime, salt, sand, dirt and moisture all wind up getting inside and making a mess. Whether tracked in on boots, clothing or pets, the above wind up attacking flooring and carpeting and can be easily ground in- causing damage if not properly cleaned up.

Winter is starting to settle in for good, leaving inches of snow on the ground and dropping the temperature by a few degrees. Summer or all-season tires no longer have the required effectiveness to ensure safe trips and commutes. Winter tires are strongly recommended -- in fact, they're now mandatory in Quebec from December 15 to March 15.

Temperatures and daylight have decreased, and Canada's motorists are now faced with the most challenging travel season of the year- winter. Though travelling at sub-zero temperatures through nasty weather conditions can be daunting, it can also be rewarding and relaxing- depending on your level of preparedness.

With the change from fall's beautiful colors and diminishing warmth to the bitter arrival of winter, it's easy to forget the family vehicle amidst other chores around the house, cottage and yard. No matter the make, model or age of your family ride, chances are that you rely on it for safe, trouble-free transportation every day of the year.

Relying on the factory's built in protection may not be enough if you're planning to keep your car's interior in like-new shape for years to come. Jim Dvorak, a car care specialist at Mothers, talks about the latest in interior care and offers advice in this interview with Justin Pritchard.

Not to cause any undue alarm, but your vehicle could have a ticking time-bomb lying in wait underneath its hood. It's called the timing belt- a very simple part that can cause very big problems if it's not taken care of. Depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle, there's a pretty good chance a rubber timing belt is used to control the engine's valve timing.

It's generally wintertime when motorists are most concerned about the state of their vehicles battery and charging system. Cold temperatures, thickened engine oil and heavy electrical drain on the vehicle can all take their toll- though the summertime poses its own set of challenges for the electrical heart of your car. It's important to remember that hot weather can be just as hard on your vehicle's battery and charging system- and that it's still important to have them checked out and serviced occasionally, even when it's warm.

Tire makers have worked extensively with your vehicle's manufacturer to create a perfect set of rubber for its exact needs- taking into consideration ride quality, handling, economy and overall comfort. When your tires wear out, you may be presented with dozens of options to have them replaced. They're like your vehicles shoes- and having the proper kind for the job is important, especially in today's crowded market of do-it-all vehicles like crossovers, minivans and SUV's.

With the environment on the minds of the masses, it's becoming increasingly important for motorists to minimize their impact while behind the wheel as much as possible. New vehicles are cleaner and more environmentally friendly than ever- though they contain numerous chemicals and systems that can be potentially damaging to Mother Nature if not taken care of properly.

Every summer, thousands of Ontarians hit the highways towing a camper or some power-toys behind their trucks and SUV's. On any given long weekend, you probably notice huge flocks of trailers and toys headed down the highway bound for cottages, camps and other weekend escapes with family and friends.

There's that distinct smell in the air, mornings aren't so chilly, and it's obvious that spring is well on its way here. Hopefully your family vehicle has made it through the winter unscathed- and you're probably thinking of putting it back into warm-weather mode. Winter is hard on your car- and the temperatures, ice, salt and added stresses of cold weather driving put every component in your ride to the test. The time is right to give your car, truck or SUV some much-deserved TLC after the winter driving season

Spring's coming, finally- but there are still a few weeks left of the winter blahs. Your car's got them too: it's covered in salt on the outside, sand on the inside, and probably feeling a little neglected. Winter takes a wicked toll on your vehicle. Inside, hockey bags and skates leave moisture and odor to settle into fabrics. That spilled coffee stain will become permanent if it's not taken care of, and the corrosive mixture of sand and salt in your footwells will do a nasty number on the carpeting if not attended to.

We've all seen that car or truck with rusty holes through the body panels, flaky and discolored paint and brown-red stains dripping down the sides like bullet holes. Its rust: the disease that needlessly claims the lives of many vehicles every year. Not only is it a cosmetic disgrace that can ruin an otherwise great machine, but it poses a safety concern too. Weak, rusty metal compromises the strength of the vehicles uni-body or frame, and in extreme cases, perforation can allow exhaust gasses to enter the cabin.

Car Care Canada is on a mission. Their goal: to educate the Canadian motorist about some simple and effective ways they can reduce fuel consumption in their vehicles. They've asked Kelly Williams, a veteran CASCAR racer and former presenter on Canada's Worst Driver, to be their spokesperson.

Every fall it is the same story: Rustproofing companies begin an aggressive advertising campaign, corner garages put up signs displaying their treatments and we get coupons in the mail... It is a seasonal topic but rust is always an issue. Many people are confronted by something they know they should do to protect their car but are often not certain as to what they should do.

If you feel like only about a month has passed since you were beginning spring cleaning duties, you aren't alone. It is a reality for many Canadians how short and sweet our summers are, and you might find yourself readying for fall cleanup.

We've all seen that car or truck from time to time with rusty holes through the body panels, the paint discolored by brown-red stains dripping down the sides that look like bullet holes. Its rust: the disease that needlessly claims the lives of many vehicles every year. Not only is it a cosmetic disgrace that can ruin an otherwise great machine, but it poses a safety concern in many cases where weak rusty metal compromises the strength of the vehicles uni-body or frame, or in extreme cases allows exhaust gasses to enter the cabin via holes.