|
Is your car ready for winter?
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.
|
|
The benefits of winter tires
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.
|
|
The winter tire vs. all-season tire debate
Canada is smack in the middle of a moderately harsh climate where temperatures can vary from -30 to +30 in only a few weeks. Weather conditions alter from rain, hail, snow, sleet and ice in a matter of moments in winter. It is therefore paramount that drivers and their cars adapt and be properly equipped at all times.
|
|
Tips on getting prepared for winter
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.
|
|
Top 5 performance winter tires for cars in 2011
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.
|
|
Top 5 winter tires for trucks/SUVs in 2011
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.
|
|
Top 5 winter tires for cars in 2011
The main new winter tire models for passenger cars this year include the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7, Toyo Observe GSI-5, Goodyear Ultragrip Ice WRT, and Kumho I'ZEN KW22. Please note that we have also added Vredestein, a quality tire brand from the Netherlands which Canadian drivers have yet to become familiar with.
|
|
Winter Tire Review: Best of 2011
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.
|
|
Rustproofing: All you need to know
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.
|
|
Rustproofing: Fake charges
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.
|
|
Rustproofing: Greased to the gills
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.
|
|
Rustproofing: All oiled up
The most common type of rustproofing treatment is an annual oil-based deal. On a yearly basis, this is the least expensive alternative. Prices typically range between $60 and $110. On occasion, supplemental rebates can further lower the cost to as little as $40.
|
|
Rustproofing: Education
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.
|
|
The luxury wheel
"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.
|
|
New winter tires from GT Radial
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.
|
|
How to take care of your wheels
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.
|
|
Emergency preparedness: not just for Boy Scouts
The Boy Scout motto is "be prepared". That's also a great motto for anyone taking their car on the road, whether it's winter conditions, a back-road adventure, or just an everyday commute. Most of the time, we get to where we're going uneventfully, but there are a number of easy-to-pack items that can come in handy if that trip suddenly becomes eventful.
|
|
Winter tires: All you need to know
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!
|
|
GT Radial, a new name in the tire biz
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. Launches New Observe GSi5 Winter Tire
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.
|
|
What does TPMS mean?
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.
|
|
What is the centre bore?
The centre bore needs to perfect in order to avoid annoying vibrations on today's modern cars. Ian Pavelko from FastCo explains.
|
|
What is a mag wheel?
Do you know why they call them "mag" wheels? Do you really know what they are? FastCo's Director of Product Development reveals all.
|
|
What type of fasteners does your car need?
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.
|
|
What is wheel offset?
It is possible that you've never heard of the term but it does make a difference in driving performance as well as styling.
|
|
Tuning/performance wheels
These wheels are some of the most popular types and designs for those looking to spruce up their rides. Ian Pavelko from FastCo tells us more about them.
|
|
The benefits of buying Replika wheels
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.
|
|
Aftermarket wheels without the sting
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.
|
|
Goodyear innovates with self-inflating tires
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.
|
|
The various types of competition wheels
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.
|
|
Car covers : protecting what is most precious
Car covers are one of those accessories that we don't often think about unless storing an automobile or truck. Myself, I bought one years back when I found a "project car" which was a fairly clean, non-running 1974 Ford Galaxy 500XL. Actually, I only bought it because the car cost me $80 for the car and the plates... The car cover was therefore an expensive investment as it cost me nearly $100.
|
|
Fastco Canada : More than meets the eye
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.
|
|
Bridgestone Ecopia low rolling-resistance tires
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.
|
|
Anatomy of a 4-season tire
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.
|
|
The ins and outs of tire balancing
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.
|
|
Good car maintenance = better gas mileage
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.
|
|
The truth about nitrogen inflation
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.
|
|
What is a pure summer tire?
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 to choose SUV tires
Are all SUV tires the same? Not sure what to replace your OE tires with now that they're worn out? Did you know that performance tires exist for SUVs? Watch this video to find out more.
|
|
Understanding tire inflation
How critical is tire inflation? Jay Zinniger from Talon Tire explains the importance of maintaining the proper pressure in your expensive tires.
|
|
How to read tires sizes and specifications?
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.
|
|
What makes a winter tire effective in winter?
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.
|
|
Engine oil 101
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.
|
|
All-terrain commercial light-duty truck tire evaluations
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.
|
|
Off-road light-duty truck tire evaluations
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.
|
|
All-terrain light-duty truck tire evaluations
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.
|
|
Low rolling resistance tires: are they worth it?
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?
|
|
Summer performance light-duty truck tire evaluations
These tires are designed to give SUVs, crossovers and other light-duty trucks a sporty look. They offer excellent performance on wet or dry pavement. Their aggressively-styled tread considerably improves handling, but like any summer tire, they are not suited for driving on snow and ice nor at temperatures near the freezing point.
|
|
All-season performance light-duty truck tire evaluations
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.
|
|
All-season light-duty truck tire evaluations
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.
|
|
Windshields 101: cracks, risks, repairs and insurance
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.
|
|
The 10 commandments of car washing
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 tire evaluations
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 tire evaluations
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 tire evaluations
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 tire evaluations
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.
|
|
Bridgestone launches 3 new ultra-high-performance tires
As the sun shines brighter and hotter, many car owners will need new tires for the summer. Sporty driving enthusiasts will be happy to learn that Bridgestone just added three ultra-high-performance models to its Potenza lineup.
|
|
New 2011 tire models in Canada - All-terrain light truck tires
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.
|
|
New 2011 tire models in Canada - High-performance summer tires
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.
|
|
Nokian sets new speed record on ice with Audi RS6
The world record for fastest car on ice (330.695 km/h) set by the Bentley Continental Supersports didn't last very long. On March 6, Finnish tire manufacturer Nokian reached a top speed of 331.610 km/h on the Gulf of Bothnia in Oulu, Finland.
|
|
|
|
|