mecano-autoworks

The Essential Guide to Fluid Services for Your Vehicle

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:02:29 GMT

Ensure your car runs smoothly with expert fluid services at Mecano Autoworks in Mississauga, ON. Call us today to book your service!

Ensuring a Cool Ride: Air Conditioning Services

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:02:27 GMT

Expert auto air conditioning services in Mississauga at Mecano Autoworks. Stay cool and comfortable. Visit us today!

Elevate Your Drive: Comprehensive Tire Services At Mecano Autoworks in Mississauga

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 09:02:27 GMT

Discover top-notch tire services at Mecano Autoworks in Mississauga. From tire rotations to replacements, we ensure peak performance and safety. Schedule an online appointment now!

The Ultimate Guide to Expert Brake Services at Mecano Autoworks in Mississauga, ON

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:20:58 GMT

Discover top-notch brake services at Mecano Autoworks in Mississauga, ON. Trust us for quality repairs. Visit us today!

The Importance of Automotive Diagnostics: How Mecano Autoworks in Mississauga Keeps Your Car Running Smoothly

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:05:44 GMT

Discover expert automotive diagnostics at Mecano Autoworks in Mississauga, ON. Enhance vehicle health today. Schedule an online appointment now.

Mastering Your Vehicle's Electrical System: Expert Tips from Mecano Autoworks

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:04:37 GMT

Explore top-tier electrical services at Mecano Autoworks in Mississauga. Ensure your vehicle's electrical system is performing optimally. Visit us today!

Understanding the Importance of Regular Fluid Services for Your Vehicle

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 09:03:02 GMT

Enhance your vehicle's performance with Mecano Autoworks' specialized fluid services in Mississauga, ON. Schedule an online appointment now!

Stay Cool on the Road: Expert Air Conditioning Services in Mississauga, ON

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:04:26 GMT

Discover expert auto air conditioning services at Mecano Autoworks in Mississauga. Stay cool and comfortable on the road. Schedule an appointment today!

The Ultimate Guide to Tire Services: Enhance Your Vehicle's Performance in Mississauga with Mecano Autoworks

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:04:29 GMT

Discover expert tire services at Mecano Autoworks in Mississauga, ON. Enhance your drive with top-notch care. Schedule an appointment today!

Why Top-Quality Brake Services Are Essential for Your Safety

Wed, 28 May 2025 09:04:17 GMT

Expert brake services in Mississauga. Mecano Autoworks ensures safety and quality. Visit us for top-notch brake maintenance or repair. Schedule an online appointment now!

Laser Rust Cleaning for Automobiles: A Game-Changer for Toronto's Harsh Weather

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:00:38 GMT

Why Laser Rust Removal is the Future of Automotive Maintenance

Introduction

Toronto, Ontario, is known for its beautiful, diverse seasons, but with these come some of the most challenging weather conditions for automobile owners. From the harsh, salt-laden winters to the humid, rainy summers, cars in Toronto and surrounding areas face a relentless battle against rust. Traditional methods of rust removal can be tedious, costly, and often temporary solutions. Enter laser rust cleaning—a revolutionary technology that promises long-term benefits for automotive maintenance in adverse weather conditions.

Understanding Laser Rust Cleaning

Laser rust cleaning, or laser rust removal, is a process that uses high-powered laser beams to remove rust and other contaminants from metal surfaces. This method offers a non-contact, non-abrasive solution, making it highly efficient and precise. The technology works by directing a focused laser beam onto the rusted area, causing the rust to vaporize through rapid heating. This leaves the underlying metal intact and clean.

How It Works

The process involves the following steps:

• Preparation: The vehicle is prepared, and the areas affected by rust are identified.

• Laser Application: A laser cleaning machine is used to direct the laser beams precisely onto the rusted surfaces.

• Rust Removal: The laser energy causes the rust to heat up and vaporize, effectively removing it without damaging the metal underneath.

• Final Inspection: The treated areas are inspected to ensure all rust has been removed and the surface is smooth.

Advantages of Laser Rust Cleaning

Laser rust cleaning offers numerous benefits over traditional methods such as sandblasting or chemical treatments. Here are some key advantages:

1. Precision and Efficiency

Laser rust cleaning is highly precise, allowing for the targeted removal of rust without affecting surrounding areas. This precision reduces the risk of damage to the car's body and ensures that only the rusted portions are treated. The efficiency of the process also means that it can be completed in a shorter timeframe compared to traditional methods.

2. Environmentally Friendly

Unlike chemical rust removers, which can release harmful substances into the environment, laser rust cleaning is a clean, eco-friendly process. It does not involve the use of any chemicals or abrasives, reducing the environmental footprint.

3. Cost-Effective in the Long Run

While the initial investment in laser rust cleaning may be higher than traditional methods, the long-term benefits make it cost-effective. The process provides a more permanent solution to rust problems, reducing the need for frequent treatments and repairs. This longevity translates to savings for vehicle owners over time.

4. Non-Invasive and Safe

Because it is a non-contact method, laser rust cleaning does not cause abrasion or wear on the metal surface. This characteristic makes it a safer option for delicate parts of the vehicle. Additionally, it minimizes the risk of health hazards for technicians, as it does not produce harmful dust or fumes.

Long-Term Benefits in Adverse Weather Conditions

Toronto's weather conditions can be particularly harsh on automobiles, making rust prevention and treatment crucial for vehicle longevity. Here's how laser rust cleaning proves beneficial in such environments:

1. Durability Against Salt and Moisture

During Toronto's winter months, roads are often treated with salt to prevent ice formation. While effective for road safety, this salt is highly corrosive to vehicle metal surfaces. Laser rust cleaning provides a thorough removal of rust and a clean surface that can be effectively treated with protective coatings, enhancing durability against salt and moisture.

2. Enhanced Protection from Humidity

Summers in Toronto can be humid, leading to increased moisture levels that contribute to rust formation. By removing all traces of rust and properly treating the cleaned areas, laser rust cleaning helps in protecting the vehicle's metal surfaces from the adverse effects of humidity.

3. Improved Structural Integrity

Rust can significantly weaken the structural integrity of a vehicle over time. By eliminating rust at its root, laser rust cleaning helps maintain the strength and reliability of the car's body, ensuring it remains safe and roadworthy.

4. Aesthetic Appeal

In addition to its functional benefits, laser rust cleaning also enhances the aesthetic appeal of a vehicle. Rust can be an eyesore, detracting from the overall appearance of the car. With laser rust cleaning, cars can be restored to their original, pristine condition, which is particularly beneficial for collectors and enthusiasts who take pride in their vehicle's appearance.

Conclusion

Laser rust cleaning represents a significant advancement in automotive maintenance, offering a superior alternative to traditional rust removal methods. Its precision, efficiency, environmental benefits, and long-term cost-effectiveness make it an ideal solution for car owners in Toronto and other regions with adverse weather conditions. By investing in laser rust cleaning, vehicle owners can ensure their cars remain in optimal condition, withstand harsh weather, and enjoy a longer lifespan. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that laser rust cleaning will become a standard practice in the automotive industry, setting new benchmarks for maintenance and care.

Full Hybrid vs. Mild Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid vs. Electric: Key Differences Explained

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:40:17 GMT

FHEV, MHEV, PHEV, BEV, EV - WHAT do they all mean???

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, the push towards greener and more efficient driving technologies has given rise to a variety of vehicle options. Among these are full hybrids, mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles. Each type has unique characteristics, benefits, and terminologies used by different manufacturers. This blog aims to elucidate the key points of each type and the different names they go by.

Full Hybrid Vehicles

A full hybrid vehicle, also known as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The electric motor can power the vehicle on its own for short distances, work in tandem with the gasoline engine, or recharge the battery through regenerative braking. In terms of driveline operation, full hybrids typically have a complex system that allows seamless switching between the gasoline engine and the electric motor, or even using both simultaneously, depending on the driving conditions. This system enhances fuel economy, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Key Points:

• Can operate using the gasoline engine, electric motor, or both

• Regenerative braking helps recharge the battery

• Typically offers better fuel efficiency compared to conventional gasoline vehicles

Terms Used by Manufacturers:

• Toyota: Hybrid Synergy Drive

• Ford: Hybrid

• Honda: i-MMD (intelligent Multi-Mode Drive)

Mild Hybrid Vehicles

Mild hybrid vehicles, or mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV), incorporate a smaller electric motor that assists the gasoline engine. Unlike full hybrids, mild hybrids cannot run on electric power alone. The electric motor boosts the engine during acceleration and aids with start-stop functionality to enhance fuel efficiency. The driveline of a mild hybrid typically includes a belt-driven starter-generator, which allows the vehicle to shut off the gasoline engine when idling and restart it quickly when needed. This system provides a smoother and more efficient driving experience without the complexity of a full hybrid system.

Key Points:

• Electric motor assists but does not independently power the vehicle

• Improves fuel economy and reduces emissions

• Typically less expensive than full hybrids

Terms Used by Manufacturers:

• Mercedes-Benz: EQ Boost

• Volvo: B5/B6 Mild Hybrid

• Audi: 48V Mild Hybrid

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) feature a larger battery compared to full and mild hybrids, enabling them to drive longer distances on electric power alone. PHEVs can be recharged via an external power source, such as a charging station or standard electrical outlet, providing greater flexibility and reduced reliance on the gasoline engine. The driveline of a plug-in hybrid is designed to maximize the use of electric power, with the gasoline engine stepping in when the battery is depleted or when additional power is needed. This dual capability allows for significant fuel savings and lower emissions, particularly for short commutes and city driving.

Key Points:

• Can drive significant distances on electric power alone

• Requires external charging in some cases

• Offers the benefits of both electric and gasoline engines

Terms Used by Manufacturers:

• Volvo: XC60/XC90 Recharge

• BMW: iPerformance

• Hyundai: Plug-in Hybrid

Fully Electric Vehicles

Fully electric vehicles (EV) rely entirely on electric power, with no gasoline engine. They produce zero emissions and are powered by large batteries that can be recharged using various charging methods. EVs are known for their quiet operation, instant torque, and growing range capabilities as battery technology advances. The driveline of an electric vehicle is relatively simple compared to hybrids, as it consists of an electric motor directly driving the wheels. This simplicity results in fewer moving parts, lower maintenance costs, and a smoother driving experience with immediate acceleration.

Key Points:

• Powered solely by electricity

• Zero emissions and environmentally friendly

• Requires access to charging infrastructure

Terms Used by Manufacturers:

• Tesla: Model S/Model 3/Model X/Model Y

• Nissan: Leaf

• Volkswagen: ID.4

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between full hybrids, mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles can help consumers make informed decisions based on their driving needs and environmental considerations. Each type offers distinct advantages and terminologies that highlight the innovation and diversity within the automotive industry.

The conventional engine, long the backbone of the automotive industry, offers unmatched reliability and widespread refueling infrastructure. With decades of refinement, these engines deliver robust performance, ease of maintenance, and a familiarity that many drivers appreciate. They are also known for their ability to achieve high speeds and long driving ranges without the need for frequent stops.

Hybrid vehicles, on the other hand, combine the best of both worlds by integrating a conventional engine with an electric motor. This synergy allows for improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and the ability to switch seamlessly between power sources. Hybrids are particularly advantageous in urban settings, where they can utilize electric power for short trips and switch to the gasoline engine for longer distances, thus optimizing fuel consumption.

Mild hybrids take a more subtle approach by using an electric motor to assist the conventional engine rather than driving the vehicle independently. This assistance can enhance fuel economy, reduce emissions, and provide a smoother driving experience by filling in torque gaps and enabling features like start-stop systems. Mild hybrids are often more affordable than full hybrids and do not require significant changes to the driving or refueling habits of consumers.

Plug-in hybrids offer the flexibility of both electric and gasoline power with the added benefit of a larger battery that can be charged externally. This allows for extended electric-only driving ranges, making them ideal for daily commutes and reducing the reliance on gasoline. When the electric range is depleted, the vehicle continues operating as a hybrid, ensuring that drivers are never without power. Plug-in hybrids thus offer a transitional solution for those looking to minimize their carbon footprint without fully committing to an electric vehicle.

Fully electric vehicles represent the pinnacle of environmentally conscious driving, producing zero emissions and offering the quietest and smoothest rides. Powered solely by electricity, they eliminate the need for fossil fuels and significantly reduce air pollution. With advancements in battery technology, electric vehicles now boast impressive ranges and rapid charging capabilities, making them increasingly practical for daily use. The growing network of charging stations further enhances their appeal, positioning electric vehicles as the future of sustainable transportation.

Hydrogen Vehicles - The Future?

Hydrogen vehicles, also known as fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), present a compelling alternative in the quest for sustainable transportation. These vehicles use hydrogen gas to produce electricity through a chemical reaction in a fuel cell, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct.

Advantages of Hydrogen Vehicles

One of the primary advantages of hydrogen vehicles is their environmental friendliness. Since the only emission is water, they contribute significantly to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, hydrogen vehicles boast fast refueling times comparable to conventional gasoline cars, often taking just 3 to 5 minutes to fill up, which is a considerable advantage over the longer charging times associated with battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Hydrogen vehicles also offer impressive driving ranges, often exceeding 300 miles on a single tank, making them suitable for long-distance travel without the range anxiety that can accompany BEVs. The performance of hydrogen vehicles is noteworthy as well, delivering smooth and quiet rides with instant torque and acceleration.

Disadvantages of Hydrogen Vehicles

Despite these advantages, there are several challenges associated with hydrogen vehicles. One of the most significant disadvantages is the limited availability of refueling infrastructure. Hydrogen refueling stations are sparse and predominantly located in certain regions, making it challenging for owners to find convenient refueling locations, especially in rural or underserved areas. This lack of infrastructure can hinder the widespread adoption of hydrogen vehicles.

Another drawback is the high cost of production and purchase. Hydrogen vehicles are currently more expensive than their gasoline and electric counterparts due to the complex and costly technology involved in fuel cell production. Additionally, the production and transportation of hydrogen fuel can be energy-intensive and expensive, further adding to the overall cost.

Charging Infrastructure

The infrastructure for hydrogen refueling is still in its infancy, with efforts primarily concentrated in regions like California, Japan, and parts of Europe. Governments and private companies are investing in expanding the network of hydrogen stations, but it remains limited compared to the rapidly growing infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. The development of more hydrogen refueling stations is crucial for the broader adoption of hydrogen vehicles and will require significant investment and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

In conclusion, while hydrogen vehicles offer numerous environmental and performance benefits, the current market presents challenges in terms of infrastructure and cost. Continued advancements in technology and infrastructure development will be key to making hydrogen vehicles a more viable and attractive option for consumers in the future.

Common Car Maintenance Myths - Debunked

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 11:12:00 GMT

Myth: You should change your oil every 5,000 KM.

Debunked: While this was once the standard recommendation, most modern cars can go longer between oil changes. Consult your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended oil change interval, which is typically between 5,000 to 10,000 KM depending on driving conditions and the type of oil used. Most synthetic engine oils and filters are designed to last much longer than 5,000 KM and can save you money in the long run.

Myth: Premium gasoline improves performance in all cars.

Debunked: Premium gasoline is only necessary for vehicles that specifically require it, typically high-performance or turbocharged engines. Using premium fuel in a car designed for regular unleaded won't provide any benefits and would be a waste of money.

Myth: Letting your car idle warms up the engine faster.

Debunked: Idling your car to warm up the engine is unnecessary and can actually be harmful. Modern engines warm up faster when driven gently, allowing oil to circulate more quickly and reducing wear on engine components.

Myth: You should replace all four tires at once.

Debunked: While it's ideal to replace all tires simultaneously for optimal performance, it's not always necessary. If only one or two tires are worn or damaged, they can be replaced individually as long as they match the remaining tires in terms of size, tread pattern, and wear. That being said, when it is time to switch your summer tires to winter tires, you should always be replacing all 4 tires as replacing 2 summer tires with winter tires and hoping to save some money can lead to dangerous driving conditions where 2 tires might maintain traction and 2 tires might lose traction causing loss of control of the vehicle.

Myth: Premium aftermarket parts are always better than OEM parts.

Debunked: Aftermarket parts mostly offer comparable quality and performance to OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts, but this isn't always the case. OEM parts are specifically designed for your car and are often the best choice for ensuring proper fit and function. It's essential to research and choose reputable aftermarket brands if opting for non-OEM parts.

At the end of the day, you can choose to follow your vehicle's owner's manual and perform required services as you see fit or you could follow the old myths and continue to perform basic car maintenance. It is your vehicle and how you choose to service your vehicle is your choice, we can only provide good advice and help you maintain your vehicle to the best of our ability.

The Importance of Regular Oil Changes: A Comprehensive Guide

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 11:09:09 GMT

In the fast-paced world we live in today, it can be easy to overlook the significance of maintaining your vehicle properly. One often neglected yet crucial aspect of car maintenance is ensuring regular oil changes. Being confident in the knowledge that staying on top of this simple task can greatly impact your vehicle's performance and longevity, we dive into the top reasons why regular oil changes are non-negotiable for every vehicle owner.

1. Lubrication - The Heart of Your Engine

Oil serves as the lifeblood of your vehicle's engine, ensuring all moving parts work together seamlessly by reducing friction. Over time, oil breaks down and loses its lubricating properties, leading to increased wear and tear on vital engine components. Regular oil changes guarantee that your engine stays well-lubricated, preventing unnecessary strain and potential damage.

2. Temperature Regulation - Keeping Cool Under Pressure

Apart from lubricating engine components, oil plays a vital role in regulating temperature within the engine. As you drive, your engine can reach high temperatures, and oil helps dissipate this heat. Fresh oil has the capacity to absorb heat efficiently, preventing overheating and subsequent engine malfunctions. By changing your oil regularly, you ensure that your engine stays cool and performs optimally.

3. Improved Fuel Efficiency - Driving Further for Less

Inefficient oil can lead to increased fuel consumption due to the added strain on the engine. Dirty or old oil causes the engine to work harder, burning more fuel to maintain performance. By adhering to a routine oil change schedule, you not only maintain peak fuel efficiency but also save money in the long run by reducing your visits to the gas station.

4. Extended Engine Life - Investing in Longevity

A well-maintained engine is bound to have a longer life span. Regular oil changes protect engine components from excessive wear and build-up of harmful deposits, ensuring that your vehicle's heart remains healthy and operational for years to come. Taking the time to invest in oil changes can save you from costly engine repairs down the road.

5. Environmental Impact - Driving Greener

Beyond the individual benefits, regular oil changes contribute to a cleaner environment. Clean oil reduces harmful emissions produced by a poorly maintained engine, minimizing your vehicle's negative impact on the environment. By staying diligent with oil changes, not only do you protect your engine, but you also play a part in driving greener.

In conclusion, the importance of regular oil changes cannot be overstated. By prioritizing this simple maintenance task, you ensure your vehicle operates at its best, maximizes fuel efficiency, and contributes to a cleaner environment. Remember, maintaining your car's health through regular oil changes is not just an expense; it's an investment in the longevity and performance of your vehicle.

So, don't wait until it's too late. Schedule your next oil change today and drive with confidence knowing that your vehicle is in top-notch condition.

Drive smart, drive safe, and drive for a better tomorrow!

OES VS OEM VS Aftermarket - Difference Between Car Parts

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 11:13:17 GMT

This battle has been going on for as long as I can remember since I started my carrier in the auto repair industry over 10 years ago, but I’m sure, it started long before that. Although the three have their pros and cons, one should pay close attention to what they are getting into. Let’s see what they stand for:

OES, or original equipment supplier, car parts are usually more expensive than their aftermarket counterparts, and for a good reason. They have been tested by the manufacturer, provide good warranty coverage in case the part fails and performance is usually optimized for the vehicles. These parts are only available from the dealership of a specific automobile manufacturer.

Aftermarket parts are cheaper than the OES versions and are designed by companies that may or may not be directly related to the OES manufacturer. Although aftermarket parts are widely available through many part stores including big ones such as PartSource, NAPA, etc and small local independent part stores, the quality and warranty coverage of these parts varies widely depending upon the manufacturer. Not all aftermarket parts are of bad quality and not all aftermarket parts are made with quality in mind, so buyer must be beware of the parts they are installing in their vehicles.

OEM parts, now that’s something of interest. These are the companies that make OES parts for some brands but could not for other manufacturer. So, they end up manufacturing very good quality products for auto manufacturers that they are not the OES suppliers for. The cost of these products is usually less than OES products, but offer very good warranty as they have a reputation to protect. They are also extensively tested for proper fitting and performance on different vehicles to ensure a worry free installation.

Difference between an OES and aftermarket part

A good mechanic should be able to tell you what parts came installed from factory and what replacement part would be a good choice for your vehicle. Installing a part of less than optimal quality could cause major headaches down the road, especially for parts that are essential for proper operation of a vehicle. A poorly manufactured alternator could leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere on a cold winter night, or $20 brake rotors and pads could drastically reduce the braking performance of your vehicle while causing embarrassment as you squeal to a stop at the lights.

Installing the right parts built by reputable manufacturer might cost slightly more than the cheaper aftermarket variant but could save you an expensive tow bill or save a crash when someone jumps a light but you could stop quick enough to prevent it.

MIL a.k.a check engine light

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 11:14:56 GMT

Most people look at the MIL or the dreaded “check engine light” as a sign of evil. They call out to the God with phrases like “not you again” or “oh $#!+” following shortly after. The truth is that the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) is actually a friend with a case of mistaken identity. As the name suggests, it is a lamp in the instrument cluster (gauge cluster) designed to come on when the extremely smart and sophisticated ECM (engine control module; computer) realizes that there is a system in the vehicle that is not functioning the way it is supposed to and may cause damage to crucial engine components.

The ECM looks at every aspect of the engine’s performance and makes very fine tuned adjustments to keep the engine running at its best. But, when one of the sensors gives a faulty reading, the ECM tries to compensate for it for as long as it can, before throwing on the MIL. While this is the normal way for the ECM to react to the faulty readings, it may in some cases cause the engine to perform very poorly and may even prevent you from driving the vehicle safely. For example, you may not be able to accelerate, you may not be able to go over a certain speed or the vehicle may idle very rough. If left unattended, a fault code in the ECM may lead to expensive repairs and unnecessary parts replacement that could have been avoided.

The purpose of the MIL is to caution you about the possibility of poor emissions from the vehicle due to a sensor or system malfunction. Now we all want to keep mother earth as clean and fresh as possible and want to help in any way we can, so ignoring an illuminated MIL would be doing the exact opposite. When the MIL is illuminated, your vehicle is not running at its optimal. Your fuel consumption could increase many folds causing excessive unburnt hydrocarbons (nasty black exhaust residue made of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon) to exit the tail pipe of the vehicle and be released into the atmosphere. Elevated levels of NO, CO, CO2 and other harmful and toxic gases also escape the tail pipe roaming freely in the atmosphere, which are responsible for increasing the greenhouse effect of the planet (global warming) and depletion of the ozone layer, which is our only defense against the extremely dangerous UV rays of the sun.

So, ignoring the MIL has so far caused you to use more fossil fuel which powers the engine, your wallet has gotten lighter rather quickly and also caused some amount of damage to the atmosphere. Now it may not seem like your 1 car can do much damage, but what if there are others who have left their MIL unscanned and unrepaired. Let’s put this in perspective, shall we. In the year 2005, there were a total of 17.9 million light vehicles registered in The Great North as per Natural resources Canada. If only 1% of those vehicles had their MIL’s illuminated for one or more reasons, that’s 170,000 light vehicles not running as efficiently as they should, burning more fuel than they need to and causing excessive pollution in our country. How about another simple calculation? From my personal experience, my 2002 Chrysler 300M would only go 400 kms per tank when the MIL was illuminated as opposed to 500 kms when it was running smoothly. If my fuel tank took 60 L of fuel, it gives me a consumption of 12 L/100 kms when my car was running fine, but when it wasn’t; I was using an extra 3 L of fuel to go the same distance. Hmm, doesn’t seem like much. But let’s include the other 1% drivers like me and assume they all used the same 3 L of extra fuel on an average. Combined together, we wasted 510,000 L of gasoline. That’s 8,500 gas tank fill ups with a capacity of 60 L wasted, or 4.2 million kms of driving distance that I couldn’t go in my Chrysler.

If the trend continued and more and more people started ignoring their MILs, how long would it take for us to tip the delicate balance of our atmosphere? Frankly, I do not have an answer for that, and neither do I want to know because sometimes ignorance is bliss. But at least I know I’m doing my part by keeping my vehicles running at their very best and tackling the issue that cause the MIL to show up.

There are multiple reasons for the MIL to illuminate, loose gas cap, faulty oxygen sensor, one or more cylinder misfiring are among the most common. Although, in most cases it would be ok for you to drive your vehicle to the repair center and get diagnostic performed on the vehicle to find out the cause of MIL, in case of a misfire when you have a flashing MIL, the vehicle should not be driven and the engine should be turned off as soon as it is safe to do so. Continuing to drive the vehicle when the MIL is flashing is an indication that one or more cylinders are not able to combust gasoline in the engine and as a result unburnt gasoline has been sent to the exhaust pipe. But before it goes out the exhaust tip, it’ll have to pass through the catalytic converter which can be as hot as 500 degree Celsius and will burn the gasoline instantly, something it is not designed to do, as this leads to the catalytic converter getting even hotter and melting its honeycomb arrangement of precious metal into a lump and rendering itself useless causing the vehicle to run poorly, burning more fuel and not be able to take care of the toxic exhaust fumes. This will in turn cause you to dish out lots of dollars to get the cats replaced. So once again, acknowledging and repairing the cause of the MIL can save money and the environment.

So, essentially the MIL is designed to save you money while saving the environment at the same time. But, how do you know what the MIL is trying to tell you. There’s a whole bunch of small scale ECM scanners that could look up the code and give you a description, and that’s it. These small scanners cannot perform much of the diagnostics and even viewing live data from the ECM is usually very slow to be of any use. A proper scanner can tell you the code, a description of it and will be able to perform active tests to see what part needs to be replaced. These scanners can also check other systems of the vehicle and perform testing on those as well for example SRS, ABS, Hybrid systems, etc. But, they come at high costs and are not a reasonable purchase for the common household. So, if you have an illuminated MIL and want to get it checked out, visit us at Mecano Autoworks Inc. and we’ll gladly hook up our scan tool to tell you what the ECM is trying to tell you.

How do I know my brakes are worn out?

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 11:16:41 GMT

Modern automobiles are equipped with very sophisticated braking systems with acronyms like ABS, VSC, BAS, ABA, EBD, SBS, and so on, but the basic components required to stop the vehicle have pretty much remained the same, although they look very different from their ancestors when brakes were first installed on an automobile all the way back in 1902. You require a component that rotates with the wheels of the vehicle, in this case a drum or a rotor, a mounted clamping device and friction material, which would be your brake shoes or brake pads. Although, most common automobiles have switched over from the drum and brake shoe combo to a more innovative and cheaper brake rotor and pads setup, the drum/shoe setup still does exist in the automobile world in some antique and economy models.

A quick way to know if your brake pads are worn out is to quickly look through the rims and look at the friction material on the brake pads left. But that doesn’t tell you what’s happening on the dark side of the caliper. But wait, what’s a caliper?

A caliper is the clamping device that squeezes the brake pads on either side of the rotating brake disc (rotor) to slow down, hold the vehicle in its place or help you save the neighbor's cat when you jump on that brake pedal. It can be made of various different metals and comes in many different shapes and colors. Here in Ontario, and almost everywhere else in Canada, most of them look like an old piece of metal with some surface rust peeking at you through the rim spokes. There’s not much one can do to check it’s proper functionality unless you put the vehicle up on a lift, remove the wheels and inspect it visually and physically.

So, coming back to checking the life remaining on your brakes, it appears that it’s not just a simple look at the outboard brake pads and playing a guessing game. A thorough brake inspection will include inspecting the friction material remaining on the inboard and outboard brake pads/shoes, quality, thickness and runout of the brake rotors/drums, ensuring the pads aren’t seized in the pad bracket due to corrosion, broken, rusted or missing shims, springs, adjusters and other hardware, inspecting the caliper for rips or tears in the rubber dust boots and the cylinder for proper movement without sticking and leaks, slider pins for signs of corrosion and adequate grease and also, the brake fluid that transfers the pressure from your foot to the brake calipers and the brake lines that it uses. A stich in time saves nine, but a brake inspection on regular basis or before a long trip can save hundreds, if not more, amount of dollars.