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How to Jumpstart a Car: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting stranded with a dead battery is a frustrating experience, but knowing how to jumpstart your car can save the day. At Speedwell, we’re here to empower drivers in Hamilton with practical knowledge. This post will walk you through the steps to safely jumpstart your car and get back on the road.What You’ll NeedJumper cablesA second vehicle with a charged batteryA safe location to perform the jumpstartStep-by-Step InstructionsPosition the VehiclesPark the two cars close enough for the jum...

How to Improve Your Car's Fuel Efficiency: 6 Expert Tips from a Hamilton Mechanic

With rising fuel costs and growing environmental concerns, improving your car's fuel efficiency is more important than ever. As a seasoned mechanic in Hamilton, I've helped countless drivers maximize their kilometres per litre. In this post, I'll share six expert tips to help you save money at the pump and reduce your carbon footprint.1. Keep Your Tyres Properly Inflated.Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder.Tip: Check your tyre pressure monthly...

Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking?

A shaking steering wheel is more than just an annoyance—it can be a warning sign of underlying issues that affect your car's safety and performance, whether the vibrations happen at high speeds. At the same time, braking, turning, and identifying the cause early can save you from costly repairs. Here are the most common reasons why your steering wheel might be shaking and what you can do about it.1. Unbalanced or Misaligned WheelsOne of the most common causes of steering wheel vibrations is un...

Why Is My Car Making Strange Noises?

Your car is designed to run smoothly and quietly, so when it starts making unusual sounds, it's often a sign that something isn't right. Ignoring these noises can lead to more significant, more expensive problems. Here are some common car sounds and what they might mean.1. Squealing or ScreechingIf you hear a high-pitched squeal when you brake, your pads may be worn out and need replacing. When you start your car or accelerate, a screeching noise could mean a loose or worn-out belt, such as a se...

How to Maintain Your Car’s Battery

Your car’s battery is essential for starting the engine and powering electrical components. Maintaining your battery will help extend its lifespan and avoid the frustration of being stuck with a dead battery.Signs Your Battery Needs AttentionSlow Engine CrankIf your car takes longer to start than usual, it could be a sign that the battery is weakening.Dashboard Warning LightMany cars have a battery warning light on the dashboard. If it turns on, it might indicate a problem with your battery or...

What Is Tyre Rotation and Why Is It Important?

Tyre rotation is a crucial part of your vehicle's maintenance routine. It helps ensure even wear across all four tyres, improving performance and safety and extending their lifespan.What Is Tyre Rotation?Tyre rotation involves moving the tires from one position to another on your vehicle, typically switching the front tyres with the rear ones. This process ensures that the tyres wear evenly, as each position on the car (front, back, left, right) experiences different pressure and wear patterns.W...

Why is My Car Overheating?

An overheating engine is a serious issue that can lead to costly repairs if not addressed quickly. If you notice your temperature gauge rising or steam coming from under the hood, it's important to act fast to prevent engine damage.Common Causes of OverheatingLow Coolant LevelsCoolant helps regulate engine temperature. Your engine can overheat if it's low due to a leak or evaporation.Faulty ThermostatThe thermostat controls the coolant flow. If it gets stuck closed, the coolant won't reach the e...

What Are the Signs of a Failing Alternator?

Your car’s alternator keeps the battery charged and powers essential electrical components. When it starts to fail, your vehicle can experience various issues that may leave you stranded. Knowing the warning signs early can save you from unexpected breakdowns.Common Signs of a Failing AlternatorDim or Flickering LightsIf your headlights or dashboard lights are dimming or flickering, your alternator may not supply enough power.Warning Light on the DashboardThe battery or charging system warning...

Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

The check engine light (CEL) can be a bit of a mystery for car owners. While it might seem like a minor issue, taking it seriously and understanding what it could mean for your car is important.Common Reasons for the Check Engine LightHere are some of the most common causes for your check engine light to turn on:1. Faulty Oxygen SensorYour car has oxygen sensors that monitor the air-fuel mixture in the engine. If the sensor is faulty, your car’s fuel efficiency can decrease, and the engine mig...

How Do I Know If My Brakes Need to Be Replaced?

Our brakes are one of your car's most important safety features, so knowing when to replace them is crucial. Here are the key signs that it's time for new brakes.Warning Signs of Worn Brakes🚨 Squeaking or Squealing Sounds – High-pitched noises when braking usually mean the brake pads are worn down and need replacing.🚨 Grinding Noises – A grinding sound indicates the brake pads are completely worn out and the metal components are rubbing against each other—this can damage the rotors.�...

How Often Should I Get My Car Serviced?

How Often Should I Get My Car Serviced?Regular car servicing is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and preventing costly repairs. But how often should you take your car in for maintenance?Manufacturer RecommendationsMost car manufacturers recommend servicing every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers or every 6 to 12 months, depending on which comes first. However, this can vary based on the type of vehicle, driving conditions, and the type of oil used. We recommend servicing every 10,00...

What is a WOF?

A Warrant of Fitness (WoF) Inspection is a regular safety check required for most vehicles to meet minimum road safety standards. It is conducted by certified inspectors at garages, testing stations, and mechanic shops.What Does a WoF Inspection Cover?A WoF inspection checks key components that affect vehicle safety, including:✔ Brakes – Must be in good working condition.✔ Tires – Proper tread depth (at least 1.5mm) and no visible damage.✔ Lights – Headlights, brake lights, indi...

What Is Flash Tuning?

If you’ve ever wanted to get more power or better fuel efficiency from your car, you may have heard of flash tuning. But what exactly is it, and how does it work?Understanding Flash TuningFlash tuning, also known as ECU remapping, is the process of modifying the software in your car’s engine control unit (ECU). The ECU controls various engine functions like fuel injection, ignition timing, and turbo boost. By adjusting these settings, flash tuning can improve performance, fuel economy, or ev...

How Often Should You Replace Brake Fluid?

Brake fluid is one of those things in your car that doesn’t get much attention—until there’s a problem. But keeping it fresh is crucial for your braking system to work correctly. So, how often should you change it?Why Brake Fluid MattersBrake fluid transfers the force from your foot on the brake pedal to the brakes themselves. Over time, it absorbs moisture from the air, which can lead to corrosion and reduced braking performance. Old brake fluid can also boil under extreme heat, making yo...