 Weather conditions are beyond our control, but what we can definitely do is be smart and prepare our vehicles to ensure safety. In general, it is good to maintain your vehicle throughout the year, but we are focusing on the heatwave to keep you safe and sane.
In this blog we'll talk about the car components that require Extra Attention and why.
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 Two-wheel and four-wheel drive are somewhat intuitive automotive concepts. It makes sense that the engine turns two wheels in a two-wheel-drive vehicle and four in a four-wheel-drive car. That said, the uses for these two drivetrains are not immediately obvious, and each carries costs and benefits. To understand the difference between two-wheel and four-wheel drive, read our brief blog.  Photo by: Averie Woodard There’s a lifetime’s worth of exploring to do in Canada, and when the summer kicks in, many families take an opportunity to explore the great outdoors! But like any major endeavor, a road trip needs some preparation! After all, you’re relying on one thing to get you from home to a new adventure — your trusty metal steed. (That’s your car, of course.) If a tire blows or your radiator overheats, you could be in for some unpleasant scenery as you wait for rescue by the side of the highway. A tow-truck ride is a dispiriting end to an otherwise delightful vacation day! So before you set out, sit down and make a list. What do you need to do to prepare your car for a road trip? Have a roadside Assistance KitStart with the worst-case scenario first. If you do break down by the side of the road, you’ll need to be prepared to wait as long as it takes to get help — even if that’s overnight. Make sure your phone is charged before you set out, that you have a car charger, and that you have what you need in case of a roadside emergency. Your kit should include staples like a first-aid items, a flashlight, gloves and a tire iron, as well as emergency items like: chargers, flashlights, a gas can with backup fuel, a first aid kit, bottled water, blankets, and non-perishable snacks in your vehicle. These items should be a part of your road trip packing list. These items will come in handy if anything goes wrong, causing you to break down.  You should have car repair necessities as jumper cabler, tire sealer/inflator, light sicks, reflective vest, warning triangle, tire pressure gauge, tools, etc. but be sure to keep a well-maintained spare tire in your trunk in case of a blowout. Being safe on the road is a priority. Inspect Your TiresWhatever you do, don’t start a road trip with worn-out tires. It’s dangerous, not just to you, but to other drivers on the road. If you see cracking, bulges or bubbles on the sidewall, that’s a warning sign. So is a thin tread. Depending on how long a road trip you’re planning, the miles you put on your old tires might just mean the end of the line for them. Don’t chance it — get ahead of the problem before you start your trip, and get new tires if you need them. Properly Inflate Your Tires This one seems simple, but you’d be surprised how often people forget to do it. Before you start out, get your tire pressure gauge (you do have one, right?), and check the air pressure in your tires. If your tires came with your car from the factory, the recommended air pressure will probably be included in your car owner’s manual. If they’re low, fill the tires up to the correct pressure. This will ensure that all tires are operating evenly, so that you don’t experience alignment problems as your road trip continues. Check All Your Car Fluids Most people remember to check their oil, but how about checking the rest of your fluids? Coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and window-washing fluid are all vital parts of your car’s operation. (Okay, so window-washing fluid isn’t vital, exactly, but it sure is convenient to have when you’re rolling down a beach road being peppered by bugs.) Make sure all your fluids are properly topped off. If you don’t know how to do it yourself, no problem — it’s an easy, quick fix at National Tire Wholesale! Check Your Windshield Wipers. If you’ve noticed streaks on your windshield the last few times it’s rained, you probably need new wipers. Not sure? It’s good to double-check. Pick up each wiper and look for signs of discoloration, cracking or jagged edges on the rubber of the wiper blade — the part that actually contacts the windshield. If you need new wipers, don’t wait until you’re at the top of that majestic mountain pass in a thunderstorm to find out! You can replace them easily yourself, or let the experts at National Tire Wholesale do the job! Have you started doing these things already? Then pack your car and turn up the radio, because it’s time for some road-trip fun! National Tire Wholesale hopes that wherever your wandering heart takes you, you have a blast — and do it safely! Book Your AppointmentDon't wait for the rush, Book your appointment and we'll get your car ready for your summer road trips. You won't be disappointed!   For optimal safety and performance, it's strongly recommended that the same tires should be placed on every wheel position on your car. Mixed tires might force you to replace them earlier than expected. Identical tires will provide traction, grip, and overall safety. Tires play an integral role in every vehicle's comfort and handling capabilities. It is always best to drive on tires that are identical in every detail. Examples of mismatched tires include mixing:
A Matched Tire Set is BestFor optimal safety and performance, it's strongly recommended that the same tires should be placed on every wheel position on your car. Tires should be the same brand, size, tread pattern, load index, and speed rating on the front and rear. This helps you maintain optimum control and stability for your vehicle. Mismatched tire sizes and constructions can be dangerous. Our tire experts always recommend following the vehicle manufacturer's specifications for proper tire size, load index, and other specifications when choosing new tires for your car, truck or SUV. Note: Unless the tire and/or vehicle manufacturer specifies that this is acceptable. (Some vehicles have what is known as a “staggered fitment" -- different-sized tires on the front and rear axles.) Matched Tires = More Even WearIn addition to maintaining control and stability, having a uniform set of tires lets you rotate them regularly. This helps the tires wear evenly, extending their life and making the most of your investment. But even with regular rotations, your tires can still wear unevenly if your vehicle has different-sized tires on the front and back (the “staggered fitment” we mentioned earlier), has an alignment or other mechanical problem, or if you don't keep up with maintenance. Even driving conditions can cause uneven wear. You could also lose an individual tire to puncture or other irreparable damage. In this case, you may need to decide whether to buy one or more new tires to replace the worn and/or damaged tires, or whether to buy a complete set, forfeiting the remaining life on the non-damaged tires. So is it okay to replace just one or two tires -- or do you need a whole new set? It's always going to be best to replace all the tires at the same time, because it will restore the vehicle's handling and traction to optimum levels. However, this is also expensive, so we know it's not always possible. If you decide to replace one or two of the tires, the best choice is to replace them with the exact same brand, style, and size that are already on the vehicle. If this is possible, the dimensions, internal construction, materials, and tread design will be nearly identical to the tires you are replacing. If it's not possible (for example, if the tire is no longer available), the next best option is to choose tires in the same performance category with equivalent load ratings, speed ratings, handling, and traction characteristics as the original tires. The third option -- choosing alternative tires that don't match any of the characteristics of your original tires -- should only be used as a last resort or in an emergency. Using tires with different performance characteristics, load ratings, speed ratings, or sizes can cause the vehicle's handling to become unbalanced, especially in bad weather. Why Not to Mix Tires?Uneven Tread Wear - Routine tire rotations and wheel alignments will provide uniform wearing on all tires. Mixing tires will cause uneven weight distribution across the four wheels, and some tires will wear out faster than the others. Poor Handling - Mixed tires can make it challenging to drive. The tires on your vehicle are designed with traction and handling properties. Mixing tires with varying sizes, designs, and tread patterns will cause vehicle handling and braking issues. Poor handling makes for unstable driving conditions and increases your risk for accidents on the road. Limited Performance - Mix-matched tires will not work together effectively for smooth and safe driving. This can prevent your vehicle from reaching optimum driving performance, limiting its acceleration rate, maximum speed, and load capacity. Industry leaders recommend replacing all four tires at the same time or at least two on the rear of the vehicle. If You Need New Tires, Contact UsMixed tires might force you to replace them earlier than expected. Identical tires will provide traction, grip, and overall safety. Tires play an integral role in every vehicle's comfort and handling capabilities. It is always best to drive on tires that are identical in every detail. If your car, truck or SUV is in need of new tires and you are unsure of what would be best, we’re always here to answer your questions. Reach out to our NTW experts today!  You won't be dissapointed! Photo by: @masonjonesphoto Knowing when to change over to winter tires depends on various factors including temperature and provincial regulations. We’ll help you get a grip on when to swap out your winter tires here in Vancouver BC and Lower Mainland. Your vehicle will benefit from having tires fitted to the wheels that are specifically intended for your driving habits and regional weather conditions. Winter tires or chains are required on most routes in British Columbia from October 1 to April 30. For select highways not located through mountain passes and/or high snowfall areas, tire and chain requirements end March 31. These routes are marked with regulatory signs posted on highways throughout the province. Driving In The Lower Mainland & Southeastern Vancouver IslandDue to a more temperate winter climate in the Lower Mainland and southeastern Vancouver Island, drivers are not required to use winter tires in many areas along the coast. See the South Coast Map for places where winter tires are needed, such as the Malahat. Remember, you are responsible for equipping your vehicle properly for the conditions you are driving in. Many drivers choose to use M+S tires year-round. Remember: If you plan to travel outside the Lower Mainland and southeastern Vancouver Island, winter tires are required on most highways. When Do You Take Winter Tires Off?Driving on winter tires when the thermometer starts to head north can be destructive. Winter tires are designed to perform best on ice and snow, not when the asphalt is hot from the sun. It’s not only unsafe, but it will also cost you money because the winter tires will degrade faster. Therefore, it’s imperative to change back to your normal tires at the right time. Unless you live in areas of BC (March 31), use the 7 degrees Celsius rule to know when to change back to standard tires in the spring. If the temperature heads above 7 degrees, make your appointment at NTW for a changeover or possibly do it yourself if possible. When Do You Need Summer Tires?During the warmer season, where temperatures climb above 7 °C, you should fit your wheels with summer tires. They provide high grip levels on wet and dry roads through their dedicated tread patterns and tread compounds. Summer tires also provide high stability in curves and optimal mileage performance at summer temperatures. This means you can confidently drive your car on both dry and wet slippery roads during the warmer months. Remember, however, that summer tires are not suitable for winter conditions, so be sure to switch your tires when the season calls for it. What Tools Do You Need To Change Winter Tires?If you’re the DIY type and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, then changing over your winter tires can be a fun project. While it’s technically possible to use the tire changing tools that come with your car, it’s safer to use the proper gear:
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 The Morris family enjoying an open-air drive along Jasper Avenue in the first car registered in Alberta. The development of vehicle technologies have brought significant improvements to road safety. However, vehicles weren’t always as safe to drive as they are today. In fact, there was a time when people drove around in them without any protection at all. Here is a brief overview of the evolution of vehicle safety and how important it is that these developments continue for years to come.
 Your car mechanic should be able to make you feel confident that your car is in the right hands. Given how much you invest in car repairs and the kind of quality work you expect, you should carefully select your mechanic. 1. Locating The Right Tire ShopLet’s start by picking the right center for your car repair. Narrow your search down with the type of auto repair shop that fits your service requirement. It could be a local shop or a bigger one. For the right service centre you need to ask a few questions, gather a few recommendations from around, ask from your friends and family, check out the shop’s details online, and go through the website to check services. Go for the word of mouth recommendations and check other customer’s reviews. You Should Also Consider Supporting Your Local Tire Shop All of these will help you locate a service shop you can trust. You will need to check a few other criteria that fit your requirement, e.g. if they work on your car’s brand repairs or not, or for the availability of particular service work on your specific car model, or if they carry the tires and wheels you are looking for. Services we offer:
Acquire Essential KnowledgeGetting familiar with the topic of our concern or interest before approaching a mechanic will aid you in making a reasonable decision on the subject. Don't worry about acquiring all the knowledge in a day, but you should have the basics. The owner’s manual that came with your car will come handy at this point so that you are well aware of the conditions in the process of choosing the right auto mechanic. We at National Tire Burnaby take pride in offering personal service Know your MechanicThe Next Step is selecting the mechanic for your car repairs or maintenance. You can ask questions related to the car service that is being undertaken and feel comfortable asking your mechanic to show you items or parts that are being replaced. Seems obvious, but you should never feel that you are being misinformed, overcharged or mistreated. Evaluate your DecisionWhen your car is need of a major repair like an engine replacement/repair, and you aren't sure or confident enough of leaving your car at the hands of a mechanic, you can start by going for a minor service check such as an oil change or brake works. Look for the details, and you can inquire more about Services and recommendations. Your vehicle is a big investment. An investment that you want to keep on the road. That's where NTW comes in. We won't try to sell you anything you don't need. At NTW you're in the driver's seat. Our technicians only recommend maintenance and repairs to keep you and your car safe -you decide if you want to go ahead. Give Us a Try! You Won't Be DisappointedAt NTW you'll find the Right Tires for your driving needs! Our technicians are here and ready to help you get your vehicle ready for every season. If you need more information, we’ve got your back.   Ahhh, winter. ‘Tis the season for snowball fights, holiday get-togethers, and white knuckles on the steering wheel as you hope and wish and pray that your car can make it up the steep, snow-covered road...! At this point, you’re probably convinced that you need winter tires (or, you’re at least strongly considering it). These are the factors you need to consider when you’re shopping for winter tires.
 Photo By: Roberto Nickson Because seasonal changes affect your vehicle in a multitude of ways, you'll want to keep up on regular vehicle maintenance, while also paying close attention to season-specific car care tasks. Fall is the ideal time for vehicle maintenance. Stay ahead and help your car transition into colder weather and rainy days ahead with our tips and services.
 If you want your car or truck to look cool, the best thing you can do for it is put on some new wheels. The wheels are the soul of the car and one of the first things that people notice. A sweet set of wheels can make a boring car look cool in an instant. Before you plunk down your hard-earned cash on a set, find what the different types of wheels are.
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