Winter’s just around the corner here in Victoria, and while the west (wet?) coast may escape a traditional Canadian winter, BC drivers aren’t exempt from the hazards of cold weather. Whether it’s a struggling engine or a surprise ice patch, dropping temperatures mean extra challenges for car owners everywhere.
Fortunately some simple care can go a long way in keeping your vehicle running smoothly this winter. Here are some of our favourite cold weather maintenance tips for cars! Read More
One of the most difficult conversations we can have with our elderly parents is about driving. Cars bring us independence in daily life, and the thought of having to give that up is frightening. However the prospect of seeing our loved ones in an accident can be equally upsetting. If you’ve recently become concerned about the driving habits of a parent or think it may be time for them give up driving altogether, here are some ways to bring up the topic before the unthinkable happens.
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You’re running late. Thermos in one hand, fingers digging frantically for keys with the other. Maybe, everything will be okay, you tell yourself. Maybe all the lights will be green this time. You look up at your vehicle and your heart immediately sinks.
Not again.
We’ve all experienced the pain of a foggy windshield in the fall and winter months. Dropping temperatures combined with damp weather make for the perfect storm to sabotage your commute. Fortunately, there are ways to win out against these early morning surprises. Read on for our tips! Read More
For most people, autumn’s arrival means digging out the wool sweaters, scarves and warm, sugary pumpkin-based drinks. At Searles, we like to prep for fall in our way – usually by putting on our extra-warm our coveralls and giving our vehicles a head to toe inspection.
Cooler temperatures, fading daylight and wet roads can all impact driving habits, so it’s important to give your vehicle the proper seasonal upkeep it needs to ensure your safety on the road. Read on for our fall maintenance tips! Read More
With the hot weather rolling in, we get quite a few questions surrounding air conditioners here at Searles. Air conditioning is a precious summer commodity, as anyone who has done a hot summer drive without AC will tell you. Even in the cooler parts of Canada, it’s rare to find a vehicle without this feature. Still this old invention’s popularity hasn’t stopped some very interesting strategies from popping up around AC, fuel efficiency and engines.
Here at Searles, we take a look at some of the myths surrounding AC and put them on ice!
The Searle’s Blog recently ranked as #27 on Feedspot’s Top 100 Auto Repair Blogs. Way to go team, and huge thank you to our strong community of customers that have provided their ongoing support over the years!
Summer is nearly upon us, and that means the season for summer road trips is here! Living in BC, we are fortunate to have so many incredible destinations within easy reach. Previously we’ve shared our favourite road trips right here on Vancouver Island. This year, we have assembled a list of our favourite scenic drives through BC, along with some handy tips to keep your trip safe and enjoyable.
You think a lot about our car’s engine, but how often do you think about what stops it?
Using the brake is second nature to any seasoned driver, but until you have to pull an emergency stop, it’s easy to overlook just how often your vehicle’s most important safety system is being engaged.
Like anything in your vehicle, brakes need maintenance. Brake pads thin over time, making them less effective. By keeping your brakes up to date can help you avoid costly repairs in the long run – not to mention collisions.
The good news is that even if you have never so much as looked under your car before, there are a few key indicators to let you know when it’s time to get your brakes looked at
DIY (do it yourself) has always been a popular mindset when it comes to the automotive industry, and for good reason. Paying a professional for car repairs can be awfully expensive. Opting to do your own vehicle repairs is tempting because it saves you money, gives you a feeling of satisfaction, and gives you the rewarding feeling of independence.
We at Searles always encourage people to take an active interest in how their vehicles operate and to tinker with their vehicles as much as possible without endangering themselves in the process, without voiding their warranties, and without causing problems (i.e., accidents!) for other drivers down the road. Read More
The team of auto mechanics at Searles sees a lot of cars come in with N’s on their bumpers, so we figured it was time to write a post geared towards new drivers.
The reason a lot of new drivers keep their N for longer than they are required to is sometimes financial, sometimes not having the time, but in a lot of cases it’s due to nerves about having to take another road test. The key is to relax enough so you don’t end up making these top seven mistakes that are commonly made on driver’s licensing tests across British Columbia.
