Your Top 10 Car Questions
CAA’s team of experts has the answers. Here are some of the questions CAA Members ask us most often.
By Matt Bubbers | Illustrations by Sam Island
What should I look for when evaluating a used car?
You’ll want to go in armed with as much information as possible, says Ryan Peterson, CAA Club Group’s manager of automotive services. “Ask the seller for the vehicle’s registration documents and maintenance history. If a car has been well looked after, it should come with a stack of invoices and receipts.” Getting a Carfax vehicle history report — CAA Members get a discount — and lien check is always a good idea. While not always foolproof, these reports can tip you off to any tampering with the odometer — which is an immediate red flag. Peterson advises most buyers to steer clear of used vehicles that have been in a major collision. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Peterson says, get the car professionally inspected by an independent mechanic. Ask for CAA’s Vehicle Inspection Service at an Approved Auto Repair Services (AARS™) facility. (CAA Members get a discount.) This is a 139-point mechanical inspection and computer scan designed to spot potential problems. The technician will give you a written report, which can be useful when negotiating a price with the seller. “You spend a huge amount of money to buy a car these days. Spend a couple hundred dollars on an inspection to make sure you get the most car for your money,” Peterson advises.
Should I follow my dealer’s maintenance recommendations or stick to the schedule outlined in the owner’s manual?
What often happens at dealerships, Peterson explains, is that drivers take their cars in for a scheduled oil change or some other regular maintenance, and a dealership representative may suggest an additional service: say, a coolant flush, or cleaning the fuel injectors, or changing the power steering fluid. Peterson’s simple advice? When in doubt about any service, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It’ll have a service and maintenance schedule laying out what your vehicle needs when, based on accumulated mileage or time intervals (whichever comes first). “If [the dealership] is trying to recommend you something that’s not in the manual, ask them about it,” Peterson says. For example, ask what any extra service does, why it’s necessary now, and why it’s not in the owner’s manual. If you’re still unsure, give CAA’s Auto Advisors a call. Of course, some dealers and service managers are better than others; so if you can, try out different shops near you to find one you feel comfortable with. Or visit an auto repair shop that is part of the AARS™ program, which identifies repair facilities that meet CAA’s standards for quality service and fair prices.
How do I calculate the total cost of ownership for my vehicle?
Use CAA’s free online Driving Costs Calculator. Input your vehicle’s year, make and model, as well as your province. The calculator automatically includes gas, maintenance, depreciation and even environmental costs. Drivers can further customize the estimate by inputting annual mileage, insurance, car payments and ratio of city to highway driving.
Who is responsible for purchasing the used vehicle information package (UVIP) in a used car sale?
Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation states that purchasing a UVIP is the seller’s responsibility, unless you’re buying from a registered dealership or transferring a vehicle between family members, in which case a UVIP is not required.
What should I look for in a vehicle history report? How do I get one?
Some provinces offer vehicle reports, with varying types of information. In Ontario, you can order a report from the Ministry of Transport online with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and a payment method. Carfax also provides reports. You’ll want to check for open recalls, and whether the vehicle has been listed as stolen, rebuilt or salvage. The reports typically also show ownership and service history, as well as any reported collisions and insurance claims. Be sure to check that the odometer reading lines up with the current mileage.
I’m headed to a warm state down south in winter. Should I remove my winter tires for the drive?
Peterson advises drivers to check the weather patterns in advance and plan the tires accordingly. Or, just stick to all-weather tires; they’ll work for both frigid Canadian winters and balmy Florida ones.
When should I replace my tires or brakes?
Brakes, tires and the rest of your vehicle should be inspected every six months (or at least once a year) by a qualified mechanic. The more you drive, the more maintenance your car will need. The lifespan of brake pads can vary wildly depending on how and where you drive. The frequent stop-start of city driving, for example, can wear pads down faster. Signs your brakes should be inspected include: squeaking or grinding sounds, vibration when braking, pulling to one side when braking, a soft or spongy brake pedal or reduced stopping power. When it comes to tires, the ‘toonie test’ is the easiest way to check if the tires are worn out. Insert a toonie into the most worn-out part of the tire’s tread (with the polar bear’s feet inserted first). If the top of the tread blocks reach the bear’s paws, the tires are good to go. If the tread blocks cover the silver part of the toonie, the tires have roughly 50 per cent of their life left. If the tread doesn’t even cover the letters around the edge, it’s probably time for new tires. Of course, this test is just a rough guide. Note that winter tires need deeper treads. Transport Canada recommends replacing winter tires when the tread depth falls below four millimetres (5/32 inch). Finally, manufacturers recommend replacing all tires after six to 10 years. Tires with any visible cracks or bulges should be replaced regardless of tread depth. If in doubt or you have additional questions, contact CAA’s Auto Advisors.
Should I lift my wipers before a storm?
This one really comes down to personal preference, Peterson says. If you lift the wipers, lower them gently back onto the windshield. If you leave the wipers down, just be careful that the rubber doesn’t stick to the windshield as you pick them up to brush them off.
How can I maximize traction and handling in Canadian winters?
Get the right tires. The following types of tires are all designed to keep you safe when the temperature drops below 7° C:
- Winter studded tires: these are the gold standard for snow and ice, but their metal studs mean they’re not road legal in all regions and can’t be used in summer. They can only be used in Northern Ontario between October 1 and April 30.
- Winter tires: they’re great on snow and ice, but you’ll definitely want to swap them out once the weather warms up. Winter tires offer increased traction for winter driving.
- All-weather tires: not to be confused with all-season tires — which are not designed for performance in winter conditions — all-weathers have decent traction on snow and ice, but their major advantage is that they can be used safely year-round in Canada.
Having a vehicle with an all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) system will also help with winter traction. But, as Peterson says, “both systems are great at propelling your car, but neither necessarily does any good in braking or turning, which is when you’re usually going to slide.” Having the right tires is crucial, no matter what sort of vehicle you drive.
What do all the dashboard warning lights mean?
Yes, dashboard warning lights may look like ancient symbols found in cave paintings, but they need not be as mystifying. Here are what some of the common symbols typically mean — but keep in mind that cars vary, so check the owner’s manual.
Check engine light: This could mean anything from a loose gas cap to a serious engine issue. Get it checked soon.
Oil pressure light: Your engine may not be getting enough oil, which could be catastrophic. Stop the car immediately to avoid damaging the engine.
Battery light: There may be a problem with your battery or charging system. CAA’s Mobile Battery Service can test the battery and replace it if needed.
Brake warning light: The most likely cause? You left the parking brake on. It could also indicate low brake fluid or a problem with the braking system. Don’t ignore it.
Tire pressure monitoring system light: One or more tires may be underinflated. Newer cars may tell you exactly which tire needs air, but if not, check all tires. (And keep a portable tire inflator in the trunk.)
Engine/coolant temperature light: If it’s red, it could mean the engine is overheating, which can cause serious damage. Pull over safely.
Need Advice? Whether you’re looking for free advice on buying a used car, repairs, vehicle inspection, or how to look after your vehicle, CAA’s Auto Advisors are ready to help. Get in touch via email at autoadvice@caasco.ca, call 1-866-464-6448, or message CAA online.
What should I look for when evaluating a used car? You’ll want to go in armed with as much information as possible, says Ryan Peterson, CAA Club Group’s manager of automotive services. “Ask the seller for the vehicle’s registration documents and maintenance history. If a car has been well looked after, it should come with a stack of invoices and receipts.” Getting a Carfax vehicle history report and lien check is always a good idea. While not always foolproof, these reports can tip you off to any tampering with the odometer — which is an immediate red flag. Peterson advises most buyers to steer clear of used vehicles that have been in a major crash. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Peterson says, get the car professionally inspected by an independent mechanic. Ask for CAA’s Vehicle Inspection Service at an Approved Auto Repair Services (AARS™) facility. It’s a 139-point mechanical inspection and computer scan designed to spot potential problems. The technician will give you a written report, which can be useful when negotiating a price with the seller. “You spend a huge amount of money to buy a car these days. Spend a couple hundred bucks on an inspection to make sure you get the most car for your money,” Peterson advises.
How do I calculate the total cost of ownership for my vehicle?
Use CAA’s free online Driving Costs Calculator, and input your vehicle’s year, make and model, as well as your province. The calculator automatically includes gas, maintenance, depreciation and even environmental costs. Drivers can further customize the estimate by inputting annual mileage, insurance, car payments and ratio of city to highway driving.
Who is responsible for purchasing the used vehicle information package (UVIP) in a used car sale?
Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation clearly states purchasing a UVIP is the seller’s responsibility, unless you’re buying from a registered dealership or transferring a vehicle between family members, in which case a UVIP is not required.
What should I look for in a vehicle history report? How do I get one?
Some provinces offer vehicle reports, with varying types of information. In Ontario, you can order a report from the Ministry of Transport online with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and a payment method. Carfax also provides reports, with a discount for CAA Members. You’ll want to check for open recalls, and whether the vehicle has been listed as stolen, rebuilt or salvage. The reports typically also show ownership and service history, as well as any reported accidents and insurance claims. Be sure to check that the odometer reading lines up with the current mileage.
I’m headed to a warm state down south in winter. Should I remove my winter tires for the drive?
Peterson advises drivers to check the weather patterns in advance and plan the tires accordingly. Or, just stick to all-weather tires; they’ll work for both frigid Canadian winters and balmy Florida ones.