Oakville Auto Repair

A flashing check engine light is your engine asking for immediate attention. Unlike a steady light, a flashing light almost always indicates a severe misfire that can overheat and damage the catalytic converter. The sooner you respond, the more likely you are to avoid expensive collateral repairs. What a Flashing Check Engine Light Means Engines misfire when one or more cylinders fail to burn fuel cleanly. Unburned fuel then enters the exhaust, where it ignites in the converter and drives temperatures far above normal. Prolonged driving this way can melt converter substrates, cook oxygen sensors, and even scorch nearby components. That is why a flashing light is considered urgent rather than a “check it when convenient” reminder. Common Triggers Behind a Flashing Light Ignition faults: worn spark plugs, failing coils, cracked coil boots, or oil in plug wells. Fuel delivery issues: weak pump, clogged injector, or contaminated fuel afte ... read more

Keeping a vehicle reliable is not just about big services. Small habits are also important, and checking fluids is near the top of that list. Fluids carry heat, transfer force, reduce friction, and protect internal passages from corrosion. When levels drop or the chemistry breaks down, wear accelerates in places you cannot see. A few minutes in the driveway each month can save you from overheated engines, brake problems, or transmission issues that get expensive fast. Why Fluid Checks Punch Above Their Weight Most breakdowns start as small imbalances. Low coolant runs a little hot on long grades. Dark transmission fluid makes shifts a touch slower. Brake fluid with high moisture content feels fine in town, then goes soft on a long downhill. Spotting those trends before they become symptoms keeps repairs simple. You do not need a full toolbox. Clean rags, a bright light, and your owner manual for locations and specs are usually enough. 1. Engine Oil ... read more

You check your oil regularly, only to notice it keeps going down, but there’s no sign of a leak under your vehicle. If your engine is burning oil, that means it’s being consumed internally rather than dripping out. This can be hard to notice until symptoms start to show, and by then, the damage may already be in progress. For drivers in Oakville dealing with declining oil levels, it’s important to understand what causes oil consumption and what steps you can take to fix it. What Does It Mean When an Engine Burns Oil When oil is burned, it means the engine is drawing oil into the combustion chamber, where it gets ignited along with fuel. This is not normal behavior and usually points to worn or failing components inside the engine. It may happen slowly over time, or it may worsen quickly, depending on the condition of your vehicle. Some signs that your engine is burning oil include: Low oil levels between oil changes Blue or bluish-gray smoke fro ... read more

Drivers in Oakville know that Ontario’s weather shifts can be extreme. From freezing winters to hot and humid summers, each season brings conditions that put new stress on vehicles. Salt on the roads in winter can corrode parts, while summer heat strains batteries and cooling systems. Without preparation, these seasonal challenges increase the risk of unexpected breakdowns. A comprehensive seasonal inspection ensures your car is ready for what’s to come, keeping you safe and saving you from costly repairs. What’s Included in a Seasonal Service SpecialEastside Auto Service has created a Seasonal Service Special that bundles together essential maintenance tasks. These inspections go beyond a quick check; they provide a comprehensive look at the systems most likely to be affected by seasonal conditions. Services include: Oil and lube service Filter replacements Brake system inspection and repairs Fluid top-ups and flushes Exhaus ... read more

Your tires do a lot more than just keep your car moving—they're critical to safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency. But even the best tires won’t last long if your vehicle’s alignment or suspension is out of order. While you might not immediately connect handling issues to tire problems, misalignment and worn suspension components are two of the biggest reasons tires wear out prematurely. We'll explain how these systems work together to help you catch problems early and extend the life of your tires. What Is Wheel Alignment Wheel alignment refers to the angles at which your tires make contact with the road. These angles include camber (tilt inward or outward), caster (steering pivot angle), and toe (direction the tires point). When your wheels are properly aligned, your tires roll straight and evenly, distributing weight and pressure consistently across the tread. Misalignment disrupts this balance, leading to uneven or rapid tire wear. Eve ... read more

With over 780 million people around the world who do not have access to clean water, our goal is to change the lives of those in El Salvador by distributing and providing clean water - but we can't do it without your support. There is an estimated 842,000 people dying each year from diseases caused by unclean water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene habits, the majority of which are children in developing countries. In March of 2017, we will be embarking on a water project to provide clean water to many communities in the area to instill a positive, holistic change to some of El Salvador's more impoverished communities. With the final distribution stage only weeks away - we're still very short of our financial goal of $10,200 to help with transportation costs. We need your support to help ... read more

When the weather outside is frightful, a little advance preparation will take the scare out of winter driving. At Eastside Auto Service we recommend taking a few preventive vehicle maintenance steps to help keep you from being stranded in severe winter weather. A breakdown, an engine not starting or any issue that leaves you stranded is scary. When it happens in freezing winter weather it can be downright dangerous. An investment of an hour or so to have your vehicle checked will pay off and help make sure your winter driving is safer for you and your loved ones. Recommended steps for winterizing your vehicle: Check the battery and charging system for optimum performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries. Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a general rule of thumb, this should be done every two years. Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. Typically, wiper blades should be replac ... read more

We've all been there - that out of nowhere damage to your vehicle and it's now out of commission to get fixed - with unexpected costs that come with it. Your car is the reliable member of your family, but even the healthiest of people get sick and need to go to the doctor's office sometimes. But what happens when the injury to your car is so big and it provides an equally large hit to your credit card statement? Fortunately, you now have the option of financing your payments for auto repairs so you don't get hit all at once - and protect your savings account from taking a hit as well. Why finance your car repairs? Car problems are an unfortunate by-product of owning a vehicle, and they usually happen out of the blue at the most inconvenient time possible. And given all the other financial responsibilities one has in this day and age, it's not always the easiest to pull together the funds needed to get your car back on the road. As car owners ourselves, we know how comf ... read more

Your brakes need a yearly checkup just as you would go to your doctor for a physical. Neglecting your brakes can be costly and detrimental to the overall health of your vehicle. Brake systems over the years haven't changed a great deal, but technology in most vehicles still has the hydraulic brake system, with anti-lock brake and ABS. And to keep the brakes lasting longer, they need periodic maintenance - and will ultimately save you money. Here's how your brakes work It might seem like a mystery when you press down on the brake pedal to stop this 3,000-pound missile on a dime - but the mechanics of it are rather simple. Your brake pedal activates the cylinder that applies brake fluid to the calipers that then engage your brake pads. This chain-like reaction will then apply force to the rotors, which create the friction needed to stop the en ... read more

There are a few things in summer that are an absolute must: road trips, beach days - and air conditioning! Keeping your window down the entire road trip won't bode well for your guests - or the free flow of conversation to talk over all that wind. Air conditioning helps make the summer heat bearable. Given this heat wave that descended upon Southern Ontario this summer, we've been fielding a lot of questions lately about Air Conditioning and the importance of maintenance. Understanding the anatomy of your A/C Not many people know, but maintaining your air conditioning is just as important as getting an oil change. Your air conditioning compressor has oil in it, and has to be changed out on a regular basis to keep the A/C system running at maximum capacity and longevity. Your car's air conditioning system works just like a refrigerator or your home air conditioning, with the primary pu ... read more