Purchasing a used car? Congratulations! Just moved to Ontario? Welcome! Transferring a used vehicle to a new owner? Someone got lucky! These events have something in common: you need a safety certificate inspection to get your vehicle on the road.

What is a Safety Certificate Inspection and Its Purpose?

Vehicle Safety Certificate Inspection is a procedure mandated by national and subnational governments, in which a vehicle is inspected to ensure conformity to regulations governing safety. The purpose of the inspection is to keep those behind the wheel, as well as the passengers and other drivers around completely safe.

What is a Safety Inspection Certificate?

A Safety Certificate attests the condition of a very specific number of parts and components in a vehicle on the day it was inspected.

How Do I Get a Safety Standards Certificate?

To get a certificate, your vehicle must meet all of the provincial standards on the date the certificate was issued. The certificate does not guarantee the vehicle's condition and does not act as a warranty when you purchase a used vehicle.

What Happens if My Vehicle Does Not Meet Car Safety Requirements?

For whatever reason your car fails its safety inspection, you generally have 10 days to get the repairs done and get it re-inspected at the original inspection station at no charge. You can choose from three available options:

• repair a vehicle at the inspection station
• have another shop perform the work
• make your own repairs

Vehicle Safety Inspection at Right Way Auto Repair

As a licensed Motor Vehicle Inspection Station, we, at Right Way Auto Repair, must carefully review and apply the requirements contained in the technical Passenger/Light Duty Vehicle Inspection Standard issued by the MTO. Our technicians will never pass a vehicle that does not meet the government’s regulations. Some clients think we are too stringent, but the fact is, we do not make the rules and we will not bend them for anyone. After all, both a shop’s and a technician’s licenses are on the line with every inspection they complete and certificate they issue.

When a mechanic informs you that your car did not meet the government’s safety requirements, please remember that it is not our responsibility to certify the vehicle, but to keep unsafe vehicles off the road as they pose a hazard to you and to other drivers. We know that you care about your own safety and that of others; we do, too.

Did You Know?

You can prepare your vehicle for the safety inspection beforehand to avoid a return trip to the station. By following this checklist, any safety items can be checked and fixed before an inspection is performed by a licensed motor vehicle inspection station. Please note that this does not replace a province-mandated safety inspection.

Need a Safety Inspection?

Book Your Appointment Today! We will provide you with a full digital report complete with measurements, photographs, and comments from the certified technician to ensure that you understand the condition of your vehicle at the time of the inspection. Our certified technicians are ready and willing to help you fix your vehicle’s issues so that it meets all the safety standard requirements and you feel confident in its safety and performance. 

With the perceived confidence of 4 wheel-drive, all-season tires, and advanced safety technology, consumers can’t help but wonder whether installing winter tires on their vehicles are necessary to prepare for the cold, snowy winter ahead. We will explain how winter tires work and address your concerns to help you make more informed decisions regarding winterization of your vehicle. 

What Makes Winter Tires So Special?

Winter tires are constructed differently than summer or all-season tires. They are made with soft, flexible rubber and larger treads, which work together to increase grip in cold weather and push away snow and slush to help avoid hydroplaning.

In comparison, all-season or summer tires are not made of the same type of flexible rubber as winter tires, so they become tough when it's cold outside, losing their grip on the slippery road. Since effective grip relies on tires being soft and malleable against the road's surface, hard tires can make your vehicle more difficult to control. 

Therefore, using winter tires, which are engineered for cold and winter weather, helps to provide drivers with extra control over their vehicles, preventing the car from slipping on roads, regardless of their condition. 

Stopping Distances

In most driving situations, thirty feet is not considered as a major distance, as it is roughly the distance across a small intersection. At the highway speed limit, you travel thirty feet 3 times per second.

However, when you need to stop for a red light at a busy intersection covered in snow and ice, thirty feet suddenly becomes a huge deal. Thankfully, a decent set of winter tires can easily slash 30 feet or more from your stopping distances on snow, which could make all the difference between avoiding and entering an accident. 

Significantly Enhance Other Vehicle Safety Features 

It is commonly believed that if a vehicle has an all-wheel drive and advanced safety technology, it does not require winter tires; however, this couldn’t be any further from the truth. Although allwheel drive can provide you with power on the road, and safety features help to keep your vehicle from sliding to avoid collision, these systems will not be as effective if your tires cannot grip the asphalt to create the necessary friction required to control your vehicle. In other words, your safety features will work better — and keep you safer — if you use winter tires during the colder months.

Some Statistics

According to a recent report from the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada’s (TRAC), for 80% of Canadian motorists, “to change or not to change” is not a question anymore, as they all use winter tires on their cars. 8 out of 10 respondents say there have been times when they needed their winter tires to regain control and prevent a collision.

They confirmed what we already know—that the superior performance of winter tires has a place in Canada, and that their greater grip and significantly shorter stopping distances on all cold-weather road surfaces keep Canadians safer on winter roads.

Since “to change or not to change” isn’t the question, the right question to ask is “when?” The general rule, according to the TRAC of Canada, is as soon as the temperature dips below 7°C.

In Canada, it is never too early to start thinking about winter tires. If your tires are worn and you need replacement or installation, we are ready to help you. Book an appointment with us today! 

As far back as from the 1800s, inventors have been working on different ways to get automobiles to stop safely. While brakes have become more sophisticated over the years, the mission to protect drivers, pedestrians, and other road users has always been the same - to make cars safer.

Since brakes are one of the most important safety systems in your vehicle, their regular servicing can keep you and your passengers safe and as well as keep the vehicle away from the body shop. Today, we want to have a look at how brakes operate, what causes your brakes to wear down, and how to recognize whether you need brakes servicing or new brakes for your vehicle.

How Do Brakes Operate?

If you are similar to most Canadian drivers, you will apply your brakes around 200 times a day. That means that you entrust your safety 200 times to the 40+ components of the brake system to bring your vehicle to a stop, which is a very complex system. Let's try to explain it in simple words. By pressing down on the brake pedal, you activate the cylinder that delivers the brake fluid to the calipers that then engage your brake pads. Your brake pads then apply pressure to the rotors, creating the friction that is needed to stop your car.

What causes your brakes to wear down?

The answer is simple: Friction! Brakes rely on friction to slow your car down and bring it to a stop. Day-to-day use, plus mileage incurred, the surrounding environment, your driving style, and the type of vehicle you drive are also contributing factors in wearing out of brakes.

What’s the difference between disc brake service and brake repair & replacement?

Servicing brakes means cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting the brake components without replacing them. Brakes are serviced to make sure they function properly between replacements, wear more evenly, and last longer.

Brake repair & replacement involves the removal of worn-out bits and replacing them with new components. Brake pads and rotors are usually replaced when they are worn down close to their minimum thickness or are damaged. One of the most obvious signs that brakes need to be replaced is annoying noise - a squeaking, squealing or grinding noise. Other signs when you are in need of professional help include vibration, spongy pedal, and taking longer to stop.

When replacing brakes keep in mind:

• Brake components should always be replaced on BOTH sides (driver and passenger side,) at the same time. If brake parts on only one side of the car were replaced, your car might pull to one side when you apply the brakes.
• Choosing quality parts is always beneficial in the long run - people are getting in bad trouble with cheap parts. At Right Way Auto Repair, we have access to multiple suppliers and manufacturers to make sure that you are getting the ones that you need. We are also experienced with these parts and know which ones result in happy customers and which ones may come back with warranty concerns (if there is a warranty.)

So, what you need to know about brakes:

• The brakes’ components must be periodically serviced or replaced as they gradually wear down and lose their effectiveness.
• Disc brake service and brake repair & replacement are two different services.
• Old brakes don't stay silent. Think of it as a noisy friendly reminder.

You know better than anyone what safe braking feels like in your own vehicle. If you’ve heard, felt, or seen any of the above signs that your brakes need professional attention - don’t wait - give Right Way Auto Repair a call or stop by our shop in Hamilton, ON right away!

The Law in Ontario says that, when repairing a vehicle, a written estimate for the repair work must be given. The estimate serves to inform car owners of the parts and labor likely needed to fix the vehicle properly. Since estimates and the process of planning auto repair work can be confusing, we want to take a moment to break down the estimating procedure and what it includes.

Auto repair costs are broken into three categories excluding the HST: 

• Part costs: Not all parts cost the same—some parts are more expensive than others. Also, difficulty sourcing parts due to location or supply chain issues can affect the overall cost. 
• Labour: Labour costs vary depending on the type of car you drive, repair complexity, the vehicle's condition, and any additional, unforeseen problems.
• Shop supplies/eco fees: Shop supplies charge covers many of the small items required for repairing vehicles, such as chemicals, cleaners and wipes. Eco fees are used to cover the expense of safely and responsibly disposing/ recycling such things as used oils, lubricants, batteries, tires, and filters. 
• HST: Do not forget about the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

Even though we get a lot of emails and phone calls from customers requesting car repair quotes, we want you to know that, generally, it is not in your best interest for us to give you a quote without inspecting your vehicle first. The reasons why we avoid giving you a quote over the phone/email include the following:

EACH VEHICLE IS UNIQUE

We want to give you a price that is accurate for your specific vehicle and its condition. The way you drive and treat your car will have a big impact on maintenance and repair costs. For that reason, we need to see your vehicle so we can determine the repairs needed. 

AN ACCURATE PRICE

Our slogan is ‘Honest and Fair.’ We will never quote you a low price to get you in the door and raise it once you arrive. The actual costs of repair can only be accurately determined based on a detailed inspection of your vehicle.

IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM 

You may tell us what you think the issue is and ask for a price to fix that problem. However, there could be more than one things causing that problem. If we try to estimate a quote based on the issue identified by you, it may be inaccurate for what you actually need to get fixed to have a reliable vehicle. Or – we just love when it happens – we may find a more favourable solution to the problem that may have a different or even lower price point. Quick example: a customer requested replacement of the catalytic converter (very expensive). After inspecting the vehicle, a small crack was found in the exhaust system, which was the real reason for the problem. Just welding that crack fixed the problem! It was a real joy to see the customer’s happy face when we quickly fixed his car for a much lower price.

WHEN DO-IT-YOURSELF REPAIRS GO WRONG 

Sometimes customers try to fix problems on their own and end up causing more damage because they lack the proper tools, training and skills. In such cases, we cannot give you even a rough quote over the phone based on your information. Our certified technicians will have to physically look at your car to identify the damage.

INACCURATE QUOTES MAKE FOR UNHAPPY CUSTOMERS

Customer satisfaction is what our business thrives on. If we try to give you a quote over the phone or email, a couple of things can happen: 

1. We could significantly under-quote the job. Later, after the inspection of the vehicle, the price may increase which may upset you. We don’t want that!
2. We could significantly overestimate the cost of repairs. Based on what you tell us over the phone, we may interpret it as something major and expensive when it may not be so. We don’t want that either! 

We know you are busy and it is not our intention to inconvenience you. We understand that you want your vehicle repaired at the lowest price with a quick phone call/email. But think of this as visiting a doctor. To determine a diagnosis and check for related complications, your doctor will start with performing a hands-on head-to-toe physical examination and try to figure out physical problems that could cause your symptoms. A mechanic does the same with your car. To provide you with an accurate estimate, he needs to perform a ‘physical assessment’, properly diagnose the problem and have a concrete idea of how long repairs will take and what specific parts need to be ordered. 

In conclusion, we want you to have 100% customer satisfaction. So, instead of trying to get a quote over the phone/email, bring your vehicle in and let us check it out. We will let you know exactly what the problem is and provide you with an accurate, real-value quote. 

Most consumers don’t know what types of parts are in their cars, let alone spend time thinking about their condition. However, when the time comes for repairs and your garage offers you OE, OEM, aftermarket, or remanufactured parts, which should you go for? We will explain the different types of parts available and what you should be watching out for.

Genuine spare parts

Genuine spare parts are also known as original equipment (OE). OE parts are the components of the vehicle that made in the factory — all of the original parts that the car was first built with. They come in a car manufacturer branded box (ie. Toyota, Mercedes, etc.). They’re the safest option because you know what you’re buying will fit your car, and if your car is still under the maker’s warranty, it will remain valid.

Pros:

Only one option: If you request a particular part at a dealership, you will receive the part that matches your vehicle; no need to worry about comparison shopping.

Quality assurance/warranty: You can be 100% certain that the OE part works identically to the one it’s replacing. You will normally receive a one-year warranty for these parts.

Cons:

Price: OE parts tend to be more expensive than aftermarket parts.

Limited availability: OE parts are typically purchased at the dealership.

Replacement parts

Replacement parts are also known as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. OEM parts are made by an external company that supplied parts for a car maker. External automotive parts manufacturing companies have negotiated to sell the parts independently as part of its contract. The parts will be identical to OE parts, but they will come in a box with the name of the company that made it. For example, an OEM part for a Toyota car may come in a box with NAPA as the manufacturing company’s label, not the ‘Toyota’ car brand label. OEM parts are usually cheaper than OE parts, and you may be able to use them without invalidating the car’s warranty. 

Aftermarket parts

Aftermarket car parts are replacement parts for cars that are built by third-party manufacturers with a wide range of quality and prices. Some aftermarket parts are manufactured by reputable companies, while others are manufactured from questionable sources. As a basic check, make sure that parts have an ‘ISO International Organization for Standardization’ stamp or ask your trusted mechanic whether those parts are recommended for your vehicle. 

Pros:

Price: Aftermarket parts are generally less expensive than OEM parts. Of course, an incredibly low price could also signal lower quality.

Variety: There are hundreds of companies that produce aftermarket parts. Some of those companies specialize in specific parts, while others make nearly every part needed for any make and model. More variety means greater selection and a wider range of prices.

Availability: Aftermarket parts are often readily available at your choice of independent shop. As long as you trust your auto technician to make good choices regarding quality, you can get the work done quickly.

Cons:

Overwhelming choices: There are so many options for each part that you may feel overwhelmed. A trustworthy mechanic can help you narrow down the options to find high-quality aftermarket parts at the right price.

Warranty issues: Not all aftermarket parts come with a good warranty. Ask your mechanic to use only parts that come with a long-term warranty. You may pay slightly more, but the peace of mind is well worth it.

Remanufactured parts

To remanufacture means to make the part as close to new as possible. Remanufactured parts have been restored to the standard and quality of a new part. As an example, when an engine is remanufactured, every single component (except for the body) is replaced or rebuilt so that it meets OEM tolerance, quality and durability standards. These parts are typically more expensive than rebuilt or used parts. 

Rebuilt auto parts

Rebuilt auto parts only have the worn-out or damaged components of a part replaced, and the remaining working components are left in their current state. For instance, if a vehicle’s transmission is rebuilt, the torque converter and clutches may need to be replaced, while the original pumps, bands, valve body, etc. will be used if they are still functional. It’s important to note that because only some components are replaced in rebuilt parts, the components that are not replaced will most likely need to be replaced in the near future as well.

Salvaged parts

Otherwise known as used parts, these have come off scrapped cars. They’re the cheapest parts of the lot but unless you’re driving an old banger, you shouldn’t consider them. You don’t know how many miles they’ve covered or what condition they were in when they were taken off the donor car. Also, you don’t know how they’ve been stored. Very few salvage yards keep car parts somewhere that’s completely watertight, no matter how delicate they are.

The best way to ensure quality and safety is by installing products from full-service suppliers with the trusted name brands, who stand behind every part they make. These companies have invested countless dollars in research and development to build a brand reputation based on quality.

Often people forget that this is no can of beans: it is a critical component of your car, which is not only the second largest investment you have but also an important element in driving safety. There is no right or wrong answer to the question of OEM vs. aftermarket parts. Some people prefer to have all OEM parts in their vehicle and are willing to pay a premium for them. Others are cost-driven and will gladly accept the least expensive aftermarket parts. Most people fall somewhere in the middle, preferring to strike a balance between cost, convenience and quality. At Right Way Auto Repair, our auto technicians can steer you toward the best options for your situation.