Repairs
At Hebert Tire & Auto Repair, we offer a full range of professional repair services to keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently. From engine diagnostics and brake repairs to suspension work and exhaust system fixes, our certified technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and high-quality parts to get the job done right.
Know Your Vehicle
Understanding how the various parts of your vehicle function, as well as recognizing their normal and abnormal behaviour, allows you to identify problems early and seek servicing before things escalate.
Car Battery
If your vehicle is struggling to turn over before starting, your headlights appear dimmer than usual, or accessories like the heating and A/C fan seem weak, these are warning signs that your battery might be in trouble. A failing battery can lead to unreliable vehicle performance and, ultimately, a car that won’t start.
The battery is a crucial component of your vehicle, providing the electrical energy needed to power the starter motor, spark plugs, glow plugs, lights, and electronic accessories. Things like leaving the headlights on with the engine off, charging devices while parked, or frequent short city trips can quickly deplete its charge. Most batteries can only endure about 10 deep cycle depletions before they fail.
Brakes
If your brake pedal feels spongy, vibrates, or requires more effort to engage, or if your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, these are clear signs that your braking system needs attention. Unusual noises like squealing or grinding are also red flags that should not be ignored.
The braking system is vital for your vehicle's safety, designed to create the friction needed to slow down or stop your car. Over time, the involved parts can wear down, rust, or corrode, reducing their effectiveness and potentially causing safety risks. Regular brake servicing, even if your brakes seem fine, helps to prevent more expensive repairs in the future.
Check Engine Light
In some vehicles, a red light signals a problem requiring immediate attention, while in others, a flashing check engine light may indicate a serious issue that could cause significant damage if left unaddressed. Either way, it should not be ignored. To diagnose the problem, a technician connects a scanner to download trouble codes, traces the root cause, and performs the necessary repairs.
Modern vehicles are equipped with an on-board computer that monitors and manages critical systems, including the powertrain, brakes, electrical system, air conditioning, and tire pressure, through a network of sensors. When this computer detects an issue, it triggers a warning light on the dashboard. This system enables precise diagnostics and quicker resolutions to keep the vehicle running smoothly and safely.
Exhaust System
If you notice an increase in engine noise, see smoke, smell gas, feel unusual vibrations, or if your check-engine light comes on, these could be signs of an issue with your exhaust system. A prompt inspection can help provide peace of mind and maintain your vehicle's performance.
The exhaust system manages and reduces harmful emissions. It includes a manifold that collects fumes from the engine's cylinders, a flexible component that absorbs engine vibrations, an exhaust analyzer, a catalytic converter that neutralizes toxic gases, and a muffler to suppress noise. These components are securely held under the vehicle by bands, clamps, and supports, working together to ensure safe and efficient operation while reducing environmental impact.
Suspension
If your vehicle bottoms out when accelerating, slumps forward when stopping, feels loose when steering, or shows signs of premature tire wear, your suspension system may need maintenance. Addressing a small issue early can help prevent more expensive repairs in the future.
The suspension system is a critical component of your vehicle's chassis, which also includes the frame, steering system, and wheels. It supports the vehicle's weight, absorbs shock forces, and helps maintain proper wheel alignment, contributing to smooth handling and stability. Every time your vehicle encounters bumps, potholes, or other obstacles, the suspension system absorbs the impact to keep the vehicle controlled and comfortable.
Starter
If you hear a clicking sound when turning the key in the ignition or notice whirring and grinding noises when starting your car, it’s likely that your starter is failing. These are common signs that the starter is no longer functioning properly and needs to be inspected or replaced.
The starter is a small but essential motor that works in tandem with the solenoid to start your engine. When you turn the key or press the ignition button, the starter and solenoid engage the flywheel, turning the gear that initiates the engine's operation. Without a properly functioning starter, the engine cannot crank, making it impossible to start the vehicle.
Advanced Safety Systems
Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety technologies designed to make long trips easier and keep you safe on the road. However, these features require regular care and maintenance to function properly. Failing to clear snow, ice, or road salt from sensors during the winter can render them ineffective, compromising safety systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and parking sensors. Regular cleaning and proper attention to these areas are crucial. Additionally, have your sensors inspected during routine maintenance to ensure they remain fully operational.
Vehicle sensors play a key role in powering advanced safety features by collecting and transmitting data about the vehicle's surroundings. They detect obstacles, monitor road conditions, and support systems like collision avoidance and lane departure warnings, providing reliable assistance and peace of mind while driving.
Air Conditioning
If your air conditioning is still cooling but you notice a lack of freshness, unusual noises, unpleasant odours, condensation inside the cabin, or visible oil or refrigerant leaks, these are signs that the system may not be functioning properly. Ignoring these issues can lead to further problems, such as reduced cooling performance and increased humidity inside the car. This can make it difficult to clear condensation from the windshield in rainy weather, affecting visibility and safety. Regular inspections are essential to identify potential leaks or wear and prevent costly repairs.
The air conditioning system in your vehicle does more than just cool the air; it also reduces humidity, creating a comfortable and safer driving environment. It works by compressing and circulating refrigerant to absorb and remove heat and moisture from the cabin.
Wheel Bearings
If you hear a whining or grinding sound coming from under your car while driving, it’s a sign that your vehicle requires urgent maintenance. Ignoring this issue could lead to your wheels locking up, resulting in a costly tow and potential damage to other components. These sounds often indicate a problem with your wheel bearings.
Wheel bearings reduce friction and allow your wheels to rotate smoothly. They consist of steel balls held together by a metal ring and are housed within the wheel hub assembly, which keeps the wheel securely attached to the vehicle. Wheel bearings also play a key role in the functionality of your anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control system (TCS).
Alternator
If your car struggles to start, your battery doesn’t stay charged, or electrical accessories like lights and fans aren’t working properly, a weakened alternator could be the cause. A failing alternator cannot supply enough power to recharge the battery or run your vehicle’s electrical systems effectively. To avoid unexpected breakdowns, it’s important to have your alternator inspected regularly as part of routine vehicle maintenance.
The alternator is responsible for powering your vehicle's electrical system and keeping the battery charged. It converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy, ensuring the battery remains functional. In vehicles equipped with start-stop systems, the alternator also acts as a crucial starter for the engine.
Headlight Bulbs
If your headlights start to dim or burn out, it’s time to replace the bulbs. For consistent brightness and performance, always replace both bulbs at the same time, whether you opt for standard or brighter halogen options. Headlights are key for clear visibility at night and during adverse weather, and they also ensure that other drivers can see you on the road. Regularly inspecting your headlights and replacing them as needed helps you avoid fines, as they are designated safety equipment under the Highway Safety Code.
Headlights, along with other lights like fog lights, brake lights, back-up lights, license plate lights, and turn signals, are integral to your vehicle’s safety systems. They illuminate your path, signal your intentions to other drivers, and enhance visibility in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance and inspections ensure all lights are functioning correctly, reducing the risk of accidents and keeping your vehicle road-legal.
Exhaust & Muffler
If you notice a loud, rough, or rumbling noise coming from your exhaust pipe, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong with your exhaust system. Vibrations may indicate a hole, disconnection, or malfunction, potentially affecting not just the exhaust but also your engine’s performance. A drop in fuel efficiency could signal a leak in the exhaust system, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Additionally, a failing catalytic converter may cause a metallic rattling noise when idling or trigger the check-engine light.
The exhaust system is responsible for reducing noise, minimizing polluting emissions, and keeping toxic fumes out of the cabin. It helps the engine operate efficiently and ensures optimal fuel economy. Key components like the muffler, pipes, and catalytic converter work together to direct and treat exhaust gases safely. Proper maintenance of the exhaust system not only protects the environment but also ensures your car remains safe, efficient, and roadworthy.
Axles
If your vehicle is not turning as smoothly as it should or you’re experiencing difficulty stopping, it could be a sign that your axles need repair or servicing. These issues can affect your vehicle’s handling and safety, making it essential to address them promptly. Regular inspections can help identify axle problems early, ensuring your car remains safe and responsive on the road.
Axles directly impact a vehicle's performance and drivability. They are integral to the steering system in most cars, working alongside power steering fluid and other components to facilitate smooth and precise turning.
Carburetors
If your engine won’t start, struggles to idle, has trouble accelerating, or seems to starve for fuel at higher speeds, it could indicate a problem with the carburetor.
The carburetor is an important part of your engine, responsible for mixing air and fuel in the correct ratio to ensure efficient combustion. This process is essential for starting the engine, maintaining a steady idle, and delivering the power needed for acceleration and high-speed driving.