Your vehicle's battery provides the electric power needed in order for it to operate. A battery is a critical element in maintaining a healthy vehicle, for without that your vehicle will not start possibly leaving you in an undesired situation. Your battery is not immune to Alberta’s extreme temperatures. Frigid temperatures have the tendency to drain your car's battery power at an accelerated rate, be extra cautious during the cold months!

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Whether your car battery is drained & needs a charge, or you need a replacement, or perhaps your alternator is the problem. We will test to diagnose whether it is your battery or alternator that is causing the issue.

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Signs Your Car Battery May Need Servicing:​

• The vehicle takes longer to start (or will not start at all)

• Battery is dead

• Check engine light is on

• The battery is leaking or corroded

We know your alternator is the key to keeping your car battery charged and your vehicle's electrical system operating at its peak ability,  the electronics in your vehicle won’t work if there’s no power, and that power comes from the alternator. The cost involved in replacing your alternator can vary depending on the year, make and model. Parts vary in price and so may the complexity of the work.

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Aged, worn out, and compromised vehicle alternators should be replaced soon as it causes your car battery to work on fewer volts and will wear down your battery. 

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Signs Your  Alternator May be Failing:​

• Check engine light is on

• Red battery light is on

• Lights are dim or flickering

• Your Vehicle has a hard time starting

• Noise from your engine area

Your vehicle’s electrical system is a key element in most operations of your vehicle. There are too many components to list. The backbone of the auto electrical system is the starting and charging systems. Any fault in this system can mean the lights will dim, turn off, or worse... Your car won’t start. 

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If Your Car Won’t Start

There is a multitude of things that can go wrong that could be the cause of a vehicle not starting. Our trained auto technicians can help determine what is causing the problem.  One way we do this is by running an AVR test – Amperage Voltage Resistance – which tests your battery, your charging system, and your car’s starting system. After completing a thorough test on the entire auto electrical system for your car, we will locate what is causing the problem and let you know the best way to fix it.

It is common for people to ignore their check engine light. These warning indicators are there for a reason, so if it is on then there is a problem that should be addressed soon.

These problems can range from loose fuel caps to major vehicle damage. Do not take the risk, get your check engine light diagnosed by our technicians. We are here to advise you on the best way to repair these problems to ensure that your vehicle is performing at its best.

A problem with your cooling system can sometimes leave you cold where you don't want it. Your vehicle's cooling system plays a role in not only keeping your engine and other drivetrain components cool but also keeping you and your passengers warm.

Symptoms of Auto Cooling System Issues:​

• Your car is not blowing hot air

• Your car is steaming from under the hood

• Coolant is leaking

• Engine overheating

• Fan squealing

Issues within your vehicle cooling system can lead to your car or truck engine overheating. The cooling system helps prevent this problem by keeping your engine and the surrounding area at optimal temperatures. Prolonged overheating will severely damage your engine and it is important to get this taken care of right away.

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Common Causes of an Engine Overheating:​

• Problem with the radiator

• Water Pump is not pumping

• An issue with the timing belt or serpentine belt

• A fan is not working properly

• Coolant level is low/leak in the coolant system

• Thermostat is malfunctioning

• Low oil

All engines need help to cool down,  even here in alberta with our frigid temperatures. Your radiator plays a key role in keeping your engine cool. Without your radiator running optimally it may be causing extensive damage to your engine. Radiators are susceptible to damage themselves because they have to be exposed to the elements to do their job efficiently. 

It is crucial to keep your steering system in proper operating condition. Problems in your steering system can cause you to lose complete control over your handling and ability to get out of a bad situation. Being able to turn your steering wheel exactly where you need it when you need it is crucial for safe driving. If it feels like your wheels are not exactly where you intend them to be or if your steering wheel is hard to turn, it is an indication that you are in need of a steering system repair.

It is usually easy to tell when your vehicle has problems with it’s suspension system. Not only do you have a more bumpy ride, but there is usually more noise when driving over hazards or uneven terrain. Suspension problems can even affect steering. Here in Alberta it is not uncommon to come across pot holes and over periods of time the potholes can take their toll on suspension systems. Eventually, suspension systems that are are not working effectively can cause more extensive and costly repairs. No need to endure uncomfortable drives and risk your safety

Maintaining your brakes is of upmost importance and should be a priority for your driving safety . Not only are worn down brake pads a safety concern, but when they have even the slightest issue it can affect your gas mileage and performance. 

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Anti-Lock Breaking Systems

An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti-skid braking system used on most modern vehicles. ABS operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby keeping traction between your car’s tires and the road. In most cases when there is a problem in your ABS system it prohibits the ABS from working at all. With the unpredictable road conditions that we encounter here in Alberta ABS is a safety feature that is crucial to keeping your vehicle where it belongs on the road. If you have an ABS Warning light illuminated on your dash do not hesitate to Book an appointment at Binx Automotive. We have the latest equipment to diagnose and repair all ABS systems.  

Common Reasons Cars are Brought in for Brake Repairs:

Squealing Brake Pads

• Squealing in the brakes are typically due to brake pads wearing down to the point of requiring replacement. This is not always the case, sometimes it can simply be a glazing issue between the brake pad and rotor, or caused by a rock or other road debris stuck in your brake system. This is a situation that we would have to assess in person to know for sure.​

Grinding Brakes

• When you hear a grinding noise during braking this means that you have completely worn through your brake pad and the rotor is now in strait contact with the metal plate behind your brake pad or even worse your brake caliper. This metal on metal braking is a significant safety concern and should be addressed immediately. If left unattended it is guaranteed that more damage will be incurred and your safety will be at risk!  ​

Vehicle Shakes When Braking

• You may feel a slight vibration in your seat or your steering wheel only when applying the brakes. This is a good indication that your brake rotors are warped and likely need to be machined or replaced. 

Tire pressures play various important roles during daily driving, yet it is common that people forget to check their tire pressures regularly. Tire pressures can slowly go down over time and tire pressures can also change with outsides temperatures. When tire pressures are too low fuel economy decreases, so will your ability to handle your vehicle, and in extreme cases a blowout can occur. Thankfully most modern vehicles come equipped with a system that monitors your tire pressure and lets you know when it senses a problem. 

The differential and drivetrain components are complex systems that transfer power from your engine to the drive axles, as well as allowing you to turn smoothly while this power is being delivered. 

The job of your drive shaft and constant velocity (CV) axles are to transfer the power from drive train to the wheels where it is needed.  When these essential components are left running improperly it can lead to more severe and costly repairs. What could start as a little noise or vibration, can end up causing damage to other components of your vehicle, or worse lead to safety concerns. With all the work this system does,  regular servicing will ensure that it remains fully functional.

Automotive A/C Repair & Recharge

It is a common occurrence in the summer time that people will get an auto AC recharge or repair performed. Alot of vehicle owners don’t know that it is equally important to keep your vehicle's air conditioning system operating properly during the colder months. Not only is AC used to keep your vehicle cool on the inside, it is also a safety feature and its ability to work as a dehumidifier to stop your windshield from fogging up all times of the year. Ever notice that when you press the defrost button your windshield can clear up almost instantly?, that’s thanks to your AC. 

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Why is My car’s AC is not working?

Over time vehicle's AC systems can become low on refrigerant and need an AC recharge performed. This is very common around the spring and summer months. However this does not always solve the problem at hand and further diagnostic tactics may need to be used, such as adding a UV dye to your car’s air conditioning system so special lights can be used to pinpoint small leaks. Other causes for AC faults can be a compressor and clutch that are not engaging or something as simple as a condenser that needs to be cleaned out. 

Timing Belt Service

Timing belts are an easy thing to forget about when you think of vehicle maintenance. And it is unfortunate that many people do not hear about their vehicles timing belt until it is too late and something has already gone bad. Your timing belt is a very hard working component in your vehicle and does not stop working at any point while your vehicle is running . For this reason the timing belts need regular maintenance performed on a routine schedule specific to your vehicle. Timing belts over time get brittle, worn and cracked. This can lead to the engine overheating or severe engine damage and leave your stranded. 

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Belts & Hoses

Your vehicle's belts and hoses are maintenance items that are easy to overlook when thinking about routine servicing. Unfortunately issues with your belts and hoses can can cause major issues and possibly even leave you stranded. 

The roads here in Alberta are infamous for their roughness and potholes. Thanks to your shocks and struts the rest of your vehicle is protected from the abuse that these road conditions can cause. Even though your shocks and struts are designed to take this abuse over time they can get worn out and lose the ability to do their job, this can put the rest of your vehicle at risk.

Your vehicle's exhaust system and muffler do more than just aid in making your vehicle run quietly, it plays an important role in the way that your engine performs and where your vehicles possibly harmful exhaust fumes are guided. Most often the first telltale sign that your exhaust system or muffler is failing is that your vehicle runs louder. We know how important it is to keep your exhaust system in good shape. Not only to protect the health of your vehicle but, most importantly the health of you and your family.  

Signs that I Have an Exhaust Leak:

• Check engine light is on

• Gas pedal is vibrating

• Your car engine is suddenly louder

• You can constantly smell exhaust fumes

Although most of the time when an exhaust condition is present it is accompanied by one of these symptoms, there are times where they can go undetected by the driver. This is why it is important to bring your vehicle in for regular servicing and inspections.