News & Specials

winter tire season is coming

why do i need winter tires?

Winter tires are specifically designed to provide better traction and handling in cold weather, snow, and icy conditions. They have a different rubber compound and tread pattern that perform well in low temperatures. This helps reduce the risk of accidents and improves overall road safety during the winter months. Winter tires offer better grip on slippery surfaces, which is crucial for maintaining control of your vehicle in snowy and icy conditions. They can reduce the likelihood of skidding and accidents, and they can significantly reduce your vehicle's stopping distance on icy or snow-covered roads. This is crucial for avoiding collisions, especially in emergency situations.

Using winter tires during the cold season can extend the life of your all-season or summer tires. This means you won't have to replace your regular tires as often, which can save you money in the long run. Knowing that you have the appropriate tires for winter conditions can provide peace of mind. You'll feel more confident and secure when driving in challenging weather, reducing stress and anxiety associated with winter driving.

In Ontario, it's a legal requirement to have winter tires on your vehicle during the winter season. The province mandates the use of winter tires from December 1st to March 31st on certain types of roads, including most highways. Some insurance companies in Ontario offer discounts to policyholders who use winter tires. This is because winter tires can reduce the risk of accidents, which ultimately saves the insurance company money. If you're involved in an accident during the winter season in Ontario and you don't have winter tires on your vehicle when they are legally required, you may be held legally liable. This could result in fines and increased insurance premiums.

Once the daily average temperature consistently falls below 7°C (45°F), it's a good time to consider switching to winter tires. This is because winter tires are designed to provide better traction and handling in colder conditions. Tire manufacturers usually put out their rebates on the 1st and 15th of October. You can prebook your appointment today for the future so that when the time comes, you miss the tire season back log!

Get Your Automobile A/C Running Smoothly Again! 

Is your car's air conditioning leaving you hot under the collar? Don't sweat it! Our expert team is here to keep you cool and comfortable on the road. Introducing our exceptional automobile A/C repair and tune-up services! 

Why Choose Us? 

Our skilled and certified technicians have extensive experience in automotive A/C systems. They know the ins and outs of all makes and models, ensuring a precise diagnosis and efficient repairs. 

We invest in cutting-edge equipment to accurately assess and diagnose your A/C system's performance. Our advanced tools enable us to identify and address issues quickly, saving you time and money. 

Whether it's a refrigerant leak, compressor malfunction, or faulty electrical connection, we tackle all A/C system problems with precision. From repairing components to optimizing overall performance, we've got you covered. 

We care about the environment as much as you do. That's why we adhere to eco-friendly practices and use approved refrigerants that have a minimal impact on global warming. Enjoy a cool ride without compromising the planet! 

We understand that A/C repairs can be unexpected and sometimes costly. That's why we offer competitive prices and transparent pricing. You can trust us to provide fair quotes and work within your budget. 

We value your time and strive to deliver fast turnaround times without compromising the quality of our work. Count on us to get your A/C system up and running smoothly again, so you can hit the road with confidence. 

Don't Let the Heat Get to You! Act Now!

Did you know that many cars have a newer a/c system and refrigerant? We are able to service, fill and charge both. So, what's the difference, and why did it change??

R134a (the old one) and R1234yf (the newest system) are both types of refrigerants used in air conditioning systems, but they have some significant differences. Here are the key distinctions: 

R134a is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant with the chemical formula CH2FCF3, while R1234yf is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant with the chemical formula CH2=CFCF3. The chemical structures of the two refrigerants vary, resulting in different properties. 

Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a measure of how much a substance contributes to global warming over a given period. R134a has a GWP of 1,430, which is relatively high compared to other refrigerants. On the other hand, R1234yf has a significantly lower GWP of 1, which means it has a negligible impact on global warming. 

Due to its high GWP, R134a is considered a greenhouse gas and contributes to climate change. In contrast, R1234yf has a minimal environmental impact, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. 

R134a has been widely used in automotive air conditioning systems for many years. However, due to its high GWP, it is being phased out in many regions to comply with environmental regulations. R1234yf has been introduced as a replacement in new vehicle models to meet the more stringent environmental standards. 

R134a and R1234yf have similar cooling capacities and energy efficiency. However, R1234yf generally requires different system components and lubricants due to its different chemical properties. It is important to note that retrofitting an existing R134a system to use R1234yf may require modifications and can be more complex. 

Both refrigerants are classified as mildly flammable, but R1234yf has a lower flammability rating compared to R134a. This difference in flammability has led to additional safety measures and design considerations for systems using R1234yf.

 

 

WHY IS CAR MAINTENANCE IMPORTANT?

Proper maintenance ensures that your vehicle is in good working condition, reducing the risk of accidents or breakdowns. Regularly checking and maintaining essential components like brakes, tires, suspension, and lights helps ensure your car is safe to drive.  Regular maintenance helps identify potential issues before they become major problems. By performing routine inspections and servicing, you can address minor repairs or adjustments early on, preventing larger and costlier breakdowns later. This helps improve the overall reliability of your car and reduces the chances of unexpected failures. A well-maintained car tends to have a longer lifespan. Regularly changing the engine oil, replacing filters, checking and topping up fluids, and following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule helps keep the engine and other vital components in good condition. This can extend the life of your vehicle and save you money in the long run.  Routine maintenance, such as checking and replacing air filters, spark plugs, and fuel filters, can significantly improve your car's performance and fuel efficiency. Neglecting these maintenance tasks can lead to reduced engine power, decreased fuel economy, and overall poor performance.  If your vehicle is under warranty, following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule is usually a requirement to maintain the warranty coverage. Neglecting regular maintenance can void your warranty, leaving you responsible for repair costs that would have otherwise been covered.  If you plan to sell or trade-in your car in the future, a well-maintained vehicle will have a higher resale value. Potential buyers are more likely to pay a premium for a car with a documented maintenance history, as it provides reassurance about the vehicle's condition and reliability.

Regular car maintenance is essential for safety, reliability, longevity, performance, fuel efficiency, warranty compliance, and preserving the resale value of your vehicle. By investing time and effort into maintaining your car, you can enjoy a smoother and more cost-effective ownership experience.  Let J.M Automotive help you to get the most out of your vehicle so that you can enjoy your vehicle for years to come. 


05/26/2023

 


 

SPRING IS HERE!! 

I know, I know. It doesn’t look that way right now, but warmer weather is coming. That means that it will be soon be time for your spring inspection and seasonal tire change over. Did you know we sell tires? In fact, we won GOLD for Tire Sales and Service in the 2018 Kemptville Advance Readers Choice Awards!

Tire companies have put out their rebate* programs for this year. Call today if you would like a tire quote.

Call now to pre-book for April, as spots fill up fast!

*Rebates are mail in and the…

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Workshop: Taking Care of Your Vehicle 

J.M. Automotive is excited to offer an  informative program for first time car owners, or owners who are in charge of their vehicles for the first time. If you get a flat tire, do you know where to put the jack to jack up your car? Do you know how to check your oil, or fill up your windshield washer fluid? Taking care of your vehicle will save you money down the road, and knowing the basics of car care is the first step. We will be offering this workshop on Saturdays. Bring in your own vehicle, and learn…

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Don’t be caught in the dark: Headlight Special! 

Do your headlights seem dim? Pointing in every direction but where you need them? It may be time to get them polished and aimed correctly. As lenses age, they tend to get foggy and not let as much of the light through, making your lights seem dull. Over time, headlights can become out of adjustment, also making it harder to see the road ahead.

At J.M. Automotive, we offer a headlight polish that will restore clarity to your headlights and brighten up your drive. We can aim your headlights back to factory…

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Preparing your vehicle for winter 

Fall is in full effect here in Ontario, and it will not be long before our roads are covered in snow and ice. Tire sales are going crazy, and garages everywhere are busy changing over their customer’s tires. We will try to answer the most common questions we hear this time of year.

Do I really need summer and winter tires? Wouldn’t a good quality all season tire suffice?

Unfortunately, all season tires should really be called 3 season tires. The tire tread designs and compounds of an all season tire are…

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Opening of J.M. Automotive 

Jim McKenney, after many years of professional experience as a mechanic working for various dealers, officially opened J.M. Automotive on September 9th, 2010.