Niagara Battery & Tire

A full range of mechanical services have been added to compliment batteries and tires. These services are available in our three locations; Niagara Falls, Welland and St Catherines. We also offer drive clean diagnostics and repairs at our Niagara Falls location!

If your vehicle pulls to one side, you may need an alignment. By keeping your vehicle in proper alignment, you can avoid unstable handling and uneven treadwear. An alignment will help you get a longer life from your steering system, suspension and tires. We offer computerized alignments that make sure your wheels are parallel, your steering wheel is centered and your vehicle is set straight.

The oil and oil filter should be changed in your car every 5,000 kms (3,000 miles) or every 3 months whichever comes first! Air filters should be changed every 15,000 miles or 25,000 kms. You should always consult your car owner’s manual for the specific service schedule for your car.

Your brakes should be inspected every 32,000kms or 20,000 miles.
It’s time to check or service your brakes when:

• The red "brake" lamp on the dash lights up.
• Your "ABS" or "Anti-lock" dash indicator is lit while you are driving.
• You can hear a grinding sound or squealing coming from the wheel area.
• The brake system feels different, such as a softer brake pedal or pulling to one side when stopping.

One of our qualified technicians can thoroughly inspect and service these parts of your brake system.

We offer preventive check-ups that can detect when shocks and struts need to be replaced - before your vehicle is damaged.
You may need new shocks or struts if your vehicle:

• Rolls or sways during turns
• Dives forward when braking
• Sits back or "squats" when accelerating
• Bounces or slides sideways on a rough or curvy road
• Bottoms out on bumps

Important Information You Need To Know
Drive clean, diagnostics and repairs are available at our Niagara Falls location. The Drive Clean program which began September 30, 1999 applies across southern Ontario's smog zone, the area of the province with the highest population density and the greatest number of vehicles. Most passenger cars, vans, light trucks and sport utility vehicles in the Drive Clean program area must pass a Drive Clean test to renew the stickers on their licence plates.

Drive clean regulations require testing every two years for vehicles beginning in the third calendar year after their model year, up to and including the 19th calendar year after their model year. Passing an emissions test is also required to transfer ownership and licence a vehicle for the road under new ownership, if the transfer requires a safety certificate.

For more information regarding Ontario Drive Clean, please contact our Niagara Falls location 905.354.2182

Your exhaust system will normally let you know when there is something wrong with it, as it becomes increasingly louder. However, there are different sounds to listen for to give you an idea of what's actually wrong with it. For example, a steady, pulsing roar normally means that there's a hole in a pipe or one of the other components in the exhaust system. Whether you just need a clamp fixed on your muffler, or you want a complete custom performance exhaust system featuring stainless steel from the calalitic converter through to the tail pipe, we can do this for you. You may want a mechanic to take a look at your exhaust system while they're doing a lube, oil and filter for you or any other service.

Check your radiator for leaks, or deterioration such as cracks, softness and swelling. Make sure there is plenty of coolant in the system. Improper coolants and levels can cause overheating and serious engine damage and leave you stranded. This is an area that is often overlooked by motorists and can let you down without warning.

Excessive engine revving between shifts and sluggish or clunky shifting are all signs of gearbox problems. If any of these symptoms arise bring your car into see us. Don’t wait if you suspect something is wrong, as driving with a problem can lead to more serious and expensive repairs.

Niagara Battery & Tire carries batteries for all purposes, whether it is to power your new fishing boat or your truck battery is showing signs of fatigue. Niagara Battery & Tire has the battery to meet your needs in stock.

• Automotive Batteries An automotive battery provides power to the electrical system of a vehicle. When called upon, the battery provides the electricity to drive the starter and power the ignition system while the car is starting. The battery powers electrical components (headlights, radio, internal dome lights, etc.) and can power the entire electrical system for a short period of time when needed. Weak batteries are likely to let you down in extreme hot and cold conditions. Have us check your battery when you come in for any service – better to be safe than sorry.
• Marine BatteriesThere are two different types of marine batteries; deep cycle marine batteries and starting marine batteries. Both types of marine batteries are manufactured as sealed, maintenance free types and flooded plate types. We stock both and will advise you of the right battery for your needs.
• Battery Maintenance Studies have shown that batteries are among the most neglected parts of any vehicle. Unless it doesn't start, you never think of the battery. We at Niagara Battery & Tire have built our reputation, and indeed the entire company, on our extensive knowledge of any and all types of vehicle batteries and the proper maintenance of them.
  
  Here are a few simple battery maintenance procedures that will help prevent premature battery failure:
  • Check electrolyte level (not required for sealed, non-spillable batteries). If the electrolyte level is below the tops of the plates in any cell (or the lower line level) refill with clean drinking or distilled water to upper line level. NOTE: Low electrolyte level may be a malfunction in the charging system.
  • Keep the battery clean of all acid spillage and dirt, especially around the terminal areas.
  • Keep the exhaust tube free of any kinks or dirt build-up.
  • If used infrequently the battery will require additional recharging. Especially with motorcycle, marine, and other 'seasonal' vehicles. Specific charging rates or times vary because of the following:
    • Battery's electrical capacity
    • Temperature of the electrolyte
    • Battery state of charge at the start of charging
    • Battery age and condition
    • Type of charger used
  • Check the specific gravity of acid or the voltage of the battery to make sure it is at a 100% charged condition. If not additional charging may be required.

Not only does Niagara Battery & Tire carry automotive batteries, but they also have lines of marine, dry cell and cell phone batteries available.