Collard's Country Repair

10/26/2026

Now, Stop Right There!
(Driving with ABS Brakes)

Do you know what kind of braking system you have on your vehicle? It matters. Do you think you should pump your brakes to get them to stop better on a slippery surface? Or are they the new computerized ones that pump the brakes for you?

The most common brakes on today's vehicles are anti-lock braking systems, or ABS for short. They employ a computer and sensors in the wheels to give you a big edge over the older systems. ABS began to be regularly installed on vehicles in the 1970s but weren’t mandated until 2004 in the European Union and 2013 in the United States.

Let's go back to the "old" days when there were no computerized brakes. The driver pushed down the pedal that then sent pressure to all four wheels at once. Unfortunately, all four tires aren't gripping the road the same way; some have more traction than others because of the varying road surface, so stopping and steering can be compromised. In older systems, pumping the pedal made sense since a driver was letting off the brakes when the tires skidded in an attempt to regain traction.

ABS changed all that. Sensors in each wheel now can determine which ones are turning faster than others and adjust brake pressure accordingly, maintaining maximum grip. They automatically “pump the brakes” up to 20 times a second. That helps a driver's stopping distance and steering control, both important in avoiding obstacles.

ABS is designed for the driver to apply steady pressure on the pedal since the computer can do things not humanly possible. If you have ABS, pumping the brakes can defeat the technology that's trying to help you maintain control.

Remember the three S’s: Stomp. Stay. Steer. Stomp your brakes, stay on the brakes, and steer as needed.

Now you see how important it is to know which system your vehicle has. If you're not sure, consult your Service Advisor. That's also a good time to go over your vehicle's brake system and maintenance schedule. ABS is sophisticated technology and needs to be maintained so it will work the way it is designed. Remember that stopping and going are both important when it comes to vehicle safety.

Collard's Country Repair
195 King St.
Burford, ON N0E 1A0
519-757-6330

https://scheduler.crm.vehlo.io/public/widget/7be0a55d-6335-4e78-9c61-a66c4327c5f6

10/23/2026

It’s that time of the year where the leaves are changing and the weather is getting colder. This fall you can book your car into the shop to have your winter tires installed using our new online booking tool. Reserve the date you want now before we get booked up!

https://scheduler.crm.vehlo.io/public/widget/7be0a55d-6335-4e78-9c61-a66c4327c5f6

10/20/2026

The Harm in Skipping an Oil Change

Some new manufacturers are now recommending much higher oil change intervals than they have in the past. As much as 8,000 to 13,000 kilometers or more. Following these recommendations is very important to avoid engine damage. When Burford drivers go too long between oil changes, oil starts to turn to sludge. This causes small oil passages to clog and engine parts to fail.

What causes oil sludge? It’s a factor of time and kilometers. There are hot spots in every vehicle engine that cause oil burn off that leads to sludge. Also, water from normal condensation can build up in the oil. This water also creates sludge. Severe driving conditions in ON lead to more rapid sludge formation.

Severe driving includes short trips under six kilometers around Burford or trips under 16 kilometers in freezing ON conditions. The engine just doesn’t get warm enough for the water in the oil to evaporate. Severe conditions are at the heart of the problem. Stop and go driving, towing, dusty conditions, heavy loads, very hot or very cold Burford temperatures, a car top carrier – these are all conditions that would suggest that the severe service schedule should be considered.

The severe service schedule has much shorter oil change intervals. Burford drivers just need to honestly evaluate how they drive to determine if they should change their oil closer to the severe service schedule, or to the standard schedule.

Some vehicles give oil change reminders. But it’s important to know how that reminder is determined. For some, the reminder simply comes when the standard kilometers interval has rolled around. Others use a computer algorithm that takes into consideration the number of cold starts, trip length, engine temperature and so on. It’s programmed to approximate where on the standard/severe service spectrum you fall. Some more expensive vehicles actually have sensors that test the cleanliness and effectiveness of the oil.

For the rest of us Burford drivers, better safe than sorry should be the guiding principle. Talk with your Collard's Country Repair service advisor and work it out together. Find out what kind of oil the factory sends out in your vehicle. Sometimes it’s a premium grade that costs more than standard oil, but it may be what’s needed to meet a higher factory recommended interval.

Stop by, give us a call or book an appointment using our new online booking tool.

Collard's Country Repair
195 King St.
Burford, ON N0E 1A0
519-757-6330

https://scheduler.crm.vehlo.io/public/widget/7be0a55d-6335-4e78-9c61-a66c4327c5f6

10/19/2026

Check out our Napa AutoPro Promotions this Fall

10/12/2026

We now have online booking! If you would like to book an appointment please click the link below. If you do not see availability for a time that works best for you please call or text 519-757-6330 to see if we can squeeze you in.

10/12/2026

Pay Attention to this Light

Of all the warning lights on your vehicle's instrument panel, there's one that demands your attention. And that's the brake warning light.

Common sense will tell you that if you can't stop, you are endangering yourself and others. Brake warning lights are there to warn you that something is wrong with this vital safety system.

There are several reasons a brake light will come on, but if yours does, get it to our Service Center and have it checked out right away.

Here are some possibilities of what's going on when you see that brake warning light.

Low brake fluid—A sensor has detected that the brake fluid level is low. The technician can determine if you need more fluid. The technician can also determine if there's a leak in your brake system. Low brake fluid could also be a sign of worn brakes pads. An inspection can reveal brake problems. Just topping off the brake fluid can leave critical problems unaddressed.

The light will also come on if there is a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure in the brake lines. This could be from a brake line rupture. This could be caused by road debris cutting a brake line or simply from corrosion eating through a line. Your brake light will come on at the same time the line ruptures, and you will have little warning. Always keep in the back of your mind that you have your emergency brake as one more way to stop.

The brake light may come on when your parking/emergency brake is on. It could be as simple as you left your parking brake on.

Another brake related warning light is the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) light. This system has many components; a bad wheel sensor or damaged wiring may be the culprit. Your technician has a special diagnostic tool to track this one down.

Brakes aren't something to neglect. When you see that brake warning light come on, take your vehicle to your Service Advisor as soon as possible.

Collard's Country Repair
195 King St.
Burford, ON N0E 1A0

12/19/2025

Our holiday hours for the next 2 weeks are below. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our Customers.

Open Dec 22&23rd 8am-5pm
Open Dec 24th 8am-12pm
Closed Dec 25-28th
Open Dec 29&30th 8am-5pm
Open Dec 31st 8am-12pm
Closed Jan 1-4th

Reopening on Jan 5th with our regular 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday

12/08/2025

We are now currently offering interior detailing! Call 519-757-6330 if you would like to book your car in.

12/18/2024

The winner of the free oil change for the October and November Draw is Kathy Florica. I will be in touch to let you know.

10/25/2024