The Tire Lab: Tire, Battery, Lube
Oil and air filters on the parts shelf at The Tire Lab

Fluids & filters

Fluids and filters in St. Catharines

Cabin and engine air filters replaced while you wait, and fluid levels checked and topped up according to your owner's manual schedule, not guesswork. We show you the old filter before replacing it.

Cabin filter
About 10–15 minutes
Engine filter
About 10 minutes
Fluid check
Levels checked and topped up (ask when you call)
Appointment
Walk-ins welcome

· Prices in CAD. Call to confirm for your vehicle.

Cabin air filter replacement

The cabin filter cleans the air that comes through your vents. A clogged one makes the heat, defrost and A/C weak, which matters most on a foggy winter morning.

Signs
Weak airflow, windows slow to clear, a musty smell from the vents
Interval
Follow your owner's manual schedule, or replace sooner if you travel on gravel or dusty roads
Included
New filter fitted; we show you the old one first
Availability
Walk-in, 7 days · About 10–15 minutes

Engine air filter replacement

The engine air filter cleans the air going into the engine. It's a different part from the cabin filter, in a different place, and a clogged one can cost fuel and power.

Signs
A dark or grey filter, lots of dusty or gravel-road driving, sluggish response
Interval
Per the manufacturer's schedule; it's easy to check at each oil change
Included
New filter fitted; we show you the old one first
Availability
Walk-in, 7 days · About 10 minutes

Fluid checks and top-ups

We check fluid levels and top up what's low. A level that keeps dropping is a sign of a leak worth tracking down: we will tell you what we see.

Signs
A warning light, a low reservoir, spots under the car, or a washer that runs dry
Interval
Check levels regularly; follow the manufacturer's schedule for any fluid change
Included
Level check and top-up; ask what's included for your vehicle when you call
Availability
Walk-in, 7 days; easy to add to an oil change or changeover

For an Ontario winter, use a washer fluid rated to at least −40 °C. Summer fluid can freeze on the windshield during the first cold snap.

What about coolant, transmission or brake fluid changes?

Full fluid flushes and changes aren't listed as confirmed services on this page. If your owner's manual says one is due, call with your year, make and model and we'll tell you whether we can do it for your vehicle.

Get ready for winter in one visit

Add a cabin filter and a fluid top-up to a battery test, an oil change and your fall tire changeover. Ask when you call.

Not sure what's due?

Call with your year, make, model and kilometres. We will check your manual's schedule and let you know what is due and what can wait.