Store Cost +10% Web Promotion May 1
What another deal! Blaskin and Lane is offering Store Cost +10% on all stock Bridgestone and Firestone tires.
This deal is offered at all 6 Blaskin and Lane locations. Offer expires on May 12th, 2012.
*Installation, balance and taxes extra.
Are Canadians Taking Safety For Granted? Apr 27
Based on a recent Michelin Canada Safety Survey, over 80% of Canadians do not think of improving their safety at home, at workplaces or on the road. There is cause for concern on the road as a staggering 63% of Canadians say they don’t feel safe in their car when 84% of the population does not often think of improving vehicle safety.
Below are some notable findings from the survey conducted:
Unsafe on the Road
While driving, only 37% of Canadians say they feel safe in the car. However, a whopping 84% of Canadians say they don’t often think about ways to improve safety in the car.
Not every accident can be prevented completely, but as consumers, we can make a choose a safe vehicle for ourselves and our families. In the past decade or so, there has been advancement in safety features such as driver and passenger airbags, including side airbags that deploy from the door. This option is ideal for small car safety.
Unsafe Driving in the Rain
During heavy rain, only 21% of Canadians indicate they are very confident driving at night and 40% are very confident in the day-time.
To increase confidence while driving in the rain, turn on your headlights and wipers as soon the car is started. Make sure there plenty of space between you and other vehicles. And try driving in the middle lane as it is usually higher ground, which means a greater chance of water runoff.
If all else fails, you can take courses on driving, which can drastically improve your confidence while driving.
Lack of Emergency Kits
59% of Canadians do not create or replenish a vehicle emergency kit, while 57% do not at home. And 56% do not create or update an emergency contact list.
An emergency kit is often referred to as a survival kit as well. If an accident should occur, this kit could be the difference between life and death. Make sure to always have one before venturing out. An emergency kit should include items like candles, matches, a flashlight, batteries, bandages, a whistle, water, energy bars and blankets
All Canadians are encouraged to take safety seriously and not to cut corners. Michelin is dedicated to safety and constantly strives to raise the bar of safety in mobility.
Tag(s): Blaskin and Lane
Spring Car Care Special Apr 16
What a deal! Blaskin and Lane is offering a Spring Car Care Special for only $89.95*.
Get your car ready for Spring!
- Oil, lube and filter with Quaker State oil
- Tire inspection & rotation (if needed)
- Brake inspection
- Inspect all fluids
- Under the hood inspection
- Battery test
- Shocks and Struts inspection
- Exhaust system inspection
This deal is offered at all 6 Blaskin and Lane locations. Offer expires on May 12th, 2012.
Spring Maintenance Apr 12
With the start of spring, it is once again time to do some car maintenance. If you have winter tires, you may want to remove them depending on whether the snow and ice in your area has melted away. While some places in Canada are still experiencing snow, Southern Ontario has received above average temperatures in March. If you have all-season tires, then it is time to rotate them!
Another thing you should do this time of year is check is your car’s fluid. Most people do not make the effort to top off their fluids during the cold winter months. While you’re at it, it is recommended that you clean and check your wipers. With April showers approaching, maintaining this part of your car is as crucial as it is in the winter.
Sometimes, it is a lot easier to have a professional do it. Many sites are offering promotions with the start of spring. So see what is being offered in your city and take advantage of these deals!
If you choose to do things yourself, your car probably deserves a good wash from winter. Pay attention to areas where salt has accumulated. Once dried, giving your car a proper wax can adds years to the paint.
Finally, take a look at your interior. Winter may have gotten in there too. Vacuum your seats and give the mats a deep cleaning.
Tag(s): Blaskin and Lane
New Technology Keeps Families Linked 24/7 Mar 30
GM, the creators on OnStar, continue to pioneer cutting edge vehicle safety technology. The company recently announced it will be launching Family Link, an optional service the company piloted last year that will allow users to stay connected to their loved ones when driving an OnStar-equipped vehicle.
“Last year, we had more than 4,500 subscribers test the Family Link service and they told us it provides them peace of mind by staying connected to their family when they’re on the road” according to Joanne Finnorn, vice president of subscriber services.
The service lets family members track vehicles for a low price of $3.99 (on top of an existing OnStar package), is set to begin a phased rollout next month. Family Link consists of two features: Vehicle Locate and Vehicle Location Alert. Vehicle Locate allows you to view the vehicle’s location on a map. Vehicle Location Alert sends an alert at a chosen interval, letting the vehicle’s location be known via text or email.
For more information please visit: http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/onstar/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Mar/0327_onstar_fl
Cooper Tires Promotion Mar 20
Celebrate spring with new tires for your car! Blaskin and Lane is offering the 4th tire at no charge after purchasing 3 Cooper CS4 tires. This deal is offered at all 6 Blaskin and Lane locations. Offer expires on April 14th, 2012.
Richard Spénard Winter Driving Tips Feb 19
Veteran race-car driver Richard Spénard has advice to help motorists stay safe on wintry roads.
1. Drive in the proper driving position.
“If you are not sitting properly, you are not going to feel your car very well and feel the loss of adhesion.”
2. Be informed.
Spénard says acquiring information on how to handle different conditions is important. A good place to start is the Michelin Winter Driving Academy, but the Quebec government also offers winter driving tips.
3. Increase the distance between vehicles in front of you.
“Always expect the worst in front of you so you are ready to avoid an incident if something happens.”
4. Slow down.
“People are just not adjusting their speed enough for the conditions.”
5. Keep your car clean by removing all ice and snow to allow for proper lines of sight.
Tag(s): Winter Driving, Winter Tires
Blaskin and Lane Promotion Extended Feb 7
The current promotion has been extended! Bring this coupon in to a Blaskin and Lane location during your initial consultation.
* Offer expires midnight MST February 29, 2012.
Winter Maintenance Jan 27
The Car Care Council recommends motorists take the following steps toward winterizing a vehicle:
- Check the battery and charging system for optimum performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries.
- Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a general rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.
- Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. Typically, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.
- It’s never too late for a tune-up. Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.
- Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow or ice (or both) are problems in your area, choose the appropriate winter tires.
- During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly, and don’t forget the spare.
- Check the brakes. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety component.
- Inspect the exhaust system for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.
- Check to see that exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.
- Be diligent about changing the oil at recommended intervals as dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in extremely cold climate. Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.
Tag(s): Winter Driving, Winter Tires
Car Winterization Checklist Jan 20
Battery Cables and Terminals
Make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion, and the connections are tight.
Drive Belts
Inspect the underside of accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many newer multi-rib “serpentine” belts are made of materials that do not show obvious signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000-mile intervals.
Engine Hoses
Inspect cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, squeeze the hoses and replace any that are brittle or feel excessively spongy.
Tire Pressure
Check tire inflation pressure more frequently in fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures — typically by 1 PSI for every 10 degrees. The proper tire pressure levels can be in the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s side door jamb. Also, check the spare.
Air Filter
Check the engine air filter by holding it up to a 60-watt light bulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if light is blocked by most of the filter, replace it.
Lights
Check the operation of all headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and back-up lights. Replace any burnt out bulbs.
Wiper Blades
The blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. In areas with snow, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade frame in a rubber boot to reduce ice and snow buildup that can prevent good contact between the blade and the glass.
Washer Fluid
Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing
Brakes
If there is any indication of a brake problem, have the system inspected by a certified technician to ensure all components are in good working order.
Transmission, Brake and Power Steering Fluids
Check all fluids to ensure they are at or above the minimum safe levels.
Source: AAA Mid-Atlantic
Tag(s): Winter Driving, Winter Tires