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
Winter Driving Academy Jan 10
There hasn’t been much snow in Toronto due to above average temperatures. This doesn’t mean there won’t be snow this season though. When it does snow, it will mean challenging driving conditions for drivers. With snow and ice on the road, cautious drivers slow to a halt as confident drivers become reckless. On January 10th, Richard Spénard, a professional driver and driving instructor for Michelin Canada, will be in Toronto to demonstrate how to drive safely on winter roads, no matter the weather conditions or driver personality. Find out what type of driver you are here.
What: Media demonstration of winter driving techniques
(Taping and interview opportunities)
Who: Richard Spénard, professional driver
When: Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Time: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, on appointment
Where: Parking lot, Ontario Place
955 Lakeshore Boulevard West, Toronto
For additional safety driving tips, please visit the Michelin Winter Driving Academy.
Tag(s): Winter Driving, Winter Tires
Winter Tire Deadline Dec 30
In Quebec, the deadline to have winter tires installed on your vehicle has already past. Beginning December 15th, all non-emergency passenger vehicles in Quebec must have winter tires on. This includes taxis, but not buses.
Motorcycles also must be off the road for the next 3 months as there are no winter tires certified for these vehicles. This law first came into effect 3 years ago. Any car owners who are planning on heading out of the province for the holidays can apply for a seven day exemption. This can be done through SAAQ. It is still recommended that you use winter tires regardless of what province you live for your own safety and the safety of others on the road.
The fine for being caught without winter tires is a minimum of $200. Parts of British Columbia also has a law regarding the mandatory use of winter tires.
Tag(s): Winter Driving, Winter Tires
OK Tire Promotion Dec 12
Check out the latest promotion on OK Tire! You can get $80 rebate on a set of 4 Toyo Tires. Act fast as this deal ends on Friday!
What type of winter driver are you? Dec 2
Michelin recently conducted a survey to find out more about the different drivers on Canadian roads.
Worrywarts
Worrywarts lack confidence at the wheel and worry they are surrounded by drivers who are less cautious than they are. Worrywarts can sometimes get paralyzed and stop in the middle of an ice-covered hill, or incline. Stopping in such a situation is never advisable as you may not have traction to begin moving again. Smooth, steady pressure on the gas to maintain forward motion is the key to conquering slippery inclines.
Daredevils & The Fast and Confident
Daredevils love the thrill of the wheel, and they don’t believe that speeding causes accidents. They are not intimidated by winter driving, because they rarely get stressed at the wheel. In the winter, these types of drivers should remember to significantly increase their following distance and anticipate longer distance for braking to avoid losing control and causing an accident.
Cautious Pragmatists
Cautious Pragmatists consider cars first and foremost as a method of transportation, a way to get from point A to point B. They are cautious at the wheel and follow the recommendations of their car manufacturer or mechanic for maintenance. These drivers will always ensure that they have a fully-prepared car with essential equipment for the winter.
Aficionados
Aficionados love the automotive world and understand the characteristics of different cars. These drivers are aware that most cars today have up to three different electronic-control systems that assist in maintaining traction and control.
All drivers should know their strengths and weaknesses so they can drive more safely during the winter months.
Tag(s): Winter Driving, Winter Tires
Experts agree, nothing beats winter tires Nov 25
According to a recent survey commissioned by Canadian Tire, Albertans are the least likely to outfit their cars with winter-rated tires. Of those surveyed in Alberta only 28 per cent indicated they head into winter with appropriate tires. By comparison, almost 40 per cent in other regions install winter tires.
“Winter tires for winter conditions will perform the best,” says Melissa Arbour, Canadian Tire category business manager for tires. Winter tires “are specifically designed for cold and snow, and remain supple at 7 degrees C and colder.
“All-season tires have a different rubber compound, and they’re not designed to withstand the cold.”
Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Experts+agree+nothing+beats+winter+tires/5656218/story.html
Tag(s): Winter Driving, Winter Tires
Outfit your car with snow tires Nov 4
The RCMP in Kelowna held a press conference recently warning motorists that is now time to get winter tires because black ice may already be appearing on the roads. This information is relevant to all drivers because if an accident is caused by poor equipment such as wrong tires, drivers may be facing a hefty fine. It is also important to note that winter tires need a tread depth of 3.5 millimetres.
By law, you need to have all season mud and snow tires, winter tires or carry chains in higher elevations from October 1st to April 31st. Being caught without will be matched with a $121 fine.
Tag(s): Winter Driving, Winter Tires
Canadian Tire going back to its roots Oct 28
At one point in time, the CEO anticipated boosting of tire sales by 4 per cent to 5 per cent annually when market growth was nearly 2%. The auto-care business is a cornerstone of Canadian Tire’s and needed to be at peak performance according to Stephen Wetmore last year.
Today, its auto store of the future – components of which will be rolled out in all its stores over the next two years – is his team’s quest to reach peak performance. Canadian Tire’s new auto shop is broadening its reach as well by stocking all sorts of electronics. This strategy to similar to that of Shoppers Drug Mart. Canadian Tire also now has drive-in service for its customers in the new auto shop. No longer do customers have to park their car and walk into the store.
Read more: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/canadian-tire-gets-back-to-its-roots/article2207153/
OK Tire tops among Canadian service centres Sep 14
According to a new report done by J.D. Power and Associates, OK Tire has ranked highest in satisfying automotive customers in Canada with the service establishment experience. OK Tire scored an overall index of 902 on a 1,000-point scale. They achieved highs in work quality and customer orientation. Both of which are the two most important drivers in customer satisfaction.
“In addition to improvements in various measures of dealer performance, satisfaction with service delivered by new-car dealers in particular also increased,” said Adrian Chung of J.D. Power. “This suggests that service centres across the industry are listening to their customers, and putting more focus on improving the overall service experience.”