All-Weather Tires verse All-Season Tires

Yep there is a difference!

All-weather tires are the newest type of tire designed to counter winter conditions. What makes them different from standard winter tires is they maintain good handling in both cold and warm temperatures, but can be kept on the vehicle year-round.  The thing to remember is they are not as soft as winter tires and become ridged in cooler weather therefore reducing traction.

Perform best in? Milder winter conditions with rain and fast-melting snow; temperatures that don’t drop below - 7C

Don’t Miss Out On The Auto Show!

This year’s Auto Show is going to be full of gadgets for both kids and adults.   There will be virtual reality simulators for up-close and personal looks at the inner workings of vehicles, a 3D printed vehicle and even video game simulators.  

I’m sure some of you are also thinking . . . “Please don’t walk up and talk to me - I just want to look at the vehicles alone without a salesperson following me”.  Volkswagen is here to rescue you.  They have invented and implemented a robotic communications crew.  This year, don’t be surprised if you’re approached by a robotic tablet that follows you around, and even tells jokes. 

As an additional added bonus you might even get the opportunity to sit in Mercedes Benz’s F105 concept car.  It’s a self-driving vehicle.

Don’t miss the show from February 12-22.    http://www.autoshow.ca

Is Your Car A Death Trap?

Have you ever wondered how your car measures up in an accident, compared to the competition?

Probably not a question you find yourself wondering, but the next time you go to replace your vehicle, you might find this information interesting and it could save your life.

The Insurance Institute for highway safety has released its annual study.  This study takes a look at the death rates for vehicles registered during a special model year.  The findings often determine, the newer the vehicle the better protected you are by almost 40% or greater. 

Like everything in time, safety and technology advances, therefore we are always producing safer new vehicles.  On the positive side, with the increase in safety we also see a decrease in death rates.   I am not going to tell you your vehicle’s death rate.  It’s probably better you look it up yourself when you’re siting down.  The report can be found at www.iihs.org.  I will say however, that if you are driving a Kia you might want to consider a switch. 

Is It Safe To Buy Remanufactured Parts?

If you ask me, one way to save on your automotive repair bills is to locate dealers who sell remanufactured parts.  What is a remanufactured part, you ask?  Eventually, a manufacturer will take a pre-owned part and clean it, replate or repaint it so it is like-new in appearance and then corrosion-protect it.  These parts are basically identical to the original part and will fit your vehicle with perfection, as if it were new.  The remanufacturing process is very strict and mandates the latest in technology and engineering to ensure you are being provided with the best parts possible. 

A remanufactured part is not a rebuilt part.  When you purchase a rebuilt part, only broken or damaged components are replaced and often, generic parts are used during the replacement stage.  The ability to diagnose flaws, renew original parts, and improve their performance, is what differentiates remanufacturing from recycling.  Remanufacturing can often improve the original design by using re-engineering techniques to determine why a part failed prematurely.

Remanufacturing is one of the simplest ways to achieve environmental sustainability.  It saves over 80% of the energy and raw material required to manufacture a new part and keeps used parts, otherwise known as "cores", out of landfills.

It is important that you review the policy of the manufacturer before you buy to ensure it is remanufactured and not rebuilt.  When you buy remanufactured it’s not just the broken parts replaced, but worn items as well.  Always read the small print and save your money.  You never know when you might need it.

Its Battery Time

Don’t get stuck in the cold with a dead battery.   Batteries age just like we do.  Some days we discharge and other days we recharge.  The average battery is designed to last up to 5 years only, especially with the extreme temperature fluctuations in Canada.  The longevity of a battery can also be affected by the user.  For example, if you are a heavy accessory user it won’t last as long.  Road conditions can also affect performance as rough roads and vibrations can cause damage to your battery.  With heavy vibration some of the materials can fall off the internal plates, which in turn means less power generated.   Also, if your battery is not fully charged and is forced to run without ever receiving a full charge, it can cause the battery sulfates to lose their ability to generate power.  Batteries become weak and damaged if they are left to sit and will discharge over time, making it impossible to make or hold a charge.  It is important to give your vehicle a good, smooth drive at least once a week to ensure you are fully charging it.   When you take your vehicle in for service ask your dealer to perform a conductance test.  This test will measure the amount of surface area the battery plates have left to generate power, and can determine how much life is left in your battery.