Service Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get your vehicle ready for the summertime...

• Depending on where you take your vehicle during the fall and winter months, you should give your vehicle a good wash. Take the time to check the condition of the paint.
• Clean your wheels and wheel wells good... to get rid of any dirt and/or salt that may have built up over the winter. (a good pressure wash does the trick).
• Check the condition of your tires & tire pressure... temperature changes can affect your tires... having the proper tire pressure will maximize your gas mileage and save wear & tear on your tires More info on Tire Care >>
• Replace wiper blades.
• Clean your windows inside and out... this will increase visibility.
• Change the engine oil and filter (if needed).
• Get a tune-up if needed.
• Inspect cooling system hoses for leaks and drive belts for cracks.
• There's nothing better than a cool, comfortable drive when it's sweltering on the roads. So make sure your vehicle's air conditioning system is also in tip top shape. There's nothing worse than going on a road trip when its 90° in the shade... and the air conditioning is not working

The best way to make sure you reach your destination safely... is to be aware and prepared. Winter weather conditions can make road trips stressful, but planning your route with up-to-date road information will go a long way toward saving you time, trouble, and reduce stress.

Here are a few tips to help you be prepared for unpredictable winter weather...

• Winterize your vehicle.
• Drive with your headlights on.
• When driving on ice or snow... leave plenty of room to stop and start.
• Check weather and road conditions along your route before traveling.
• Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and others.
• You may feel confident driving in snow, but others may not.. so please stay patient.
• Keep your gas tank full to prevent the gas line from freezing and to maximize traction on slick roads.
• Stay on well traveled roads if possible.
• Be sure all windows, lights, mirrors and license plates are free of snow.
• Keep emergency items in your vehicle at all times.
• If you have a cell phone... bring it!
• If you can afford to purchase chains, do so.
• Let others know your route and your expected time of arrival.
• Keep your seatbelt on at all times.
• Stay in your vehicle.
• Do not try to walk for help.
• Run a stranded vehicle for short periods only (first making sure there is no snow blocking the tailpipe).
• Open a window slightly when the engine is running.
• Do stretching exercises to maintain blood circulation.
• Cover exposed skin to avoid frostbite.
• Melt snow to drink. (DO NOT use alcohol, since this hastens the loss of body heat).
• During the day, tie a brightly-coloured cloth to your antenna to alert police or rescuers to your predicament. (At night... use your vehicle's emergency flashers).

Keep an emergency survival kit in your vehicle at all times... Which should include the following:

• Shovel, Jack & Lug Wrench, Jumper cables.
• Warning light and/or Road Flares.
• Ice scraper and brush.
• Waterproof matches and a "Survival Candle".
• Sand and/or kitty litter.
• Spare tire and tow chain.
• Extra clothing, blankets, extra footwear.
• Road Maps.
• Emergency Food Pack.

We all know the best route is a planned route, so take a minute and get the latest road conditions before heading out. Here are some ways...

Talking Yellow Pages is a pre-recorded telephone information service...
Vancouver Area 604-299-9000
Victoria Area 250-953-9000
Nanaimo Area 250-741-9000
Enter to following code 7623 (ROAD) on a touch -tone phone.
Most Cellular subscribers also can get the latest up-to-date road conditions free by dialing *4997.

Coquihalla Toll Plaza CBPQ FM (89.9 FM) on your radio, is a low frequency station which broadcasts the latest Coquihalla and Okanagan Connector road conditions (which can be received within a 2 mile radius of the toll plaza).

When traveling through BC, you can tune to local radio stations for critical road condition reports on the following stations:

Kamloops
• CFJC 550 AM
• CHNL 610 AM
• CHNL 97.5 FM
Ashcroft/Cache Creek
• CHNL 1340 AM
Clearwater
• CHNL 1400 AM
Sorrento/Shuswap
• CHNL 107 FM
Prince George
• CKPG 550 AM
Terrace
• CFNR 1240 AM
Cranbrook
• CKEK 570 AM
Cranbrook
• CKKR 104.7 FM
Penticton
• CIGV 100.7 FM

Most slip-ups in driving result from lapses of attention, whether caused by distractions, anger, substance abuse, aggressiveness, fatigue, anxiety, impatience or just lack of focus. Whatever the reason, anything that takes your mind off driving, reduces your ability to respond, increases your chances of crashing.

• Things outside of the vehicle - 29%
• Adjusting radio/CD - 11%
• Other occupants - 11%
• Moving objects inside the vehicle - 4%
• Adjusting vehicle controls - 3%
• Eating or Drinking - 2%
• Using a cellular phone - 1.5%
• Other distractions - 25%

• Drive defensively - be prepared for poor driving conditions. Expect the unexpected.
• Check your route before departing - if you are unfamiliar with where you are going, get directions or check maps before you are on the road.
• Make sure child passengers are comfortable & properly buckled up before hitting the road.
• Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.
• Place any calls before you drive - prior to leaving the parking lot, home, office, etc...
• Check with your pharmacist regarding your medications - some over-the-counter &/or prescription drugs may cause drowsiness or affect your reactions.
• Be familiar with the equipment in your vehicle - control switches, radio, stereo. This is especially important if you are driving a rental/loaner vehicle.
• Complete your grooming before you get in your vehicle.
• Try to avoid eating or drinking while driving - children or adults may choke on food while the vehicle is in motion causing a severe distraction.

Summer is prime vacation time, and BC is a beautiful province with a variety of scenery.

Here are some tips to keep in mind for visitors and residents...

• Be extra patient and careful. Other motorists and cyclists around you may not be familiar with the route.
• Drivers must keep their eyes on the road.
• Watch for signs that indicate the designated pull offs to special viewpoints of interest.
• Watch for Wildlife - be extra careful in the early morning or at dusk and during the night... these times are when animals are most likely to be on the road. Many animals travel in groups... if you see one on the road - slow down - there may be more following.
• If you see an animal at night - your headlights might spook them... they might freeze up and panic. So pull over or slow to a very low speed until the animal leaves the road.
• Above all - watch for wildlife warning signs.