Christmas Gift Ideas

               Christmas often has us scrambling to find gifts for those hard to buy for people on our lists. With the days flying by and Christmas just around the corner it can become stressful to know what to buy. Why not consider getting vehicle accessories for those hard to buy for people. Often these are extra things that people don’t usually buy for themselves but are very thoughtful.

                There are a wide range of gift ideas to choose from; from necessities to comfort items. There are also all different price points to suite any budget.  Our cars are often a place where we spend a lot of our time, why not personalize it and make it comfortable. Here is a list of ideas to get you started:

Necessities	Comfort Items	Inexpensive	Higher Priced
Gas Cards	Travel Mugs	Key Chains	Travel Cooler/Warmer
Snow Scraper	Seat Covers	Air Fresheners	Stereo
Roadside Kit	Licence Plate Cover	Bumper Stickers	Bluetooth Ear Piece
Foldable Shovel	Cell Phone accessories	Visor Glasses Clip	Car Starter
Cleaning Supplies	Floor Mats	Sun Shades	Auto Tools
Tire Gauge	Wheel Covers	Blind Spot Mirror	G.P.S.
Fuzzy Dice	Car Organizers	Car Wash G.C.	Portable DVD Player
Anti Theft device	Sun Shade	Car Charger	Winter Tires
Booster Cables	Interior Heater	Funnel	Pressure Washer

 

 These are just a few ideas of the options available for gifts. Depending on the person you are buying for you can customize your gift to them. For example, if they like a hockey team you can get accessories with their team logo. They have theme items for just about everything now. Think about the type of lifestyle the person has, that can impact the type of gift you give. A business person would probably get a lot of use out of cell phone accessories, where a person with kids could maybe use a personal DVD player. Also, look at how they use their vehicle; where do they do most of their driving, highway, city, back roads? These things can influence the gifts you choose.

Whatever you decide you are sure to have a happy gift recipient. People put a lot of pride in their vehicles; they invest a lot into them. Whether it’s a large gift or a stocking stuffer, you can relax knowing your gift will be not only a personal one but a useful one as well. Now it’s time to kick back and enjoy the Eggnog.

-Muriel Rolufs
 

Saftey On Winter Roads

              More people head out onto the roads at this time of year. The Hustle and Bustle of the season has people driving more to do their shopping, visiting, and holiday travelling. Being out on the roads in the winter means the potential for unexpected situations to arise. It’s a good idea to have a few things on hand just in case.
             In order to know what you should have stocked in your vehicle, you have to know your destination. If you are cruising around town to run errands or pop by friends houses for Christmas socializing, than you will need to prepare differently than someone headed out to the cabin for an old fashioned Christmas experience. Also, keep in mind if you are headed out of town -  Are you going to be doing mostly highway driving or will there be a few back roads in your travels?
            The modern age has ensured most of us are equipped with a cell phone; this is a very useful tool to have when travelling. Of course access to a phone is important to call for help, but they can also offer more. Smart phones nowadays are also equipped with all kinds of apps to assist with emergencies. Plus, most phones have built in cameras which are handy in an accident. Before heading out, download some apps to help, for example, a G.P.S. navigation system and a flashlight. If you don’t have a smart phone with these features then it is important to obtain them, especially if you are headed out of town.  Remember a cell phone can only be helpful if the battery is charged.
            Roadside Emergency Kits are available for sale or you can create your own.  It’s a good idea to keep a kit stocked in your vehicle throughout the winter driving months. There is a great blog done by Consumer Reports that lists important items to bring. You can visit their blog at:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/03/roadside-emergency-kit-what-to-carry-with-you/index.htm

                There are a variety of situations that could come up; these items may come in handy. As mentioned in the Consumer Report's Blog: "You want to be able to get help, signal your car’s presence, and tackle simple challenges."  Having these will also keep you comfortable while you are waiting for help to arrive. Keep these items in the interior of your car; you may not be able to get access to your trunk if you have gone off the road.

                It is also important to know your vehicle. Do you have a spare tire? If so, where is it located and how do you get access to it if needed? If there is a spare check to make sure the proper tools for a tire change are on board with you, some vehicles have hidden compartments that store these items. I had no idea that I had a compartment with a jack that also doubled as a tire iron until my brother showed me. It’s a good idea to ask someone who is knowledgeable about vehicles for help. You can also contact your dealership for help to locate these items.           

               Remember to dress for the weather. Even if you are only going a few blocks it is important for you to have the appropriate outerwear for the conditions. Ladies, I know it can be a pain to wear boots with your party dress but it’s better than standing in a snow bank in heels. Even if you don’t wear those boots, make sure they are in the vehicle with you, just in case. Having extra winter clothes on hand is a good idea: toques, mittens, scarves, etc.

              If there is a possibility that you could be stuck somewhere waiting for help to arrive you will want to be prepared. Bring along some snacks and water to set aside just in case. It’s also a good idea to have some cash in case you are in a rural area, sometimes Credit Cards and Debit just aren’t an option.

              You never know what will be thrown your way when you are out on winter roads. There are a number of things that can take you by surprise, be ready. It may seem pointless to carry extra things around with you, but if you stock your vehicle ahead of time and have things ready you won’t regret it. These things can make a tough situation better for you and the people you are travelling with.  Remember to think about your destination and pack accordingly and always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive. The more prepared you are the better you will feel about going out and enjoying the Holidays.

-Muriel Rolufs

Being Prepared For Your Vehicle Purchase

             Generally in life things go better when you are prepared, buying a vehicle is no different. Whether you have ever gone through the vehicle purchasing process or not, here is some useful information to help make the experience more effortless. Buying a vehicle is an exciting time. Take a few steps to ensure you are prepared ahead of time so you can enjoy the experience instead of feeling overwhelmed. Buying a vehicle can seem like a long process, having things in order can help speed things along.

                Firstly, have your proper documentation in order. There are several different types of documents to consider when it comes to buying a vehicle. Depending on your situation you may need to have to have access to different types of paperwork. You will need to be sure to bring along your Driver’s Licence. If you have a Status Card it is important for you to have that with you as well. If you are planning to trade in another vehicle, bring along the registration papers for that vehicle.  Your two most recent paystubs, and possibly a down payment, will be required if you are looking into finance options. Having a blank cheque or a pre-authorized debit form may also be necessary, for pre-authorized payments.

                On top of bringing paperwork with you; you will be taking some home too. Bring an envelope or file folder to keep these items organized and accessible. You could be getting:  receipts, warranty information, vehicle registration, insurance papers, and possibly more.  Jot down all of the information that you have enclosed on the outside of the envelope for easy reference. If anything comes up in the future you have everything in one place.

                Realize that you may be spending time waiting for all of the pieces to fall into place. Sometimes this means hanging out at the dealership for a period of time. Try to make sure that you don’t have too many things scheduled for the same time, this way you can relax and not feel like you are being pulled in different directions. Also, if you have the kids with you make sure you have some things with you to make the wait more comfortable for them too. Some snacks and activities help keep them content while waiting. We aim to reduce the amount of time our customers have to wait as much as possible, but sometimes it still happens. We have a comfortable waiting area for you to make yourself at home. Our staff also has a knack for keeping you entertained.

                  If you or someone you know is planning to buy a vehicle, these tips can help. Getting things organized helps you to sit back and enjoy your purchase. Being prepared ahead of time will help get you into your vehicle faster and more comfortably. Remember to keep an open line of communication with the dealership; they will help to step you in the right direction. Knowing you came prepared allows you to focus on the fun of buying a vehicle.

 -Muriel Rolufs

Looking for a used vehicle? Learn how a dealership can help.

                Buying a used vehicle can be a stressful time. Let’s face it, cars are a big investment. If you make the wrong choice about a vehicle it can have a big impact on your life. Not knowing enough about vehicles can be overwhelming. Worrying that you are not getting the proper information to make an informed decision adds to the frustration. Having a car that does not run well can be expensive and inconvenient. Usually once you buy a vehicle you have it for several years. You don’t want to be stuck with one that has problems you were unaware of.

               A dealership can help in many ways when it comes to purchasing a vehicle. Dealerships can take the stress and guess work out of buying. Firstly, dealerships ensure all vehicles have been inspected by a certified mechanic. A full safety test has been preformed, and all repairs are taken care of. Secondly, a dealership provides all available reports on your vehicle. Now you can know if your vehicle has ever been in an accident or had suffered other damages that you need to know about. Having a Lien check done is very important part of the process, it is helpful information to have. You could own your vehicle for years only to learn that you never actually owned it, simply because the previous owner neglected to make payments and it is now property of the bank. Warranty protection is another service offered by dealerships that you cannot get from a private seller. Warranties offer peace of mind so you can be covered for future mechanical issues that may arise.

             Many people avoid dealerships because they don’t want to deal with Sales Staff. A knowledgeable sales person can be a huge advantage to you, they can help you to find a vehicle that suites your needs. You tell the sales person what is important to you, then they can select the right fit from a large selection of vehicles. A good sales person will assist you in making the right choice, let them use their knowledge and experience to help you. Plus, they can be there for years after you buy to help you with any concerns or questions that may arise.

              Financing can open several doors for a buyer. Some people have little or no credit but are still responsible with their finances, they have options available at a dealership that they don’t have at the banks. Also, people who have good credit can often get better credit rates for vehicle purchases through the dealership than their own bank can offer.  

Buying used vehicles just makes sense, you pay less. New vehicles depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot, and continue to lose value after that. Insurance rates are higher for new vehicles as well, costing you even more money. Buying a used vehicle does not mean you have to compromise on quality; there is a wide selection of options available and a large variety of newer models. If you are in the market for a vehicle don’t overlook buying something used. Let a dealership take the worry out of buying a used vehicle. There is no need for you to feel overwhelmed; there are qualified staff members at a dealership that can take care of all the details. 

- Muriel Rolufs