New Years Resolutions

Well, it's that time of the year again. It's time to sit back and analyze the past year and think about all of the things that have happened, the good and the bad. We often find ourselves reflecting on the year that seems to have passed us by and wonder if there was anything that could have been different. That is what makes New Years so incredible, it's a chance to look at the world around us and decide what things we want to keep in our lives and what things to let go of as we move forward.

Not everyone is big on making New Years Resolutions. I personally make resolutions all throughout the year. Some people avoid them all together, there are many reasons to skip the popular tendency: lack of motivation, fear of failure, unclear direction, etc. These are all the more reason to give resolutions a shot.

If you find you are lacking motivation, just plain stuck in a rut, having a goal can help. Even the smallest challenge can get you motivated, no matter your goal. Lets say you want to lose weight. You don't have to go crazy with some starvation diet or hit the gym for hours a day. Just keep it small and simple, try to set a goal to not eat anything with in 2 hours of going to bed, or cut out snacking on junk between meals. If you are not very active you can start out by going for a 15 minute walk every day. The key here is to make small changes that you can stick to and keep building from there. If your goal is to organize your house and declutter then the same principle applies. Pick one room at a time and dedicate 15 minutes a day to cleaning it up. You will be amazed at how quickly things start to change. And the best part? You start to see the success in your small steps and your motivation keeps building.

Is it a fear of failure that holds you back? That's all the more reason to have a resolution. If you start out small you will have attainable goals to work toward and you will see results and success. The reason most people fail is because they bite off more than they can chew or they aren't realistic about what they can actually achieve right away. That sets you up for failure. Small accomplishments are the foundation, then you build and build from there. Before you know it you have a pile of successes under your belt to be proud of.
Are you unclear of the direction you are headed in? The perfect cure for that is, you guessed it, a resolution. You don't have to be clear on what your future holds, just simply pick something that interests you. Always wanted to paint, travel, hike a mountain?  Find something that inspires you and take steps to do it. What you will find here is new things opening up to you and it may give you the direction you were missing. It also opens the door to meeting new people who can also help you learn your path.

There is an infinite list of reasons not to take some time to come up with resolutions for the New Year (or any other time for that matter) but there is an equally long list of reasons why you should.  Your resolutions shouldn't be about doing a complete overhaul of your life, but rather an opportunity to adjust your sails and head in the direction that you want to take your life. It gives you a chance to make your own decisions about the person you want to be. 

So as the year comes to a close, take a bit of time to consider what you can do to make your own life better. You don't have to change the world, just take steps to make small improvements. And remember, you can renew your resolutions continually throughout the year. If something isn't working don't give up, just re-evaluate and come up with a new plan. Also you don't necessarily have to start on New Years day, you can pick a date that works with your own life. Sometimes it's hard to get into a new routine right after the hectic holiday season. We often do so much over Christmas and New Years that the thought of setting resolutions into action just isn't realistic, and that's okay.
Never made a resolution before? There are plenty of different things to work with. Start with a few different areas and fine tune it to suit you. Some main areas to consider are: health, relationships, financial situation, home, work, and so on. Pick one area and consider one thing that you can do to make improvements. Heck, pick one thing from each area and apply a small change and keep adding as you go. A resolution is a just a goal and a promise to yourself to take action to make improvements.
This year make a resolution to set a resolution, and start the journey to creating a better life for yourself.  Happy New Year!!!  



-Muriel Rolufs

Why I Use Winter Tires

                 I have to admit, when I got my first car I didn't have a lot of money. I was only 19 years old and worked 3 to 4 part time jobs to support myself. Between rent, car loan, insurance and other monthly expenses I wasn't left with much to pay for other things.  Winter tires were a luxury that I couldn't afford. Besides, I thought all seasons were good in the snow.  As a result, I was one very nervous winter driver. I remember getting in my car (after banging the solenoid with a wrench to get it to start) and literally shaking with fear as I navigated my way through the icy roads to make it home. Every time I came to an intersection I hoped and prayed that I would be able to stop, and again when it was time to start I pleaded with my car to get me going and not sit there with my tires spinning on ice. I only drove when I absolutely had to.

                My winter driving experience went on like this for a few years and I just surrendered myself to not being a good winter driver and got accustom to having my heart in my throat every time I had to go anywhere. Then, something changed. I had my first child and suddenly everything had taken on new meaning. Incorporating the cost of winter tires became a necessity instead of a luxury. There was no way I was going to take any risks with precious cargo on board.

                With my new winter tires on and my little bundle of joy safely secured in his car seat, I set out on those horrific roads. As always I was nervous, even more so now.  But there was something different about this experience. As I made my way along the streets I realized I could stop and start...virtually whenever I wanted.  I could feel the tightness in my chest from anxiety slowly start to subside, my hands stopped shaking and I could breathe again.

                It didn't happen overnight but each time I ventured out it got easier and easier. Learned how to control my vehicle better at intersections and I no longer was a shut in during the winter months. Those tires changed my perspective about winter driving and gave me more confidence on the roads. The best thing was that I realized I wasn't a bad winter driver, I just didn't have the right equipment for the job.

                 Now with the knowledge that I have about the benefits of using winter tires I can’t believe that I didn't make them more of a priority in my early driving years. After all, I live in Northern Canada and winter road conditions are a part of life here. Even though I was strapped for cash, I should have found a way to make it work.

                So with this being said, my advice is if you drive in the winter invest in winter tires. Sure All Seasons sound like they would be enough, but they are not. Winter tires are made specifically to handle ice, snow, slush and sub zero temperatures in a way that other tires just can’t compete.  There are ways to make them more affordable; look for pre and post season sales or check Kijiji or the buy and sell for lightly used ones.  Also you could budget to put away a bit each month to save up. It’s worth it.

-Muriel Rolufs

Parking

Many of us learn the skills needed to drive to pass the drivers test and then quickly leave that knowledge behind. Have you ever been in a rush to get downtown to get your banking done and found once you got there that the only spaces that are available are ones that would require parallel parking? And you have no idea how to parallel park, especially in the middle of the hectic downtown traffic. Or have you tried to squeeze in some Christmas shopping only to find the parking lot jam packed, and the only way to find a parking spot would require extensive skills in reversing? Another lost skill.
I came across this and thought I would share. Often when we have been driving for several years we forget things like how to parallel park, unless we do it often. I know several people who would rather drive around the block several times than attempt to parallel park simply because they don't remember how to do it. This is a great reminder on how to park or even a great lesson for those just learning to drive.
 Whether you are a new driver or a veteran, these tips can be helpful. It would be a good idea to get out and do a little practicing so that if the opportunity presents it's self you are ready to use those skills and claim your spot! 

-Muriel

Travelling With Pets

 Our little furry family members are important to us. When planning to bring your little critters on the road with you there are a few things to keep in mind. Even if you are only travelling a short distance there are a few tips that could be helpful and may even save a life.

It’s nice to have our furry companions enjoy the excitement of a road trip, often there is nothing our K9’s like more than a trip in the car. You can see the genuine happiness in them as they hang their head out the window and let the wind blow through their ears. But, did you know that the wind blowing in your dog’s face can actually be dangerous? That’s right; even though he is having the time of his life he is at risk of numerous dangers like, getting hit by an object, developing a lung infection, or causing inner-ear damage. It’s best to be the big mean parent and ruin the fun for the sake of safety.

If you are planning to take your pet on a trip and they have not spent much time in a vehicle before then it’s a good idea to try and get them used to the environment a bit first. Take your cat or dog out to spend some time in the car for a while without going anywhere. Let them sniff around and get used the space and all of the new smells, this will help them to be more relaxed while travelling. You can also take him out and about around town on short little journeys to gradually get him used to being in the car. If you choose places that are more exciting like a trip to the dog park then it will make the outings that much more positive.  These practice runs can also give you an indication of whether your pet has any other issues that you need to be aware of like anxiety or car sickness. If there is a problem you can speak to your vet about medications to help.

You wouldn’t dream of putting your child in the car without securing them in a proper seat, so why would you not do the same for your pet. Your animals depend on you to keep them safe. A loose animal in the vehicle is dangerous, not only to you but to them as well. In the event that you have to slam on the breaks your pet becomes a projectile. Imagine little (or even big) “Fluffy” flying through the air, then slamming into you, your child, or even a window. That is not an image that is easy to think of, but it is a reality if you don’t take precautions to prevent it.  Another danger of having a loose pet in the vehicle is having them distract you while driving. A frightened pet could try and hide under your feet, making it near impossible to operate the brake and gas pedals. Or, if you are trying to get your pet to behave you are likely not watching the road.

Luckily, there are numerous ways to secure your pet to avoid disaster:

-  Crates are probably the best way to keep animals contained, especially when it comes to cats. If your pet is not used to being in a crate then you will want to make sure that you let them get used to it a bit first. Make sure that you secure the crate as well; you will want to strap it to something so that it can’t move around or it will also become a potential projectile.  You also want to make sure that your pet is comfortable inside the crate; they should have enough room to turn around and move. It’s also a good idea to make sure the interior walls of the crate are cushioned as well; you don’t want your pet to be hurt if he hits the walls in the event of sudden stops.

 - Another great way to keep your pet safe is with the use of a harness. They make pet friendly harnesses that attach to a regular seatbelt or ones that have straps that attach to the ceiling of your vehicle. These are great so you can still enjoy the company of your dog while you keep them safe and comfortable. Remember, the back seat is best for pets because the air bags in the front seat can cause serious injury in the event of an accident.

Now that you have your pet travelling safely we can look at a few other things that help make travelling with your pet easier.

Food – Make sure that you do not feed your pet for at least 3 to 4 hours before you leave. This will help prevent car sickness. If your pet needs to eat during the trip do not feed them in a moving vehicle, this could cause an upset tummy. Stop at a rest stop for him to eat and make sure you allow lots of time for the food to digest before getting back on the road.

Water – Fresh water should always be available to your pet. Bring bottled water along so you can make sure that can keep them well hydrated. There are special water dispensers available to attach to the inside of crates. Also, you can buy collapsible bowls that are great for food and water while travelling.

Identification – I.D. tags are important while travelling, make sure your pet is wearing one. In the event of an accident your pet could get loose and become lost, this ensures that he will have a better chance of being returned to you. Also, if your pet is travelling in a crate, make sure that the crate is labelled with your pets name, your name and address and cell phone number. The more information you can provide the better.

Travel Kit – Put together a few items that you can have easy access to during your travels. Use a small bin with lid to keep it all contained. Your kit should include: Pet health records (in case of an emergency trip to the vet), nail clippers, liquid bandage, pooper scooper, waste bags, treats, extra dog leash, and at least one favorite toy.

During the trip make sure your pet is content and comfortable. Having a toy available often helps them to be more relaxed and occupied. It is also important that you make frequent stops to allow your pet to stretch his legs and have bathroom breaks (always clean up after your pet.) When you stop to let your dog out ensure that there is lots of space to walk him and make sure he is always on a leash. If you have to leave your pet in the vehicle then park in the shade and leave the windows open. Do not leave your pet for long periods of time, even if the windows are open, it doesn’t take long for temperatures become dangerous.

Hopefully these tips can help you to have a successful road trip with your best friend. Remember to use these safety tips even if you are just travelling around town. Accidents are not planned and these few precautions could save you or your pet from injury, they could even save life.

-Muriel Rolufs

That Sleazy Used Car Salesman

It must be one of the biggest stereotypes around...“That Sleazy Used Car Salesman.”   It‘s even an easy Halloween costume, just put on a cheap suit and grease your hair back and Voila!

So why do they get such a bad rap? Well, probably because they deserved it! Let’s face it; the used car business hasn't been the most honest industry around. When you are investing a large sum of money to get you and yours around safely, it’s personal.

It happens at our car lot every day, the sales staff sees a customer out perusing the lot looking for great deals, they decide to go out and introduce themselves and see if there is anything they can help with and BAM... “JUST LOOKING!!!”  is snapped at them while the customer briskly heads the other way.

Now, you can’t blame people for the fear they have of being swindled by one of those crooked car salesmen, but I hope to give you some food for thought and hopefully change your opinion of the used car industry.

There has to be a change of attitude when dealing with car sales people because the used car industry has changed. Let’s keep up with the times.

Firstly, times have changed; consumers are more educated than ever before. With the help of the internet, knowledge is easily accessible by everyone and anyone in any business is aware of this. No one is trying to hide anything anymore, it’s pointless.

Secondly, how do you feel when you go into a store and there is not a single knowledgeable staff member to be seen? Consumers are much more demanding than ever before, they want help NOW. Realize that that sales person who comes to say hello is doing just that, providing you with knowledge and service.

Thirdly, yes the car sales person is probably working on a commission of some sort. No, this shouldn't cause you to respect them any less. Not every car lot operates a high pressure commission environment. Plus, does it bother you that the lady at the electronic store where you bought your camera works on commission? Or, the guy that sold you your washer and dryer?  Probably not, and it shouldn't. Just like it shouldn't make a difference on the car lot. Almost all sales staff work on commission, this doesn't make them less helpful or less knowledgeable.

Fourthly, sales people are people too. How would you like to go to work every day knowing that you want to do your best to help others and know that the majority of people have a bad opinion of you without even knowing you?  Think of how nerve wracking it would be to go introduce yourself to potential customers and fear that they already have a preset opinion of you as a crook.

Fifthly, who would want to have unhappy customers? When helping customers pick out a vehicle, sales staff genuinely wants their customers to be happy all around. As I stated earlier, times have changed. Not only can customers research via the internet, they can also share their experiences quickly and easily with social media. When running a business it’s always best to have people beaming with pride over their purchase and experience.  A good dealership will want their reputation to keep their customers coming back and referring their friends and family too.

Sixth, keep in mind that the car industry is one of the only industries that have their customers being dishonest when trying to make a deal. That’s right, the customers aren't always honest. Because of the past reputation set by “Sleazy used car salesmen” customers are on guard trying to protect themselves by not always divulging truthful information, and. Who. Can. Blame. Them.  But it does make it hard to really help people to get the best deal.

So, with all this being said, next time you decide to check out our car lot I hope you will leave the stereotype’s behind. The best way to look for a car is to be open, friendly and honest, just like you would like us to treat you. It’s okay if you are “just looking!” It’s okay if you are nervous. Realize that the sales staff are here to help you, they want you to have a purchase that makes you happy, fit’s your lifestyle and doesn't take you to the cleaners with insane payments.

Now realize that I can only speak on our behalf, this is how we operate. I would hope the other car dealerships would have their businesses run this way too.   

-Muriel Rolufs

Summer Maintenance for Your Vehicle

Beautiful Summer weather brings concerns for the maintenance of your vehicle. Extreme heat, sun exposure and long drives can be tough on cars. There are a few simple things you can do to ensure that your vehicle is prepared to deal with the effects of Summer.

 

Here are 10 tips to help you maintain your vehicle during the summer months:

 



1) Check hoses and belts

Pop the hood and take a close look at the shape your hoses and belts are in. You want to keep an eye out for any cracks or damage. Hoses should be firm not soft and squishy. Make sure belts are free of cracks and check and see if the material has started to separate anywhere. You will want to ensure that there are no loose connections or leaks. If you end up with a crack in a hose or a broken belt the radiator will quickly overheat, leaving you stranded.

2) Check the oil

• Let your vehicle run for a few minutes.
• Park on a level surface, turn engine off.
• Let the vehicle sit for a few minutes. 
• Open the hood.
• Locate the oil dipstick
• Pull out dipstick, clean it off with a lint free rag.
• Insert the dipstick back into the pipe.
• Pull it out again and look at the film from the oil that remains on the stick.

     You are looking for two things here: First, you want to see the level of the oil. Second, you are checking for how the oil looks. If the oil is at the add line on the dipstick you can add a quart or consider an oil change if you are due. How does the oil look? It should look brownish-yellow and clean on the stick. If it is dark or has lots of dirt and grime in it then an oil change and filter replacement are probably in order. Oil is the life blood of your car, it keeps you vehicle running smooth and cool (very important in the summer.) If it is not maintained then you can have problems. Extra driving and hot outdoor temperatures can deplete your oil faster than usual.

*If you change your own oil and filter remember to recycle them properly.*
3) Check the Coolant/Radiator
Typically you should have your radiator flushed every two years. In between flushing it's a good idea to check coolant levels to make sure they are okay. Also, keep an eye out for a coolant leak. If you notice a puddle of coolant (or any other fluid) under your car after being parked then you should get it looked at ASAP. The performance of your radiator is very important, especially in the summer months, it is what keeps your engine cool. * Never open a hot radiator cap!!!
4) Check the Battery
While you're under the hood, now's a good time to have a look at the battery. Check to see that the connections look good and that everything is secure. You also want to make sure that the posts are clean. Keep an eye on how your vehicle's battery keeps it's charge, if it drains too quickly you may need a new one. The summer heat can evaporate the battery fluid quicker as well!
5) Check Windshield Wipers
It's hard to remember your wipers when the snow isn't flying! If there hasn't been much precipitation in the summer months the wipers can be easily overlooked. Be ready for those unexpected Summer rain storms by giving your wipers a good once over. Look for visible cracks or tears and try them out to see if they leave streaks or take several swipes to clear away light rain. If so, it`s time for new ones. Also check your windshield for any cracks or chips and have those repaired as soon as you are able.
6) Check the Air Filter
A lot of driving on dirt and gravel roads can clog your air filter before it is due to be changed. A little dirt is okay but make sure it is not too dirty, or totally clogged. If it is clogged it can lower your fuel efficiency, and nobody wants that.

7) Check the Brakes
 There are some important signs to watch for when it comes to your breaks. First, pay attention to the way the pedals feel when you are driving, and take note of any changes. Look for things like the break pedal becoming soft and mushy, hard and resistant or if it rests too high or to low. Watch for indication lights on your dash that may signal a problem. And lastly, listen to how your breaks sound. Take note of any unfamiliar or strange sounds like loud scraping and grinding. Squealing is not usually a problem, so no need to be overly worried about that. If you notice anything that causes concern have your breaks inspected and repaired ASAP, you want to fix any minor problems before they become big, costly problems.                                                       
8) Check the Tires
Tires are an important part of your car's well being, and they are often over looked. It is a good idea to get into the habit of always walking around your vehicle and checking on the state of your tires before you drive. This gives you an opportunity to check for any problems before you go. Often you can spot problems like flat tires and bulges well before they cause you trouble on the road. Also, it is important to keep an eye on your tire pressure. The heat fluctuations in the summer can cause your tire pressure to change and you want to make sure that your tires are not under or over inflated. Don't forget to check the condition of your spare and make sure the tire pressure is good on that one too. It won't do you much good in a pinch if it is flat or damaged.
9) Check the Air Conditioning
Most of us think nothing of our air conditioning but if it stops working in the middle of summer it will be all you think about when you are driving. It's a good idea to have it checked at the beginning of the season when you are transitioning from winter to spring. Otherwise you just have to take note of any changes in how well your air conditioning is working. If you notice that it takes longer for it to start working or it doesn't seem to generate cool enough air then you will want to have it looked at. Generally you will need to have the refrigerant topped up, but sometimes it can be more serious that that.
10) Interior and Exterior maintenance
harmful UV Rays can reek havoc on the condition of your vehicle. It is very important for you to take steps to protect your interior and exterior as much as possible. There are a few east things you can do to help:
- Park your vehicle in the shade when ever possible.
- When you wash your car follow up with a good quality wax that has UV protection.
- Use a sun shade to block the sun from causing fading and cracking in the interior, plus it will keep things cooler inside making it way more comfortable.
 

 Hopefully, these things will help make your vehicle run smoother this summer, so you can spend your time doing all the wonderful things that Summer has to offer.
- Muriel Rolufs





No Manual? No Problem!

            Often when you buy used vehicle the owner’s manual is nowhere to be found. Or, if you bought your car new, you’ve misplaced the manual somewhere along the way. If this is the case, don’t worry your vehicle has a lot of information attached to it that can often answer your questions.

            The vehicle VIN or “Vehicle Identification Number” is a great place to start. This sequence of numbers is unique to your vehicle. No two vehicles have the same VIN; this number is assigned to one specific vehicle when it is manufactured. This number is used for many different things from insurance policies, accident reports, lien reports, and body or engine work done on your vehicle. Each number used in the VIN has a meaning. The VIN is located in two different places on your vehicle; on the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver’s side door jam. You can also find the VIN on your insurance papers and your bill of sale.

            Every number in the VIN has a meaning:

1-      Represents the nation of origin, for example; a vehicle built in the U.S.A. is 1, 4 or 5. Canada is a 2, Mexico 3, Japan “J”, Korea “K”, England “S”, and Germany “W.”

2-      The second number is the manufacturer, for example; “A” is Audi, “B” is BMW, “L” is Lincoln, and “N” is for Nissan.

3-      This number is for the vehicle type or manufacturing division, for example; 1G1 is for a Chevrolet passenger car, 1G2 is for a Pontiac passenger car, and 1GC is a Chevrolet truck.

4-9 These numbers tell about the model, body type, restraint system, transmission type, and                                    engine code.

10- The 10 number is the model year. Letters B-X correspond to the model years starting with X being 2000. Model years starting with 2001 and up are indicated with corresponding numbers starting with 1.

11- This is the manufacturer plant; each auto maker has its own code.

The last 6 – These numbers are the production sequence numbers; this is given to your car on the assembly line.

A lot of these numbers are not really relevant to you but you never know, plus it’s a great way to impress your friends.

        Besides the VIN there is also a “Tire Vehicle Place Card.” This gives you tire and loading information. This will tell you: seating capacity, tire size and dimensions, and tire pressure information.  There are a number of places that this information could be located, depending on your vehicle. Places to look for this are:

-Driver side front or rear door

-Drivers or passenger side pillar (closest to the door hinge or closest to door handle.)

-Passenger front or rear door

-Fuel tank filter door

-Trunk/hatch area

-Glove box

-Center console

-Sun visor

There is also a “Vehicle Compliance Certificate Label” This label will have the weight requirements for your vehicle. This is necessary if you plan to haul or tow anything. This is found on a sticker that is placed somewhere in the drivers sill area. There are several different abbreviations for different types of requirements.

GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.  This is the maximum safe weight of your vehicle.

GVW - Gross Vehicle Weight. This is the standard curb weight plus allowance for passengers, luggage, and gas. This is an approximation.

GCW – Gross Combination Weight. This is the actual weight of your vehicle plus the weight of your trailer. This number must not be higher than your vehicles GCWR.

GCWR – Gross Combination Weight Rating. This is the maximum safe weight of your combined vehicle and trailer. If this weight is exceeded it puts stress on the engine, transmission, and brakes beyond their design limits.

GAW – Gross Axel Weight. This is the weight expected to be placed on your front and rear wheels.

GAWR – Goss Axel Weight Rating. This is the maximum safe weight that can be placed on your rear and front wheels. If you exceed this weight rating you can create a dangerous driving situation or even damage your vehicle.

          

             Inside the door of your gas tank there is also a label that will tell you what kind of fuel your vehicle requires and what grade of gas is best for your car. Some newer vehicles also have fuel economy labels to tell you MPG.

 

 

            So, if you need information about your vehicle and your manual is nowhere to be found just take a look around your vehicle. The information you need might be right in front of you.

-Muriel Rolufs

 

 

Road Trip Tips - How to Make it About the Journey, Not The Destination

 

                As the weather begins to warm we start thinking of all the possibilities of summer: gardening, camping, lazy days at the lake, picnics in the park, and heading out of town on a good ole’ road trip. Sometimes road trips are required just because they are a more affordable way to travel, and sometimes they are a way to enjoy the country side and create some wonderful family memories (though they don’t often seem too wonderful at the time.) Travelling with others in a vehicle for hours on end bonds people together like nothing else can. Whether you are planning a week long cross country adventure or simply a quick day trip here are some tips to help make your Journey a more comfortable one.

1.       Pick and plan your destination

First figure out where you want to go. Once you have a destination, plan what kind of trip you want to have, are you planning to get there as soon as possible and spend most of your time at your end point? Or is the enjoyment meant to be the trip itself? Either way, you need to know how far away you are going and how much time it takes to get there. There are a lot of different tools that can help: Google maps is a great tool and can give you directions, distance, and estimated driving time: https://maps.google.ca/ . You could also plot your trip on a GPS for play by play directions. There are also a lot of apps that can be downloaded to your smart phone to help you on your way. And last but not least, you can get a good old fashioned map. I recommend that you have a map regardless of any electronic devices you may have, just in case they fail. Take the time to study the map before you leave and highlight the route you plan to take. If there are any points of interest you want to stop at mark them on the map too. It’s also a good idea to bring a spare map just in case it gets wrecked or lost.

2.        Preparing your vehicle

Take the time to get your wheels all spiffed up before you go. You will want to make sure the interior is clean and tidy. If you are going to spend hour upon hour sitting in your car you don’t want to be sitting in a mess. Get rid of any garbage and give the interior a good vacuuming, also wipe down the dash and clean the inside of the windows. It’s a good idea to give the exterior a good wash too, make sure the windows and headlights/taillights are clean.

Do a vehicle pre – trip check. Have your vehicle serviced and checked over before you hit the road. There is nothing worse than being stuck on the side of the road; making sure things are in tip top shape can help you avoid this. Have an oil change done before you go if needed, make sure all fluids are topped up, have tires checked, make sure lights are in working order. As always, make sure you have a spare tire and jack on board and ensure they are in good condition.

3.       Think about who is travelling with you

Who are your travelling companions? Are you travelling with buddies or loading up the family: kids, pets, mother-in-law and all? Planning to suite your fellow passengers will help make the trip more comfortable for everyone involved.  Make sure to have entertainment to keep people busy, if you are travelling with kids have books, games, movies, and activities on hand. You shouldn’t have to worry about other adults; they can take care of themselves but if you know of games or books others might enjoy it will help make the trip that much better. Make sure you have yourself prepared with your own form of entertainment. Music is always a good idea for trips, I can’t tell you how many songs I hear that take me back to family trips together. Create a play list for the road, again keep in mind who is joining you, you may have to mindful of the fact that your mother-in-law is not a fan of death metal.

4.       What to pack

There are several things to consider when packing things to create an enjoyable road trip. You need to think about what is going to be essential to our immediate needs while travelling. It’s a good idea to pack each family member their own bag that can be placed close by them for easy reach. Kids can have their favorite toys and activities at hand so they can keep themselves occupied. Have a pillow and blanket for each person so they can keep comfortable and nap if they choose. A bag filled with essentials is a good idea to have ready with snacks, gum, hand sanitizer, wipes, tissue, paper towel and anything else that might come in handy. Keep a garbage bag for wrappers to clean as you go and keep things tidy, you can even give each person their own small bag to keep beside them.  A bucket should be available in the event of car sickness. I like to use a bucket for a garbage can, just line it with a plastic bag and in the event of car sickness you just pull the bag out and hand over the bucket – double duty. In case of unplanned bathroom breaks you might want to consider having a roll of toilet paper.

5.       Money saving tips

Road trips can be expensive if you don’t keep expenses under control. You can save money by doing a little prep work. Eating on the road adds up fast, between gas station snacks and fast food meals you can easily over spend. Save money by buying snacks ahead of time from a grocery store, stock up on your favorite drinks, chips, and candy before you leave town. Plus, grocery stores have healthy snack options that are not available in gas stations; you can choose water, fruits and vegetables instead of pop, chips and candy. You will all feel a lot better when you reach your destination if you eat healthy food along the way!  You can also pre-make lunches for additional money saving. Packing sandwiches, yogurts, salads and more can save not just money but also the stress of finding somewhere to stop when hunger strikes. The best thing about having meals on board is that you can either stop at a picnic spot or you can keep driving as everyone eats. There are a number of options for coolers that you can purchase to keep your food fresh, from inexpensive Styrofoam ones to the more expensive plug in models.

 

If your journey has you travelling overnight at all you can opt out of a hotel room and camp instead. This is a great way to save on lodging. When travelling you don’t often stay long overnight anyway, why not bring a tent and an air mattress to catch some winks. If you are travelling with kids this might be more exciting for them, make it an adventure.

Another way to save money on a road trip is to be conscious of gas savings. We already know how expensive gas is these days, why not stretch it out as much as possible? There are a few things you can do to help conserve your gas consumption. First, if possible, turn off your air conditioning. Your A/C uses a lot of gas, you can save a substantial amount by turning it off and opening a window instead. Next, use your cruise control if you have it. Going a consistent speed can cut down on your fuel costs as well. When you accelerate you burn fuel quickly causing you to have to fill up more often. And lastly, don’t speed. Speeding is not only dangerous it also uses up more fuel. This is another great reason to use your cruise control, you can set it for the speed limit to help you save money from fuel costs and speeding tickets.

6.       Other things to consider

Here are a few more things to help make that road trip a great one.

-          Every time you stop for gas or rest stop breaks, have everyone get out and stretch their legs. Sitting for long periods of time is not good for anyone, if possible let all vehicle passengers walk around and get some fresh air. This is also a good time to empty the garbage from the vehicle and rearrange everyone’s belongings so they are comfortable for the road ahead.

-          Be flexible with your schedule. If you are worried about getting to your destination by a specific time you end up stressing yourself out.     

-          Give extra time in case of road construction or accidents that can cause unexpected delays.

-          Be prepared for travelling though cities, you may be hitting a city during their rush hour which causes a lot of added wait time and also frustration.

-          Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, be mind full of how much gas is in the tank and how far the next available fill station is.

-          Plan to be comfortable, wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Be aware of the weather as you travel, you may want to wear layers if the weather changes as you drive.

-          Sign up for a roadside safety program, such as BCAA, and keep a roadside emergency kit on board.  

-          Make sure you tell someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive at your destination. Check in with them throughout your journey so they will be aware if anything happens.

Road trips can be an enjoyable way to travel if you take the time to prepare for the journey ahead. Once you are all prepared you can spend your time enjoying the company of your fellow passengers and take in the scenery along the way. 

 

 

 

 

 

   

It’s Pothole Season! How to Avoid Damage

 

                Unfortunately, after waiting for what seems like eternity for the snow to melt, we are faced with the burden of potholes on our streets. Sometimes there are just one or two easily avoidable holes and other times it feels like we are navigating a spaceship through a meteor shower. The harsh winters here in the north show the wear and tear every spring. The cold weather along with snow removal, salt, and heavy loads leaves its toll on our roads. Luckily, there are ways to help avoid damage that can be caused by potholes.

                Potholes do more than just damage our tires, many other parts of our vehicles are at risk for damage as well. The harsh roads can cause a number of other problems for our vehicles, some which are serious and costly. Some things to consider are rims, shock absorbers, suspension system, struts, and alignment. You want to try and minimize damage done as much as possible to protect the life of your investment as well as your pocketbook.  

                The best thing you can do is try to minimize damage all together. There is some simple vehicle maintenance that can help:

- Check your tire pressure regularly, you should try and keep it at the manufacturer’s recommendation. Tires with too little or too much air are more vulnerable to damage.

- Keep your windshield clean and repair any chips or cracks as soon as possible. Windshield obstructions make visibility poor, causing difficulty seeing problems on the road.

- Make sure your headlights are working and also clean. Potholes are even harder to spot in the dark, make sure you have every advantage while night driving.

- Keep a spare tire and tools on board to change a flat.  Make sure your spare is in good condition.

On top of vehicle maintenance there are some things you can do while driving that can also minimize hitting any craters on the roads. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings. Look ahead at the road and see if it you can spot any holes on your route. You can also keep an eye on the vehicles ahead of you, if they are swerving to avoid hitting potholes it can give you an indication of what is ahead. If you see a problem, slow down! The faster you hit a pothole the more damage your vehicle incurs. If you have to slow down make sure you do it before the hole, avoid sudden braking. When you break it transfers the weight of your vehicle to the front tires, resulting in more damage. Try not to swerve to avoid the holes, if your tire hits the pothole at an angle it can result in more damage to your tires, plus it can be dangerous for motorists in the other lane. Beware of puddles on the road, you can’t tell how deep they are and they could be hiding a deep jagged pothole.

If you hit a pothole try and assess if damage has been done. If you think your tire is flat or you have serious driving difficulties pull off to the side of the road as soon as you can.  Make sure you use your hazard lights, especially if you are in a high traffic area. You should get out and have a look to see what kind of damage your vehicle has sustained. Make sure you check rims for damage too, they may be bent. You may need to change your tire (check out our earlier blog "How to Change a Flat Tire)

(http://www.queenswayautoworld.blogspot.ca/2013/01/how-to-2-how-to-change-flat-tire.html)

or call for help. If there doesn’t seem to be any damage that needs attention right away you should still keep a close eye on how your vehicle handles after hitting a pothole. If your vehicle pulls to one side or your steering doesn’t seem straight then you should take it to be looked at as soon as possible, that can be an indication of front end damage.  

Hopefully, if you take the proper precautions you can avoid pothole damage. Remember to take it slow and avoid sudden breaking when possible. If you have sustained damage as a result of a pothole, or you notice a dangerous pothole on the street you might want to consider contacting the city to notify them. Hopefully the problems can be fixed and dangers to other motorists can be eliminated.

-Muriel Rolufs