Car Tips
Posted on August 7, 2020
NEW TRAFFIC LAW UPDATES (JAN 2016)
Because we don't want you getting any tickets this year, today's theme for #TuesdayTip will be Ontario traffic law updates and driver fee increases!Keep checking back for what you should know about changes to your local driving laws that came into effect on January 1st and what fees for drivers will be increasing throughout the year
1. At school crossings and regular crossovers (as seen below), you must yield the -entire- road to pedestrians, even if they have passed your vehicle, lane or section.
2. If snow tires are purchased and installed in sets of four on a vehicle, private insurance companies now entitle drivers to winter insurance discounts. Govt & insurance-preferred tires are marked with snowflakes within mountain peaks.
3. There have been some New Year's fee increases for plates!Dealer & service plates: $156 -> $172
Motorcycle/service plates: $87 -> $96
Vehicle number plates will increase from $20 to $25 Nov 1st! 4. As of January 1st, the government has launched a project permitting the testing and usage of automated (driverless) vehicles on provincial highways and roads. top
SNOW SURPRISE
CHANGING BACK YOUR TIRES? Make them last.
Give us a call to see how we can help:-North York Chrysler
MANUAL TRANSMISSION- Pros and Cons
Is this simply a question of supply and demand, or are their factors behind this that will influence your decision to buy manual?
Here's an analysis on the pros and cons, then we'll let you decide.
Are there any pros and cons that you would add to this list?-North York Chrysler
SAVE ON GAS: Go for this Feature That Goes Against What You Were Told
We know that your uncle's words are still ringing in a bit of skepticism, but get this- the Start Stop technology saves you 5-7% gas per year.The next time you're in the market, it's best for your wallet, your future car, and oh yeah, the environment to go for a vehicle that offers a Stop Start Engine.
Luckily, the car industry had a feeling that we'd all be coming around sooner or later. Just to name a few Makes -that are um..coincidentally the exact makes that we sell... Chrysler, Jeep and Ram all offer the technology.What kind of Auto Tips can we offer you next?-
2015 CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW - Make the Most of it
For the rest of us that missed VIP night (the invitation was probably just lost in the mail, right?), here's a quick guide on how to maximize your time at the Canadian International Auto Show:
1. The show is held in the heart of Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North and South building) and will continue until February 22nd
The theme throughout the show is 'Life Is In Motion,' keep your eyes open to see how the theme pulls together the new, the vintage and the concept cars alike.
2. Tickets are $23 for adults and $7 for children. From February 17th to the 20th ?save yourself $5 off an adult ticket by finding coupons in the Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, and Sing Tao Daily. Get the details on that here: //www.autoshow.ca/cias2015_v6/tickets.htm. If you're going as a family, you'll find discounted rates too.
3. Check out the map and take a virtual tour so that you're going in with a plan. Then when you're there, grab a hard copy //bit.ly/1ABizzG
4. There will be a complimentary Shuttle Express for your convenience transporting patrons between the North and South buildings. Also for your convenience, if you're going with kids consider the Volkswagen Children's Playcare Centre and the Xbox One Gaming Area.
5. Download the Auto Show Passport App and take a virtual step into the auto shows of Detroit, Tokyo or even Frankfurt: //autoshowpassport.com/
6. Go window shopping. Even if you're not in the market right now, it's a great place to check out your favorite makes and models in all of their glory.
7. Not only is the show an excuse to get out into the city and make plans for afterwards, but the show has also encouraged a lot of enthusiasm. Take us for example; we're so excited to have the CIAS going on that we have a sale. Curious? Check it out. //bit.ly/19tDvfPWhat are you most looking forward to in your visit to the Auto Show?If you've already been, we want to hear what you thought of it.
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7 REASONS YOU SHOULDN'T USE YOUR LINE OF CREDIT to Pay for a Vehicle
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THINKING OF LEASING? Start Here.
Tell us what else we can help you with in the comments below.If you are in the market for a lease, swing by our leasing page and take a look at what we have for you.-North York Chrysler#Value#Trust#Transparency
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THE DRIVE TRAIN THAT YOUR CAR NEEDS
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3 NEW CAR TECHNOLOGIES that you can expect in the future
1. You won't just be waving your hands when your favourite song comes on anymore:Remember when we wrote about Car and Driving Hacks to make you look like a sensei? Well, this will do you one better. New car technology will let you wave your hand and twirl your fingers to sunroof and volume control within your car. Just be careful if you're a 'hand talker.'
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HOLIDAY EDITION- 3 Tips to keep that Holiday Cheer
Music.
Top 100 Holiday Songs:
www.billboard.com/charts/hot-holiday-songs
Sure, it can get a little overplayed but you have to admit, Holiday Music truly rings in the Holiday Spirit.
So, whether you're giving your drive a bit of Holiday Cheer or if you're using it as a decoy from passenger conversation (third cousin, twice removed that you only see during the holidays?), feel free to turn the music up.
Plan and Route.
https://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=ab601fbd85412410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD
Combine your GPS with your Maps app (most will show traffic trends) and this handy report on major Road Closures and you have yourself a smooth drive.Don't Drink and Drive.
By now, we all know better. Still, the Holidays are unfortunately peak times for accidents and DUI's as a result of RIDE.
-Some CAA members can take advantage of their Drive You Home program. If you are a member, it's definitely worth a call to see if you'll be eligible for the ride and 25km tow for your vehicle.
-There is complimentary Transit and Subway service and extended hours on New Year's Eve. Check out their details and take advantage of the perk:
https://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Service_changes/2014_Holiday_Service.jsp
-Certain cities have voluntary designated drivers that are available throughout the Holidays. Take for example Caledon's 'Home James' Program (//www.homejames-caledon.ca/). Search up your city and see what your options are.Want to know how you should prep your car for long drives and what you should keep in your Winter Car Kit? We wrote about that too, and it's right here for you,//www.northyorkchrysler.ca/dealership/car-tips.htmWhat tips have you learned over the years? Share Below!We wish you a wonderful Holiday Season.
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5 CAR AND DRIVING HACKS
1. Tinted Plastic to Block the Sun
Sometimes Visors just can't protect you from that dangerously blinding sun glare. Moveable tinted plastic sheets use surface static to hold to the windshield and lessen the intensity.
The next time you have to put gas in a car that isn't yours, consider this. The tiny arrow beside the gas pump icon on your dashboard shows which side of the car the gas tank is on. You have now mastered the art of gas tank sides.
If your wheels are slipping, turn over a floor mat and put it under the tire that needs traction. Drive forward, repeat if you have to. Keep in mind, you are damaging your mats (consider having a cheap spare) but nonetheless, this trick is highly effective.
Dropping a 'pin' on a smartphone app is probably the easiest, and yet underused method of taking note of where you parked. Your phones map will remember your spot and give you the quickest way of getting back to your ride home.
Let a staple remover do all the work when you're adding and removing keys to your ring. Sink their teeth into the ring and easily pry it open. The key ring won't even see what's coming.That's your first five. We'll be continuing this list in the coming months, so stay tuned. In the meantime, share your own car tips with us!
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6 WAYS TO EFFICIENTLY SHOVEL Without Hurting Your Back
09DEC14- After yesterday's#snowfall there are probably plenty of people with aching backs and shoulders from #shoveling, wincing at each and every mention of 'snow.'
1. Start off with a stretch
2. Think 'Squats' when you're lifting snow- bend from your knees, avoid arching your back
3. Pivot to avoid twisting
4. Avoid reaching too far, and only move short distances
5. During heavy snow falls, removing snow in thin layers will give you the benefit of lifting less weight and finishing it off more quickly. So, try to get out there after a few centimeters, even if it's still snowing!
6. Strategically place your snow so you're not doubling your work. Start dropping the snow further away, and slowly work your way closer so that your snow bank won't need to be moved.The image below is courtesy of The Wall Street Journal, and shows us the most practical ways of shoveling your driveway. How awesome is that? It even shows us the best methods with heavy/ light snow and shovel vs. snow blower.So, there you have it. Put these tips to use during the next snowfall and you'll feel a bit better the next day.Tell us what we're missing. Comment your best shoveling tips!Share this post with your friends, family and colleagues who are suffering post-shoveling symptoms!
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YOU SHOULD GET YOUR CAR WASHED, SERIOUSLY
Debris attracts moisturize (especially true when it's embedded into scratches) which in turn creates rust patches- every cars worst enemy.
Sap, bird poop, and salt all have the tendencies to break down your paint sealer, leaving your car exposed.Car washes are equipped with high pressure jets that are effective in dislodging and removing debris, preventing unwanted rust patches and improving the cars aesthetics.Here at North York Chrysler, our Service department workers are nothing less than perfectionists when it comes to detailing.
- North York Chrysler#Value#Trust#Transparency
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COMMUTERS - 4 APPS THAT YOU NEED
25NOV14-
Honk- This is the saving grace to the universal problem that has plagued the human race ever since we've had any kind of transportation- WHERE DID I PARK?! This app will record the exact location on your map, take pictures, make any notes and even set an alarm when your parking expires.
Spotify - Okay music lovers, this one's for you. This app has you covered no matter what your music taste is. Browse, play and connect to your Bluetooth thousands of playlists so that you can keep the party going. (Buh-bye lost USB's, damaged AUX cables and skipping CDs)
Gas Buddy - This app will find gas stations and then do you one better. It'll find the best gas prices too.
Car Care- Upload your cars make, model and year and let this app give you information and reports on your car. It's kind of like taking a car manual, personalizing it and then condensing it onto your phone. Use the stats to improve your cars resale value and create a virtual calendar for service appointments.
These apps will make your commutes easier and more relaxed. We'll keep you updated on the latest and greatest to help your drives out.(Ontario has increased fines for distracted driving. So, think of these apps as the drive assistants that you set up before you hit the road.)- North York Chrysler#Value#Trust#Transparency
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CAR PROOF- What it does and what it means for you
When CarProofs came along, they turned the auto industry upside down. For the first time, documents were readily available to consumers showing them the history of their prospect vehicle- for better or for worse.Now, car buyers everywhere are purchasing CarProofs before their purchase. There are too many stories of purchases stopped last minute due to things like unknown liens and write-offs restructured, to not be a believer.There are a few difference products offered, depending on what you need. Here is this most popular, CarProof Verified, and what it will tell you.
- Find out whether there's an enforceable lien on the vehicle
- Learn more about any prior accident or damage history
- See registration and branding information from Canada and the U.S.
- Ensure that the vehicle was imported properly
- Discover if the vehicle is marked as actively stolen
- Buy or sell the used vehicle for a fair priceSure, a CarProof report may miss claims not made to the insurance company, but what it does catch is quite a bit. It's a tool that we would like to be equipped with when car shopping, any day.As a part of our brand focus#Value#Trustand#Transparency, we offer CarProof Verified reports on our entire inventory, accessible by one click of a button and without asking you to input any information. We also Pay all liens before selling any vehicles.We want you to be as confident with your purchase as we are selling it to you.
REMOTE CAR STARTERS- Should you get one?
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WHY LEASE? Leasing Pros and Cons
2. You can choose to buy the vehicle at the end of the lease (paying the residual amount). Returning it is like enjoying a rental period.
3. Contrary to what you may think at first glance, leasing is almost never cheaper than financing. Keep in mind interest rates when shopping around & check out leasing specials for better value.
4. Understand your lease. Start with mileage, be honest with yourself about wear/ overage limits and work your way up to termination charges as well as buyout fees. Don't be afraid to ask if they are charging dealer fees on top (and avoid them!). Who knows, before you know it you might be Leasing your next car. It's especially beneficial to those using their vehicle for self-employed or company purposes, offering attractive tax payoffs (and not to mention a shiny new toy every few years). If you're trying to free up cash flow, ask yourself crucial questions like if you're a high mileage driver, and whether the equity in owning a car is worth it.
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3 APPS TO MAKE YOUR DRIVE BETTER
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WINTERIZING YOUR CAR: Winter Car Kit
- Warm winter gloves, toque and boots
- Blanket or extra clothing
- Bag of sand or kitty litter
- Small shovel
- Ice scraper and/or snow brush
- Snacks for energy
- Extra windshield washer fluid
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and batteries
- Flares
- Waterproof matches
- Battery jumper cables
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SHOULD YOU TRADE YOUR CAR IN?
This is especially important when you consider the fact that you Only Pay the Difference- Let's say your new car purchase is going to cost $25,000 and you will receive $10,000 for your Trade In, you will only have to pay tax on the difference of $15,000.So, in this example you are saving $1,300. I don't know about you, but we sure do like the sound of that. A tax benefit, who would have guessed?Another great financing option with trade in's that any positive balance can be applied to the Down Payment of the new purchase. Having money down on your new purchase is always a great way to decrease your payment. Additionally, you can transfer your finance from your trade-in and it's negative equity to a longer finance term on a newer vehicle and lower your payments!We recommend that consumers trade in their vehicle when it still has a retailable value in the market. Generally speaking, vehicles over 8 years old and above 200,000 KMs lose a lot of value in the market, thus getting you less value when trade in. Try to seal the deal before that point.What do you think? Will you be trading your next car in?We invite you to drop in, have your vehicle appraised and talk to our in house Financing Department about turning your dream car into a feasible reality.-North York Chrysler#Value#Trust#Transparency
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'CERTIFIED USED' (pre-owned) cars- Pros and Cons
So, would you choose a certified used car?What would you like us to write about in our next #TuesdayTip? Share this with anyone you know would benefit.
-North York Chrysler#Value#Trust#Transparency
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DEALER FEES- WHAT ARE THEY?
30SEP14 - 'Dealer fees' sound deceivingly authoritative, they may even sound like an imposed tax, and arefar too common. If 'Dealer fee' doesn't sound familiar, perhaps you've heard its counterparts. Creative dealers may choose equally misleading phrases like 'Admin fees.' (Sneaky!!)That's why it slips under the radars of so many consumers.Dealer fees allow the dealer to advertise the vehicle at a lesser cost than they intend to sell it at. Later, when the dealer fee is introduced,
it is positioned to seem like it is just as mandatory as, for example, the taxes.This simply is not true. (About the dealer fees at least, we're still wishing on shooting stars for taxes to be equally as optional one day).Dealer fees are in fact, pure profit to the dealer.Now imagine how differently you would approach a dealer fee knowing that it is not at all mandatory, instead it is hidden profit.Here at North York Chrysler, we pride ourselves for being industry leaders. All of our vehicles, new or used are entirely free of dealer fees. Just another way that we serve you better.Share this post with anyone you know that will benefit from this #TuesdayTip- North York Chrysler#Value#Trust#Transparency
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