Tracks to Wheels
18 ECT Friday, September 28, 2012
How to conduct a test drive When shopping for a new vehicle, some drivers know exactly which model of car they want to buy, while others are not so sure. Though price and features often carry the most weight when making a decision, a test drive can narrow down the prospects as well. It is easy to become awestruck by the look of a new car, and even easier to fall into the eager hands of a salesperson. It can be confusing when comparing the dozens of statistics and numbers associated with a car -- from price to horsepower to gas usage ratios. One of the best ways to judge a car is to take it out for a test drive. There are many things that a test drive can tell you about a car or truck. A test drive shouldn’t be a quick jaunt around the block. It should include a thorough examination of the vehicle, and the drive should be long enough for you to get a feel for the vehicle. It is important to take your time on a test drive and not feel rushed. There are also many other tips that can help you Ànd the right buy. * Pick a time when you feel focused. Doing a test drive on your lunch hour or right before you’re expected at a meeting or carpool is not the ideal time to make an assessment of the vehicle. You certainly may feel rushed and distracted by the other tasks you have to accomplish. Rather, pick a time when you are well rested and well fed and able to concentrate on the job at hand. * Avoid distractions. Sometimes schedules conÁict,
and you may have to bring other people, including children, along on the test drive. However, when possible, only include those people who will be driving the vehicle in the test drive. This way you will be able to focus solely on the car and not worry about what the other passengers are doing as well. It is also perfectly acceptable to ask the salesperson to be quiet during the test drive and reserve explaining the features and attributes for before or after the drive. This way you can focus on the driving experience. * Research the vehicle. It helps to go into a test drive already knowing the majority of the speciÀcations on the vehicle and what the car or truck is capable of doing. This way you’ll be able to tell if the sales information you are receiving is accurate or embellished. * Try out different terrains. Most test drives consist of a short jaunt to and from the dealership. Salespeople also may recommend certain routes, but these could be tailored to get the best response out of the car. But if you’re familiar with the area take a test drive on your terms. Try different road surfaces and speeds. Also be sure to make turns to gauge the turning radius. This can be as simple as making some turns in a parking lot. * Change lanes. Take the opportunity to change lanes so you can judge the visibility of the vehicle. * Adjust the seating. This will help you determine the comfort level of the vehicle and if it will Àt your frame.
You don’t want the car to be uncomfortable to drive. * Test the radio and the climate control. See how the car functions, including whether it takes a long or short time to reach a comfortable temperature. * Have a passenger ride in the back. If you won’t be distracted by it, have a friend or family member ride along and pay attention to the things you might be missing while focusing on the road. These may include road noise, suspension and the general comfort of the vehicle. A test drive is an important component of buying a car. It can often make or break a sale, so be sure to include it on your must-do list. FC12A517
Is your car ready for the deep freeze? (NC)—Winter is a beautiful time to experience Canada. Unfortunately, it can also be a dangerous time, particularly when you are driving. Icy roads can be treacherous, and a dead battery can leave you stranded. “Keeping your car in top form is especially important in winter,” says Jeff Burke, president & CEO at Western Financial Group, an organization with services to protect individuals and families in this part of Canada. “Inspect your vehicle thoroughly before heading out onto the road, and make sure you have adequate insurance coverage.” Car Care Canada’s website shares these winter maintenance tips: Check the battery. If it is four years old or older, have it checked at a service station to make sure it
will start in bitter temperatures. Check the Áuids. Top up power-steering, brake and transmission Áuid; oil; and antifreeze/coolant. (Antifreeze/coolant should be Áushed and reÀlled every two years or 50,000 kilometres.) Replace your windshield Áuid with one specially formulated to cut through ice and snow. Consider winter weight oil. Consult your owner’s manual to see if a winter weight oil is recommended for cold months, and remember to change your oil every 5,000 kilometres. Check the function of your heater, defroster, lights and windshield wipers. Replace your wiper blades every six months, and consider the added power of winter blades. Change to snow tires. Traction is essential when
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you are driving on snow and ice. Winter tires offer traction, peace of mind and – often – a discount on your car insurance premium. Repair cracks or dings in your windshield. Freezing temperatures can turn small nicks into gaping cracks that destroy your windshield. Have them repaired before it’s too late. Keep your gas tank at least half full. A fuller tank resists moisture/ice formation inside your gas line. Be well-equipped. Keep these items in your vehicle in case of emergency: snow brush/ice scraper, booster cables, Áashlight, Àrst-aid kit, blanket, extra clothes, bottled water, snacks and necessary medications. www.newscanada.com
‘07 F150 S/C 4X4, XLT/XTR, black, 5.4L, trailer tow, keypad entry, fog lamps, 54126 kms............... $22,450 ‘06 Chev Avalanch Z71, blue, 5.3L, grey cloth, a/t/c/pw/pl, pwr seat, OnStar, tonneau cover, trailer tow, bug def., 100813 kms............................ $19,900 ‘06 F150 Reg Cab XLT 4X4, 5.4L, auto O/D, trailer tow, temp/compass, 100891 kms ................. $16,500 ‘06 F150 Reg Cab XLT 4X4, white, 5.4L, auto, a/t/c/pw/pl, elect 50f, trailer tow, keyless entry, 140732 kms ............................................................ $14,950 ‘06 F150 Supercab FX4, 5.4L, silver, leather int., a/c/t/pw/pl/cd, 143985 km ....................................... $18,500 ‘05 F150 Crew 4X4, XLT, red, 5.4L, auto, captains chairs, trailer tow, tan interior, tonneau cover, 121127 kms ............................................................ $17,900 ‘04 F150 Crew Lariat 4x4, white/tan, tan leather int., loaded, 160591 kms ........................................ $17,990 ‘03 F150 S/C 4x4 XLT, white, 5.4L, auto, a/t/c/pw/ pl, adj. pedals, running boards, tailer tow, 186000 kms ......................................................................... $12,500 ‘99 Ranger Reg/Cab auto, red, cd, demo, 60507 km ........................................................................... $7,900 ‘98 Dodge Dakota CC, white, V6, 2WD, CD, A/C, 236381 kms ............................................................ $3,450
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22 ECT Friday, September 28, 2012
Submitted by the Saskatchewan Àeld over winter and to avoid unSnowmobile Association harvested Àelds. Saskatchewan has over 9,000 kiThis year’s harvest has seen many grain bags used across the lometers of groomed marked snowprovince. The white colored grain mobile trail. The Saskatchewan bags will blend in very well with Snowmobile Association asks that snow covered Àelds. This brings a snowmobilers use the trails, as the safety concern to the Saskatchewan trails offer increased safety with Snowmobile Association (SSA). To many of the risks removed. With this year’s late avoid snowmoharvest, some bile accidents or local trails will injuries involvbe re-located. ing grain bags, Contact your lothe association cal snowmobile is asking farmassociation for ers, ranchers changes to trails and landowners in your area. to take the time Snowmobiles to mark the area used off of priaround grain vate property bags with matemust be regisrials that snowtered with SGI. mobilers will Snowmobilsee at night. Reers born after Áectors should January 1, 1989 be posted every must take the 200 feet around snowmobile the perimeter of safety course grain bags. offered by the SnowmobilSaskatchewan ers need to be Safety Council. aware of where they are oper- Snowmobile trails offer increased For information ating snowmo- safety, but you should always be on the course, biles and use on the lookout for obstacles, like visit www.sasksnowmobiling. the rule “if you grainbags (inset). sk.ca and click don’t know, on Safety. Althen don’t go”. Snowmobilers should stay away ways remember the number one from areas with grain bags. Grain rule of snowmobiling - Don’t Drink growers use grain bags to protect and Ride. For more information their investment. The grain in the • Visit www.gosasksnowmobilbags has great value and must stay protected. Snowmobilers are also ing.com or www.sasksnowmobiling.sk.ca. asked to respect swathes left in the
Shop fall sales for great deals Shop fall sales for great deals Consumers have the potential to save quite a lot of money if they shop the sales calendar on popular items. Many retailers discount items during certain times of the year. Autumn is
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sumers as a result. Keep in mind that you will have to choose among current stock, so you may have to compromise on colors and accessories available. This time of year can also be ideal for buying a boat, as marine experts say that the off-season is the time to get deals on boats. Late November is a good time to start browsing for a boat. The lowest prices may come in the winter, however. Outdoor Hobbies September and October can be good months to purchase a new bicycle, as the outdoor recreation season tends to wane in the late autumn. This is also a good time to stock up on Àshing poles and lures. Shop around to see if there is the opportunity to score low prices on campers, tents, inÁatable mattresses, outdoor sporting equipment, and other items that are associated with having fun in the sun. It’s likely stores will be looking to reduce their inventory on these products. Miscellaneous There are a number of other items that go on sale during September, October and November. Barbecue grills, housewares, quilts and blankets, space heaters, crystal, silver, and glassware are just some of the items shoppers can snatch up at a bargain. TF119276
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Friday, September 28, 2012 ECT 23