CARCARE_Winter 2011 by North Shore News

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - North Shore News - A43

TUNE UP AND

DRIVE NEXT 5 PAGES

SPARE TIRES REPAIRS TEEN SAFETY

44 46 48

A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE

THE HOME OF QUALITY WORKMANSHIP, TRUSTWORTHY SERVICE Over

50 Years - SINCE 1959 -

604-985-7455 www.taylormotive.com

SAME OWNER

WINTER READINESS FOR CARS AND LT. TRUCKS TWO LARGE DIVISIONS FOR ALL YOUR SERVICE NEEDS 50222

GOVERNMENT LICENSED INSPECTION STATION S-2584

READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2011

176 PEMBERTON FOR

174 PEMBERTON FOR ICBC & PRIVATE INSURANCE

FULL MECHANICAL

COLLISION & PAINTING

& GENERAL SERVICE SERVICES FOR CARS, LIGHT TRUCKS + 4 X 4’s

A44 - North Shore News - Wednesday, November 23, 2011

TUNE UP AND DRIVE

Inflator kits on the rise Tessa Holloway tholloway@nsnews.com

IT’S called a spare, but for many an extra tire is an essential part of any new car. Increasingly, though, the spare tire is on the road to extinction, to be replaced by a shoebox-sized tire inflator kit. In the U.S., there’s been an increase of 30 models that have inflator kits as standard instead

of a spare tire, usually with the option of buying a spare tire for extra money. That adds up to 14 per cent of vehicles — cars like the Hyundai Elantra and several General Motors sedans or smaller cars. Canadian automakers are taking a much more cautious approach and in many cases opting to keep the spare, but even here there is a trend towards inflator kits. The change is largely in response to pressure to make cars

COLLISION & RUST REPAIR

1525 Welch Street, N. Vancouver T/F 604-983-2118

Fine European Crafsmanship Edward Staron edwardstaron@shawbiz.ca

I.C.B.C. Claims Welcome

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE Serving the North Shore since 1964

more fuel efficient, prompting automakers to put their designs on a diet in the hopes of shedding any excess pounds. The spare tire was an easy fix that could also increase the trunk space, said Ron Montoya, consumer advice associate for the car website Edmunds.com. “There’s a lot of fuel economy requirements placed on automakers these days and in order for them to improve their fuel economy they need to reduce weight on the car,” he said. “And everybody wants to advertise they have the biggest trunk.” The inflator kit consists of an air compressor and a bottle of thick sealant. In the event of a flat tire, the sealant can be injected into the tire to plug the hole and the tire re-inflated. Like a temporary spare tire, they can only be driven 90 kilometres per hour for a short distance, and in about 15 per cent of cases they won’t work at all — if the tire falls off the rim or if the puncture is on the side of the tire, it’s time to call the tow truck. There are benefits, said Montoya — there’s no grease, no grime, and no physical strength is required to use the jack and unbolt the tire. The alternative most people are used to is the so-called

NEWS photo Paul McGrath

CHANGING your tire on the side of the road could become a thing of the past if auto manufacturers follow the trend south of the border of providing owners with inflator kits instead of spare tires. “donut spare,” a temporary tire, that comes on most cars. Those can replace almost any flat tire, as long as the driver has the know-how and strength to change it. Trucks and sometimes larger SUVs might come with a fullsize spare, which can be driven at any speed, while some luxury or sport cars, especially BMW, have run-flat tires that allow

Canada . . . some of the tire inflation kits might not be able to perform as well as they do in some of the warmer climates in the U.S.,” he said. He said they’re not actively studying the issue, but rather will keep an eye on new information and re-evaluate the decision over time.

drivers to make it to the gas station before changing. While Hyundai chose to sell the Elantra sedan with a repair kit south of the border, their Canadian division stuck with a spare tire, and will continue to do so for at least the near future, said spokesman Chad Heard. “From an environmental perspective we weren’t sure about the colder climates in

See Peek page 45

•BRAKES •TIRES •GENERAL MECHANICAL 235 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver

The Standard

Angela G.

604-984-4334

North Vancouver The Standard

I got a wave when I stopped to let someone pull out of a parking spot.

Are you ready for winter?

Richard M.

North Vancouver

We pulled over for a driver on a narrow street with parked cars on either side.

The Standard

Danielle O.

North Vancouver

I was wanting to switch lanes and the driver gave me some room to move over so I waved thank you.

The Outdoorsy

Michael E.

North Vancouver

Let a car out from a side street when my thoroughfare was bumper to bumper.

The Telescopic Sunroof

Arash E.

North Vancouver

A very kind person let me merge into their lane after seeing how my car was smoking. They then stopped and helped me identify the problem!

Summer and “all-season” tires do not perform effectively in icy and snow conditions! (Neither do dress shoes.)

Winter tires in stock now! See us for all your maintenance and repair needs.

823 West 3rd Street North Vancouver 604.984.3551 integratirenv@telus.net • www.integratire.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm • Sat 9am-2pm Over 60 locations in Western Canada

The Outdoorsy

Suzy M.

North Vancouver

Left a big space for someone to change lanes on the bridge during rush hour traffic.

Thank you for sharing After 24,000 waves, North Vancouver roads are among the most courteous in BC.

There’s still time. Share your wave and win a 2012 Fiat 500.

icbc.com/drivesmart

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - North Shore News - A45

TUNE UP AND DRIVE

Get the dirt on oil ■ Which Oil? By Richard Michell, published by Veloce Publishing, $26.95.

THE restoration of a collector car takes painstaking commitment to detail. Hours are spent getting the vehicle to look its best but if you’re going to drive it then you’ll be spending plenty of time under the hood as well. Older vehicles were operated using different oils and lubricants than their modern day counterparts. Even if you have an original owner’s

manual you may not be able to purchase the oils they reference. Richard Michell can help you overcome that hurdle with his detailed book on the history and use of automotive oil. Starting with an overview on oils used in past decades, Michell continues with an extensive analysis on the basics of lubrication. He follows this with a look at the different oils used for engines, transmissions and bearing lubricants. Throughout the book Michell provides graphs and comparisons to let you know what modern oil will be the

Silk Cat

est. 1990

Quality Service For All Makes

AUTOMOTIVE SPECIALISTS LTD.

Mini Cooper

Range Rover

• Complete Auto Electrical & Mechanical Repairs & Service • Government Certified Technicians Equipped With The Latest In Diagnostic Equipment best fit for your vintage car. Anyone who cares about their special love parked in the garage will find valuable information for its care and upkeep in this book. — Terry Peters

Jaguar

604 . 987. 8228 or 604 . 984 .7889 w w w. s i l k c a t . c a

1053 Churchill Cres., North Vancouver (Behind Indigo Books)

• VOLVO • SAAB • BMW • MERCEDES BENZ • AUDI • MINI COOPER

Peek in trunk when car shopping From page 44 The same is true for General Motors, which offers the inflator kit as an option on most cars in Canada, but kept the spare tire as standard. The exceptions are cars where the tire size is too big to fit a spare, such as the Camero SS, the Cadillac CTSV, and the Buick LaCrosse with eAssist, said Geof Bailey of GM. “We just looked at our consumers and what our consumers want, and it comes down to it that the majority want a spare tire,” he said. He also stressed that the GM warranty includes on-theroad assistance in the event of a flat. But what concerns Montoya is that many people may not know what’s in their trunk until they get home or, worse yet, when they find

themselves stuck with a flat. Dave Chapman, manager of BCAA road assist fleet operations, said that hasn’t been a problem with that yet. More commonly, people who do have spare tires phone them without knowing they have it, he said. Either way, he recommended drivers practice what they will do with a flat tire, and familiarize themselves with the equipment beforehand. As well, he said regular checking of tire pressure can prevent a flat in the first place. “You don’t want to be looking for that sort of thing when you’re in a dark highway in the pouring rain and have to figure it out then when you can do it on the safety of your own driveway,” he said. He said it doesn’t hurt to peek in the trunk next time you’re buying a car.

LAST CHANCE TO SAVE ON WINTER TIRES Colder weather means winter tires.

WINTER TIRE SPECIAL

Every season our suppliers run out of popular sizes. Call us now. Need Wheels for your Winter Tires? Ask about our discounted tire & rim packages. No Space at Home? Need your Tires Stored? We’ll store your tires & wheels during the winter & in the spring store your winter tires over the summer. Call us for details.

Retire for winter with brand name tires...

Up to

110

STORAGE AVAILABLE

Manufacturer Rebates Available

DRIVE D R INTO WINTER WITH TH A TH

MAIL-IN REBATE

EXPIRES NOVEMBER 30, 2011 E

when you buy buy uy a s se set e of 4 Michelin all-season or winter, passenger p pa as a sse sse se or light truck tires.

DRIVE INTO WINTER WITH A

Get In While The Weather Is Good and The Selection Is Big SEE THE SPECIFIC TIRE DEALS ON OUR WEBSITE OR STOP BY Offer ends Dec. 15/11

CALL US FOR ALL YOUR SERVICE NEEDS Service Direct:

604-982-2566 Northshore BUICK

GMC TRUCKS CHEVY TRUCKS

Northshore Auto Mall 800 Automall Drive, North Vancouver www.cartergmnorthshore.com

MAIL-IN REBATE

EXPIRES NOVEMBER 30, 2011

when you buy a set of 4 BF GOODRICH all-season or winter, passenger or light truck tires.

Book Your Appointments Online www.paciﬁchonda.ca

Pacific Honda O

816 Automall Drive, North Vancouver www.pacifichonda.ca •

604-987-4618

A46 - North Shore News - Wednesday, November 23, 2011

TUNE UP AND DRIVE

Industry changes mean shop changes too Tessa Holloway tholloway@nsnews.com

fire, but don’t expect to see grime or grease covering many in the business today.

THERE was a time when shaking the hand of the people at the car repair shop was like playing with

“Plenty of our guys in some areas wearing white coveralls, not blue coveralls, and at the end of the day they’re not

dirty and their hands aren’t dirty,” says Leonard Lassak, vice president of operations for Kirmac Collision. “They’re more like physicians than they are automotive mechanics.” That’s just one of the changes that increased

5TH ANNUAL

FOOD DRIVE Bring in a full bag of food and receive

Free Brake Inspection & Free Brake Pads* * if required

Save between $100-$150 just by bringing in a full bag of food for the local Harvest Project! Thanks to our Suppliers:

DEROSA

** First Brake Lining Set is free. Labour for installation and/or other parts or services are not included. Plus taxes & fees.

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES LTD

110 Fell Avenue NORTH VANCOUVER 604-988-2239

BMW

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS SINCE 1978

AUDI ACURA HONDA FORD HYUNDAI LEXUS MAZDA

VOLVO SAAB MITSUBISHI KIA INFINITY JAGUAR

SUZUKI SMART SERVICE INSPECTION & TIRE ROTATION

• Change engine oil, install a new Suzuki Genuine oil filter and report. • Check all fluid levels & report: a) Transmission fluid b) Differential fluid c) Transfer assembly fluid d) Clutch fluid e) Brake fluid f) Engine coolant g) Windshield washer fluid • Check and inspect air filter and report

59 95

• Lubricate all locks, latches and hinges and verify proper operation • Check and adjust tire pressure • Check the operation of all lights and horn and report • Rotate tires Synth • Inspect front brake Upgr etic ad pads and report $39 e

*Suzuki vehicles only. Add $10 for V6 engines. Plus taxes and levies. Expires Dec. 30/11.

North Van Suzuki

SMART SERVICE

1695 Marine Drive, North Vancouver 604-983-3911 www.northvansuzuki.com

0.9%

places like Kirmac need to hire much more specialized employees skilled in computer work, body work as well as electronics. “There used to be a time in the ’60s, ’70s, one guy could fix everything with a collision,” he said. Not so much anymore. “That further stratifies our workforce with more specialized technicians for certain elements of the car, and then we have to have specialized equipment in the shops.” Some examples include new cars with accident avoidance systems such as sonar at the front and back, so the car will sense objects and automatically brake if it feels you’re speeding towards a collision. Rear video monitors are also often in need of repair. As well, better fuel standards are driving a change in vehicles, especially hybrids. Technicians have to constantly be aware of where the battery inside a hybrid car is at all times, as a mistake with such a large power source can be lethal. “That’s the part that’s different about those vehicles,

just handling, certain gloves you can use,” explained Lassak. The last big change is coming in the structure of the car itself, as companies move away from plain old steel to composite materials. These materials are lighter and stronger, but in many cases can’t be repaired and instead have to be completely replaced. “Now you’re replacing a whole section of a vehicle,” he said, and that can also increase the price of a repair, but comes with better fuel efficiency and safety ratings. One area Lassak might lose business, though, is smart materials — newer cars are experimenting with fenders that have “memory,” and can put themselves back in place to repair a small dent. Still, while Lassak said they are seeing a slow decline in the number of collisions with better accident avoidance systems, the complex nature of repairs mean the costs of each fix is going up. In the future, Lassak sees more of the same: more computers, more accident See Technology page 47

9 ai 6 la bl e

* For 24 months

Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned YEAR END EVENT! 300 Pre-Owned Vehicles SALE PRICED!

R Class

GLK Class

Mercedes-Benz North Shore

ai 8 la bl

1 ai 8 la bl e Av

SLK Class

S Class

ai 7 la bl e

2 ai 8 la bl e

1 ai 9 la bl e Av 1 ai 4 la bl e

E Class

ai 5 la bl e

B Class

6 ai 0 la bl e

C Class

Now is your chance to drive with luxury and confidence. Get into a Mercedes-Benz Certified ™ Q Reassurance: 150-point certification-inspection Q Confidence: complete service history record Q Coverage: available warranty up to 7 years or 160,000 km Q Peace of mind: 24-hour special roadside assistance

CADILLAC CHRYSLER SUBARU NISSAN VOLKSWAGEN

TOYOTA MERCEDES CHEVROLET DODGE PONTIAC

use of computers and new materials has brought to the automotive repair industry, he says, as automotive repair crews adapt to new hybrids, new composite materials and fewer cars crashing at all. It’s a trend that’s only increasing, and means that

M Class

1375 Marine Drive

GL Class

604-984-9351

mbvancouver.ca

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - North Shore News - A47

TUNE UP AND DRIVE

Photo Peyvand Padidar

A Kirmac auto repair specialist works on a 2012 Nissan Sentra, which is more fuel efficient due to its CVT (continuously variable transmission) technology.

Technology grads enter repair industry From page 46 avoidance technology, more automation and more electric components replacing gas, but he expects it to be an evolutionary rather than revolutionary process.

In his business, it might mean fewer shops that are more specialized with extra equipment, but it also means there’s more of a career in automotive repair than there used to be, as many technology grads enter the field, he says — and technicians with cleaner hands, too.

HOURS OF OPERATION

1500 Fell Avenue, North Vancouver

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 8:00pm Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm

604 984 0277

Get Ready for winter

Brandon, Andrew & Dave

SAVE $ 40

FUEL SAVER SERVICE ONLY

16596

Save gas with preventative maintenance! • Fuel Injection Service • Engine Oil Change • Tire Rotation Most gas powered vehicles, 5W20, 5W30 and 10W30 regular motor oils. All taxes and levies are extra.

STRAIGHT FLUSH SERVICE

SAVE 11095

ONLY

34995

• Fuel Injection Service • Power Steering Flush • Transmission Flush • Coolant Flush • Hot Oil Flush Plus taxes. Surcharges will be applied for any specialty ﬂuids required. Ask counter staff for details.

SAVE 14995

ROYAL FLUSH SERVICE $

ONLY

44996

• Fuel Injection Service • Power Steering Flush • Transmission Flush • Coolant Flush • Hot Oil Flush • Brake Fluid Flush

WINTER MAINTENANCE SPECIAL ONLY

5995

• Fluid level check • Brake check • Tire check • Battery check

Most gas powered vehicles, 5W20, 5W30 and 10W30 regular motor oils. All taxes and levies are extra.

▲ N

MAIN

HARBOUR AVE

1 LYNN AVE

BROOKSBANK AVE

With 13 service bays, you get to enjoy FAST service.

1350 Main Street, North Vancouver 604-982-9102 • STORE 604-982-9100 www.canadiantire.ca

AUTO SERVICE

P R O U D LY C A N A D I A N . . . L O C A L LY O W N E D & O P E R AT E D

A48 - North Shore News - Wednesday, November 23, 2011

TUNE UP AND DRIVE

Ford takes on distracted driving by teenagers SORRY, kids — thanks to Ford, your parents will have more say than ever over your driving habits, even when they’re not in the car.

and audio volume. MyKey also encourages safety-belt use, provides earlier low-fuel warnings and can be programmed to sound chimes at 45, 55 and 65 mph. Now Ford is adding a new feature to the MyKey technology to block incoming phone calls and deter text messages while teens are behind the wheel. The Do Not Disturb feature, which is available on all 2011 vehicles featuring SYNC

• TUNE UPS • MAINTENANCE SERVICES • ELECTRICAL • AIR CARE REPAIRS

First Street Garage Personal, Comprehensive Auto Repair Service Guaranteed! Lifetime warranty programs on brakes, steering, suspension and exhaust. We are a BBB Member, AirCare certified and Gov’t Inspection Facility

Mail in manufacturers on brake padsrebate d rotors plus an % Discount on la15 bour UN TIL NOV 30/11

834 West First Street, North Vancouver

Clark Lawson 604-984-0077

• ENGINE DRIVEABILITY • SUSPENSION/STEERING

• COOLING SYSTEM • BRAKE REPAIRS

The company’s MyKey feature — which debuted as standard equipment on the 2010 Ford Focus and is now standard on nearly all Ford and Lincoln models — allows owners to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed

with MyFord Touch, will now be available as a feature parents can control through MyKey beginning with the new Explorer in early 2012. When hooked up to SYNC, this new feature blocks incoming phone calls or text messages from a Bluetoothpaired mobile phone, diverting calls into voicemail and saving text messages on the device for viewing later. But unlike turning the phone off, drivers can still make

voice-activated outgoing phone calls and the SYNC 911 Assist feature can make a call in case of emergency. Distracted driving is of particular concern as it relates to young, inexperienced drivers, and the Do Not Disturb feature helps parents control another accident risk factor when their child gets behind the wheel. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently sponsored large-scale, longduration, naturalistic driving research that helps to better understand driver distraction in the real world. Multiple studies repeatedly found that it is primarily looking away from the road that is highly associated with distraction-related crash and near-crash involvement.

Complete Automotive Repairs on domestics and imports Specializing in service of all Jeep & Chrysler models. MANUFACTURERS SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICES

WINTER IS HERE! Now is the perfect time to DETAIL YOUR LEXUS. LEXUS When it comes to keeping your Lexus looking like new, the CERTIFIED LEXUS REFLECTION APPEARANCE MAINTENANCE program meets your high standards. Call now for an appointment. We’ll take care of all your Lexus needs:

1166A West 14th Street • 604-985-6237 (off Pemberton Ave., entrance at rear)

For your car repair and maintenance needs, from Audi to WV and everything in between

WINTER MAINTENANCE

• Minor Bumper Scuffs • Window Tinting • Factory Accessories • Paintless Minor Dent Removal

CHECK-UP SPECIAL

THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION

COME IN AND SEE THE LUXURY LINE-UP

LS 460 $83,050

FROM

GX 460 $62,200

FROM

ES 350 $42,150

FROM

RX Models $44,950

“Your Family Lexus Store”

845 Automall Dr., Northshore Auto Mall North Vancouver BC’s #1 Automotive Retailer

95*

• Oil & filter (up to 6 L oil) • Inspect and rotate tires • Visual brake inspection • Check & top up all fluids • Coolant integrity inspection

FROM

JIM PATTISON LEXUS  NORTHSHORE 604-982-0033 www.jplexus.com

centre. Along with the added Do Not Disturb feature, MyKey features include: ■ A top speed of 100, 110, 120, 130 km/h (65, 70, 75 or 80 mph). ■ “No belts, no tunes” feature that mutes audio system until front occupants buckle up. ■ The ability to block satellite radio channels carrying adult programming. ■ Volume control that can limit the audio system to 44 per cent of maximum output. ■ Traction control system cannot be deactivated. ■ A speed chime alert at 75, 90, 105 km/h (45, 55 or 65 mph). ■ Early low-fuel warning beginning at 120 km (75 miles) until empty.

IMPEX AUTO

At Jim Pattison Lexus Northshore

• Tire Center • Maintenance • Wheel Alignment • Factory Trained Detail Dept.

Sync’s SYNC voice system reduces distraction risk by allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road when they judge driving demands are low and decide they can safely do other things. Novice teen drivers are on a steep learning curve and do not yet have the adult levels of skill needed to control the vehicle, detect hazards and assess driving situations. The MyKey Do Not Disturb feature is an option that parents will have to set limits on their teen while driving in order to promote a focus on learning safe driving skills and habits. The MyKey system allows parents to program any key through the vehicle message

• Check all lights (bulbs extra) • Inspect air filter • Excludes diesel engines, synthetic oil, applicable taxes extras VALID UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2011

Call us or drop by 246 East 1st Avenue, North Vancouver

Beetle Spa Ltd.

604 985 0481

Beetle Spa Ltd. Specializes in Auto Service and Auto Repair

ATTN: CHRYSLER, JEEP,❆ DODGE OWNERS ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❅ The 7 Degree Difference! BUY 3 TIRES,GET ❆ A 4TH TIRE FREE!

❆

See us for details. Offer valid until Dec 17/11

YOUR LOCAL CHRYSLER, JEEP, DODGE SERVICE SHOP

❆

There’s a big difference between all-season and winter tires. On winter tires, the rubber compound will stay soft below 7˚C. All-season tires remain hard below that temperature and won’t grip as well. This superior ﬂexibility means drivers gain greater traction and control, particularly when cornering or braking. Keep in mind that with the soft rubber treads snow tires if not removed after winter will use up half of their tread life in a single summer’s driving.

❅

❆

Parts Direct/ICBC Claims Hotline 604.980.2055

604.980.8501 CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE Northshore

8501

1600 MARINE DR., NORTH VANCOUVER

www.destinationchrysler.ca

destinationchrysler.ca • destinationchrysler.ca

destinationchrysler.ca • destinationchrysler.ca • destinationchrysler.ca • destinationchrysler.ca • destinationchrysler.ca • destinationchrysler.ca • destinationchrysler.ca