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Brake maintenance is one of the most important parts of regular car servicing. After all, your brakes are what helps you stop. Or, what keeps you from careening off the road or into another vehicle. So yeah, they are kind of important.
When we think about brake maintenance, the most common part that comes to mind is brake pads, and for good reason. Brake pads are what allows the callipers to produce the friction that ultimately slows the wheels down.
Obviously after a while, this repeated friction causes them to wear down. The more worn they get, the less effective they are at stopping your vehicle. And if they get worn out completely? Your brakes become non-existent. The repercussions of that could be terrible.
We are not here to scare you. In fact, this post is all about helping you know when the right time is to have your brake pads changed. So you can avoid the headache and cost of more extreme repairs needing to be done later on. Here are 3 effective ways to tell if you need to replace your brake pads.
The most obvious indication your brake pads are worn out is the sound your vehicle starts to make when you brake. If you begin to hear a faint scraping, squealing, clicking or even a buzzing sound every time you brake, this means your brake pads are severely worn down and your wear indicators are beginning to scrape against your rotor.
This is a way to warn drivers that their brake pads are in danger of completely eroding away. Think of these sounds as early alarm bells. Heed the advice and book an appointment ASAP!
Is your car taking more time than usual to come to a complete stop? This is called “brake fade” and it is particularly common for people who live in hilly areas and spend a lot of their commute driving downhill.
Forcing your brake pads to make contact with your rotors for long periods of time causes them to heat up and wear down. Eventually, their ability to make the friction needed to slow you down is lessened over time. Leading to slower stop times when you hit the brakes.
Brake pads never wear out at the exact same rate. Your right brakes might become worn out before the left brakes and vice versa. If this happens, your vehicle might start to get pulled in one direction after you brake. If you ignore this sign for too long, it can have more damaging effects than just the brake pads. It can also affect your steering rack.
Remember, this pulling might also be caused by other factors like uneven tire pressure. The point is – check it out anyways! Something needs to be fixed and it’s better to know at the early stages before it leads to bigger and more expensive problems down the road.
Also Read: West Edmonton Mall Toyota Is Officially Open
If any of these signs already sound familiar to you, it might be time to book an appointment and have the experts take a look. Within minutes, our technicians can identify the health of your brake pads and have them replaced right away.
Your brakes are so important. Avoid an accident or more long term vehicle damage and book a service appointment today!
After months of hard work, planning and construction — Mayfield Toyota is officially West Edmonton Mall Toyota. Our new state-of-the-art facility includes a 35 vehicle showroom, 70 bay service shop, 6 express service bays and 18 spacious detail bays making it the only full-service car dealership in a mall anywhere in North America.
We have been so excited about this move for months. Our customers mean everything to us. To be able to give them an elevated experience that makes buying and servicing their vehicles easy and stress-free has always been our goal. We know when our guests come to see the new spot, they will be just as excited about it as we are.
Mayfield Toyota has been an Edmonton car dealership staple for over 21 years. Our iconic spot on 170th street has been home to so many fond memories.
When our owner Jim Jiwani first opened the doors in 1998, we had no idea what to expect. But over the last two decades, our team has worked hard to build a reputation as a place that Edmontonians can rely on.
We have won dozens of awards over the years, most notably being recognized as a Toyota Platinum Certified Dealership which is only extended to 3% of Toyota dealerships worldwide.
We have done some pretty exciting things, too. Like partnering with iconic Canadian celebrities and local businesses. We even gave one lucky customer $20,000 once.
But what stands out most for us is the memories we share with our customers. Many of our guests have been choosing us for their vehicle needs since the day we opened our doors. Now seeing those same guests bring their children in for their first cars is what has us feeling so sentimental.
Leaving our iconic building is the end of an era. But being able to serve those same loyal guests in a brand new spot we know they will love? Well, that feeling is priceless.
Also Read: Mayfield Toyota Turns 20
A lot of our guests have been asking what is next for our old location at 10220 170 St NW. We are thrilled to announce it will now be home to Mayfield Toyota Pre-Owned Superstore, your one-stop-shop for all things used vehicles and servicing in Edmonton.
With help from the talented crew at Pro Truck Edmonton, you can shop our massive selection of used cars, trucks and SUVs, have your vehicle serviced or simply pick up parts.
The Bottom Line: If you need a brand new Toyota, come visit us in West Edmonton Mall. If you are on the lookout for something pre-owned, then head to Mayfield Toyota Pre-Owned Superstore.
We all know the struggles of finding a parking spot at West Edmonton Mall. Especially during the holidays. What if we told you West Edmonton Mall Toyota customers get priority parking and can take advantage of our exclusive valet service? Yes, that means never having to do laps in the parking lot again.
Even better is the proximity you have to hundreds of shopping retailers, restaurants and more. Dropping your vehicle off for a service? Get some errands done while you wait.
Long gone are the days of sitting around a packed waiting area, counting down the minutes until your car is ready. Now west Edmonton mall and all its amenities are right at your fingertips.
If you follow us on Facebook or Instagram, you have probably seen some of the videos and photos we have been proudly sharing. But nothing beats seeing our new location with your own eyes.
From our new showroom filled with the newest Toyota models from like the 2022 Corolla to our spacious service bay brimming with new equipment to our pristine parts desk; every department has something for you.
Some people might say we are just another car dealership in Edmonton.
But we like to think a little differently…
West Edmonton Mall Toyota is raising the bar of what it means to buy and sell vehicles in Edmonton. Come see what all the hype is about for yourself. Find us near The Brick and Cactus Club.
This is not your usual lecture about the importance of winter tires. If you live in Alberta, you probably already know that by now.
Instead, we want to answer some of your top questions about purchasing winter tires right here in Edmonton. If you already plan on buying winter tires but need to figure out the best way to go about it, this is the blog post for you.
First off — there is no exact date for installing your winter tires. In fact, the date mostly depends on where you live. Drivers in other parts of the world might have more time before they have to put their winter tires on, but here in Edmonton, things get cold quickly.
When the temperature dips below 7°C a few days in a row, it is time to get those winter tires on. The thing is, if you wait to make the appointment after those colder days have come and come, you might end up waiting awhile because service departments are busy with other tire customers.
How to hack the system? We recommend keeping an eye on the 14 day forecast. When you start to see those temps drop, book your appointment as soon as possible.
You thought we might say West Edmonton Mall Toyota, hey? You thought right!
We have a huge selection of winter tires. From Michelin, Bridgestone, Yokohama, Goodyear, Firestone and beyond, we offer one of the largest inventories in the city. We also make finding the right tire for your vehicle so easy. Just search your make and model here and find the best winter tire for your needs.
Did we mention we sell winter tires for almost all makes including Honda, Ford, Mitsubishi, Lexus, Mazda and more?
If you need more convincing, our Tire Price Match Promise might do the trick. If you find a better price on winter tires at one of our competitors, we will beat that price by 5%.
To get the best traction and optimal performance on snow and ice, we recommend replacing your tires when they are 50% worn — or at 7/32” tread depth. Transport Canada has stated that tires at 5/32” or less should not be driven during the winter. If your tires get below that depth, they could be a hazard to both you and other drivers on the road.
How do you know what your tire tread depth is? Watch this video to learn how to check yourself.
Our ultimate recommendation is that you should have winter tires in Alberta, even if your vehicle has all-wheel-drive (AWD).
AWD is helpful in a lot of ways, like getting your vehicle moving from a complete stop or accelerating smoothly on icy roads. But if your tires do not have enough traction to begin with, even the strongest AWD system will not be able to compensate.
Multiple studies have proven that even a FWD vehicle with winter tires has quicker stopping times and better cornering abilities than an AWD vehicle with all-season tires. In this climate, why take the chance?
October has arrived and whether we like to admit it or not, the temperature is going to start dropping. If you live in Edmonton, you know that the first commute to work after a big snow dump is a hectic one. Why leave winter tires to the last minute?
Start doing your winter tire work now! Check the tread on your current tires and decide if they are safe for another season. If you do need new tires, it is never too early to start shopping for the right ones for your vehicle (our Tire Experts can help).
Once you have your winter tires ready, start looking at the 14-day forecast. That will give you a clear idea of when things are going to start getting cold.
Book that appointment early and beat the rush. This is the year you do winter right. Have a question about winter tires? Talk to our Parts Department today!
Mayfield Toyota will officially be opening its new location inside West Edmonton Mall in October 2021. Our new name will be West Edmonton Mall Toyota, the only full-service dealership in a shopping centre anywhere in Canada.
This is a move of unprecedented proportions. With just 90 days left until our grand opening, we are excited to share what you can expect from our state-of-the-art sales and service facility inside one of the biggest malls in the world.
Our mission from the beginning of this relocation was to create the most convenient and enjoyable way to own or service a vehicle in Canada. West Edmonton Mall is one of the largest shopping facilities in the world, offering thousands of shopping, entertainment, dining, and health and wellness experiences all in the same location. Bringing our dealership inside this hub of possibilities seemed like the perfect way to achieve that mission.
The all-new West Edmonton Mall Toyota is approximately 317,000 total square feet making it the largest place in Canada to fulfill all your automotive needs. With a fully immersive and beautifully designed 35 vehicle showroom, 70 bay service shop, 6 express service bays and 18 detail bays, your experience with any of our departments will be quick, convenient, and completely stress-free.
West Edmonton Mall Toyota will be open 7 days a week with early and late hours in service, parts, detail, and sales. This makes shopping or servicing your vehicle convenient no matter your lifestyle. Perhaps the most exciting part is the access our guests will have to thousands of experiences including shopping stores, restaurants, entertainment options, a world-famous waterpark, and more.
These days, customers have come to expect a level of customer service that goes above and beyond and meets their needs in real-time. While many businesses have raised their bar of service and met the demands of their customers, most car dealerships seem to be caught in the past.
Restrictive hours, crowded showrooms, long waits, and terrible coffee. Sound familiar? We knew there had to be a better way. Building our new Toyota dealership inside West Edmonton Mall was the perfect opportunity to elevate our service and effectively meet the standards of today.
Mayfield Toyota has been proudly serving Edmonton for over 21 years. In that time, we have developed a loyal customer base that has come to feel like family to us. We are so thrilled to start this new chapter in our dealership and pioneer a movement that will revolutionize the automotive customer experience in Edmonton.
Want to stay up-to-date on our relocation plans and grand opening details? Find more information on our move here and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for details and updates. We are excited to make history with you all.
Want to work at a state-of-the-art dealership? Do you have automotive sales or technician experience? Are you motivated and hardworking? Join our team and be a part of something great.
The Toyota App allows you to stay connected with your Toyota vehicle like never before.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Audio Plus or Remote or Premium Audio with Remote connected services by Toyota multimedia packages, you will also be able to use the remote connect and service connect features with the app.
Tip: Your vehicle must be in an area where there is reliable cellular service and your smartphone is located in an area with an internet connection.
Remote Connect allows you to use the Toyota App to complete select remote commands such as:
You also have the ability to see other useful information, such as your vehicle’s parked location, and details regarding its last trip as well as a driver score.
If you have others driving your vehicle frequently, you could also benefit from a guest driver monitor feature. Services Connect uses Toyota App to keep you connected to what’s happening with your vehicle. Using the app, you can easily view vehicle health reports, service alerts, and your maintenance interval.
TO USE THE TOYOTA APP, FOLLOW THESE STEPS:
Tip: You will need to agree to the terms of use and privacy policy to use your connected services.
To do this, select “Enter Authorization Code” and the app will send a passcode to the email address you used for registration. Once you have this passcode, enter it into the remote connect authorization app which can be accessed in the app menu on your vehicle’s display screen.
Familiarize yourself with your features, and reorganize the features based on your preferences. For more information, click here.
Available on select 2020 and newer Toyota models, Remote Connect will allow you to complete specific remote vehicle commands from your smartphone, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant-enabled devices and smartwatches. Certain commands can also be completed via the vehicles’ key fob. Remote Connect is available on vehicles equipped with the following Connected Services by Toyota multimedia packages:
Audio Plus with Remote + Premium Audio with Remote
After you have successfully downloaded the Toyota app and enrolled in Connected Services, you’ll be able to access a variety of useful commands from the comfort of wherever you are.
To activate Remote Connect on your vehicle, select ‘Enter Authorization Code’ and the app will send a passcode to the email account you used for registration.
Once you have this passcode, enter it into the Remote Connect Authorization app which can be accessed in the menu on your vehicle’s display screen.
Provided your vehicle is in an area where there is reliable cellular service and your smartphone is located in an area with an internet connection, you can complete these commands:
Whenever you open the app, check the status of your vehicle’s doors, windows, as well as the vehicle’s current fuel level, odometer reading, and distance to empty. You can remotely start your vehicle to warm or cool the interior, based on the last climate-control settings your vehicle was programmed at before shutting off. The engine or hybrid system will run for up to 10 minutes or until any doors open or the engine is turned off remotely.
To complete the command, press and hold the Engine Start/Stop Button for one second until the red circle around the button starts spinning. After a few seconds, you’ll receive confirmation if the action was successful.
NOTE: The app does not replace the function of the key fob. You will not begin driving your vehicle without the fob.
On either side of the remote engine button, you’ll see a Lock and Unlock icon. To complete the command, simply press and hold the icon for one second – until the red circle around the button starts spinning. After a few seconds, you’ll receive confirmation that the action was successful. And if you unlock your Toyota remotely, the doors will automatically relock shortly after if no further action takes place.
The Last Parked Location feature makes finding your vehicle on the street or in a covered parking lot easier than ever. Using the map inside the app can help guide you to your vehicle’s last known parked location.
Are there other people driving your vehicle from time to time? Do you use valet services often? Rest assured knowing that you can set parameters on speed, curfew, kilometers driven, engine run time, and distance from a set location. If your parameters have been exceeded, the app will notify you by sending an alert.
Before you can start using any of these features, you’ll need to download the Toyota App and enroll in your Connected Toyota services.
Note: You must have an ACTIVE Remote Connect subscription to use any of its compatible technologies including the Toyota Skill for Amazon Alexa, the Toyota Action for Google Assistant, or smartwatch compatibility.
Before using Remote Connect be sure you are using it in a safe and compliant manner. For more information and to see if your vehicle is compatible, click here.
Available on 2020 and newer Toyota models, equipped with Remote Connect, Amazon Alexa will allow you to complete select remote vehicle commands from your Alexa built-in home device. To use these commands, you’ll need to be enrolled in Remote Connect. You will also need to have an Amazon account. Download the Alexa app and connect the Toyota Skill For Alexa to your Toyota app account.
A skill is like an app for Alexa. It has been created by Toyota and can be used to initiate certain remote functions on equipped vehicles. Follow these simple steps to get started.
STEP 1: Ensure your vehicle is equipped with Remote Connect and you have enrolled in the service.
STEP 2: Sign in to your Amazon account on amazon.ca or open the Alexa app. Search for and enable the Toyota skill. On the app, tap Menu, then skills. Here search for “Toyota” and then select and enable.
STEP 3: Once enabled, sign into the skill with your Toyota app login.
STEP 4: Select your vehicle, create and confirm a four-digit PIN and then select SAVE.
The PIN you created will be needed for commands that result in a remote action, like starting your vehicle and unlocking the doors. The PIN is not required to retrieve vehicle status information.
Provided your vehicle is in an area where there is reliable cellular service, and your Alexa built-in device with the Toyota skill is connected to the internet, you’ll be able to complete the following demands. With Amazon Alexa, you can remotely start and stop your engine as well as remotely lock and unlock your doors. It can also provide status updates by answering questions like “how many kilometres are on my car?” and “how much fuel do I have?” and more.
Before you use the Toyota Skill for Amazon Alexa be sure you are using it in a safe and compliant manner. For more information and to see if your vehicle is compatible, click here.
It looks like Edmonton is experiencing another cold spell with temperatures dropping below -40 celsius. For some of us, staying inside and hibernating is an option. But for most of us, life goes on which means you need to be able to depend on your vehicle.
So how do you protect your Toyota in extreme cold weather? We put together five helpful ways you can lessen the effect of winter weather on your vehicle and ease your mind on your frosty morning commute. If you have questions about your Toyota or need to book a service appointment, visit us online or call us today.
Cold weather can wreak havoc on your car battery, especially if it is particularly old (over three years). Before you chance it will survive another Edmonton cold spell, bring it to the team at Mayfield Toyota for a battery check-up. We can look for any weakness and even let you know what temperatures your battery is at its most vulnerable. We also make sure your terminals are clean in case you need a boost later.
While hiding indoors until the polar vortex is over might seem ideal, that also means your car is left sitting for long periods of time in the cold. We recommend starting your Toyota every so often and even taking it for a few trips around the block. Driving every day keeps that extreme cold at bay as the warm engine heats up your battery.
There are dozens of great reasons to keep your car gas tank full in the middle of winter. For us, the first is in case of an emergency. Driving on Alberta winter roads, whether it be the Toyota Tacoma or the Toyota Tundra, can be dangerous at the best of times. You might hit black ice traveling down the QE2 or worse yet, you could get into an accident and hit the ditch in the dead of night. The last thing you want to be worrying about is preserving fuel to stay warm.
Another reason to keep your gas tank full in cold weather is to minimize condensation which will help you avoid frozen fuel lines. As well, when there is more room in your tank (because there is less fuel) dirt particles can get trapped and block your fuel filter. This can lead to costly repairs down the road if ignored. The moral of the story? While it might suck pumping gas in -40 degree weather, it will save you a major headache down the road.
We recommend making an appointment and having your oil checked before the next cold snap hits Edmonton. As it gets colder, your oil gets thicker and it becomes difficult for your engine to pump and circulate it through. While this is not always a big issue for newer model vehicles that use synthetic oil, sometimes older models can have troubles. Regardless, the best practice is to ensure your oil is topped up and ready to go for when you need to make that hasty trip outdoors in the middle of winter.
While all our other recommendations are important, the best way to protect your Toyota in extreme cold weather temperatures is to get Toyota Comfort+, a new set of heating accessories designed for the Canadian driver.
The first component of Comfort+ is the Block Heater. Essentially, it warms your motor oil up when your vehicle is plugged in overnight. It also lubricates your engine so when you fire your Toyota up in the morning, it smooths out the start and reduces the fuel suck.
The second component of Comfort+ is the Cabin Warmer, a compact interior heating system that is a serious game-changer in the winter.
What does the Toyota cabin warmer do?
Did we mention this all happens without ever having to turn your Toyota ON? Talk about another great reason – the fuel savings alone are worth it!
The final component of Comfort+ is the Trickle Charger. It helps extend the life of your battery and keep it at its best charge level at all times, which can vary depending on the outdoor temperature.
The trickle charger comes with a sensor and system that determines how hot or cold it is outside and adjusts the battery accordingly. For those of us without a garage and have to park on the streets, this is an incredible feature that keeps your battery running, even when the temperature drops to frigid levels.
While we survived another week of arctic-like temperatures, knowing Edmonton weather, another cold snap is probably around the corner. If you are worried about your battery health or low oil levels, we recommend booking an appointment to see us at your earliest convenience. We can winterize your Toyota so you have peace of mind the next time the snowfalls.
If you want to level up, there is no doubt Toyota Comfort+ is the right decision for you. Not only does it work to keep your Toyota running smoothly during the winter months, but it also makes your comfort level a priority. Forget running out to start your vehicle in the frigid cold. Scraping the ice off your windshield is a thing of the past. Leave your house with a de-iced, de-fogged, and a toasty warm vehicle that starts up right away.
To learn more about Toyota Comfort+, feel free to speak to one of our knowledgeable parts experts or book a service appointment for your next service needs. Whatever you do, be sure to stay warm and safe out there. Double-check that your winter emergency kit has all the tools you need just in case disaster strikes and drive for the conditions. At Mayfield Toyota, your safety is our top concern.
Whether you’re a first-time car buyer or on your third vehicle, you want to make sure your money is being spent wisely. You want a vehicle within your budget and payments you can afford to make without leaving you broke each month. So how do you choose the right car loan?
Buying a new car is a large expense. Not quite as much as buying a house, but they both require a large sum of money. Most cars are not bought with cash upfront and neither are houses. People either apply for a loan for a car or a mortgage for a house. This allows you to borrow money and pay it back in installments with a percentage of interest added each month.
While it might seem daunting to borrow such a large sum of money, Toyota Canada has dozens of financing programs and options to help first-time car buyers and others get a great vehicle at an affordable rate. Curious about how financing a new car works? Want to understand the difference between financing a new car and leasing a new car? This post will help you understand both so you can make the most informed decision possible.
Unsure how financing a new vehicle works? We can explain everything! First off, most people choose the financing route if they want to end up owning their vehicle or they are using it for commercial reasons.
The first step to financing a vehicle is filling out an online credit application. Once we have your information (which we always keep 100% confidential) we work out the options available to you. If you are pre-approved, we can put together the specific payment details of your contract that work within your budget.
With the maximum financing term available being 84 months, your monthly payments can be made smaller over years. Or, if you prefer to pay off your loan quickly you can choose a shorter term with higher monthly payments. Putting a down payment on a vehicle or trading-in an existing vehicle are also ways you can lower your payments each month.
Once you have paid off your car loan in full, your Toyota is officially yours. So while some people can afford to own their vehicle outright from the beginning, most choose to take a loan and spread out their payments over time, and pay interest. With the right loan term and interest rate, buying a new Toyota becomes affordable for all budget scenarios.
Toyota is one of the most popular car brands in North America for a reason. In addition to having the most reliable and safety-first vehicles on the road, Toyota also offers enticing monthly financing offers that make buying a new car easier and more accessible for people with all types of budget concerns.
Additionally, because Toyota vehicles have incredibly high resale values and are dependable over time, Toyota owners eventually end up spending less over the years on pricey maintenance and can often sell their vehicle at a later date for more money than other used vehicle brands.
Need proof? Six Toyota vehicles took home the 2020 Canadian Black Book Awards for having a high resale value including the Corolla and Camry.
Remember when we compared financing a new car to buying a house? With a new house, you get a mortgage and when you finance a vehicle, you get a car loan.
Leasing is a little different and is more comparable to renting a house than buying one. Except with vehicle leasing, you pay for usage and vehicle depreciation.
When you finance a new Toyota, you own the vehicle after you have paid the contract in full. However, with leasing a car you either purchase the vehicle outright or return it to the dealership after your contract has ended.
So why do some people choose to lease over finance? Typically, if you like to always be driving a new vehicle and want lower monthly payments, leasing is a great option for you. If you want to own your vehicle after your contract is up and can handle slightly larger monthly payments, financing might be the better option for you.
The great thing is, you are not expected to understand everything right from the hop. Whether you want to buy a new vehicle with cash upfront or are having difficulties choosing between leasing and financing, our dedicated finance specialists are able to walk you through your options and help you make the right decision based on your budget.
Listen, we get it. Edmonton car dealerships and salesmen have a bad rap. Years of untrustworthy tactics and shady sales practices are to blame. Thankfully, we like to think differently around here. We’ve worked hard over the years to create an environment of trust and transparency.
That means after you have found a vehicle you love, our finance team sits down with you one-to-one and pours over your options. That means breaking down a payment structure with your budget in mind and providing you with a list of all your possible options. So you can buy a new vehicle knowing you spent your money wisely.
Shopping for a new Toyota in Edmonton and need help with a car loan? Talk to our team today! We have experience working with all credit types including bad credit and no credit situations. Fill out our online credit application or book an appointment today and let us help you get into a new car!
Every Alberta driver knows just how difficult winter road conditions can get. Almost 30% of car accidents in Canada happen on snow covered or icy roads. A 2018 study found a 3.1 to 4.7 percent increase in the rise of vehicle accidents in December and January, as well as a 49 percent increase in insurance claims.
The simple truth is driving in Canada during the winter takes some skill. Luckily, there are steps every driver can take to ensure their commutes stay safe this winter season. Making small changes to your regular driving habits and arming yourself with the right tools on the road can lead to an accident-less and stress-free experience this winter.
It might seem like common sense, but slowing down all parts of your drive is essential during the winter months. This means more than just driving slowly. Acceleration and braking must also be slowed during the winter time. Trying to accelerate quickly on ice will cause your tires to skid. Meanwhile, slamming on your brakes on a patch of ice will cause you to slide out of control.
You also want to increase the distance in between you and the vehicle in front of you in the winter. Most experts recommend adding another six seconds of stopping time to your following distance. This will also keep you from having to pump the brakes quickly which is never smart on ice.
Another winter driving situation where caution prevails, is on a hill. Pressing hard on the gas pedal on a hill almost always leads to spinning wheels, especially if there is ice involved. Exercise a soft touch when it comes to accelerating down a hill and be sure to leave yourself lots of time between you and the bottom.
You knew we were going to suggest it. But if you drive in Alberta without winter tires, you are asking for trouble. Especially once the temperature drops below seven degrees Celsius. The rubber that winter tires are made out of become much softer when the temperature drops, allowing it to grip and hold the road better.
On your journey to preparedness, you can go much further than winter tires. Make a list of things you might need in an emergency situation and keep a box with those items in your trunk. Things like jumper cables, a flashlight, windshield wiper fluid, water, gloves, and a blanket might all come in handy if you get stuck on the side of the road.
Pro Tip: Always keep your fuel tank above half empty during the winter months. If you hit the ditch and need to keep the heat running, you want to know you have lots of time to spare before help arrives.
For most of us, the casual “almost there” text actually gets sent before we have even left the house. But leaving things to the last minute can cause serious problems, especially during the colder months. We recommend leaving the house 15 minutes before you usually do. This gives you plenty of time to drive slowly and exercise caution on the roads.
Anything goes during an Alberta winter. Sometimes we find ourselves delayed because of an accident. Other times, a patch of highway is covered in black ice and we have to half the speed limit in order to get across. The more time you leave yourself, the clearer your head is and the more comfortable you feel taking your time.
Sometimes you can do everything right and still hit the ditch. If this happens to you this winter, the most important thing is try and mitigate the dangers and stay warm. If you have emergency lights or flares handy, be sure to use them. Making sure you are visible to other drivers is paramount.
Whatever you do, be sure to not leave your vehicle. You can lose sight of where you left it or in other cases, become too cold and have to turn back. Stay inside your vehicle where it is warm and you are protected from the elements.
Get ahead this winter and be sure your vehicle is ready for the temperature drop. Book an appointment with our service team so we can winterize your vehicle. That means making sure your winter tires are on, fluids are filled up, battery is strong and your engine is in working condition for the coldest parts of the season!
