Chains and snow tires will help (we have both in stock 250-758-7742). We also carry salt for your walk ways and stairs, winter windshield washer fluid, and every kind of windshield wiper needed. Drive safe Nanaimo.

PS. Chains will only work if you put them on the driving tires. Front Wheel Drive cars, like the Toyota Camry in the video, does not get chains on the rear tires!

Consumers should remember that fuel economy is dependant on proper air pressure. Monitoring air pressure regularly, and using proper inflation pressures as directed by the vehicle owner’s manual, is the best route to ensure maximum fuel economy and maximum tire life.

Remember, regardless of temperature, tires lose between 1-2 psi per month. In addition, for every 7 degrees Celsius drop in temperature, a tire will lose another pound of pressure. So a tire left unchecked from the time it was filled in warm June to 35 psi, is down 12psi in cooler November. That under inflation is going to hurt fuel economy, traction, and increase tire wear.

Tread depth is typically measured in 1/32″ increments. Using a recent Canadian penny (the Queen is not wearing a crown) you can quickly and easily check the tread depth yourself.

With the Queen facing you, insert the penny into the tread hair first. Repeat this by placing the coin into several treads across the tire from each side and the middle. Take the lowest reading as the overall tread depth.

The top of her head is approximately 4/32″ of tread depth. If you can see her entire head it is time to find some new Tires!

Quick and Easy!!

Ready to start shopping for tires? Good timing, cause our parts department is selling tires at 99¢ over cost!

For those of us with Quarters jangling in our pockets, the same measurement can be taken using the the moose head (does he have a name?) put him in the tread nose first and if you can see his muzzle it’s time to start looking for new tires!!

The engine and brakes of a vehicle work directly through the tires. Even the most advanced traction and stability control systems are limited by the tire’s ability to hold the road. If a consumer has tires that are worn, under inflated, or not suited to the environment, they put themselves, their vehicle, and others at risk.

Check out how to get the most value and safety from your tires here.

Name Brand tires including Goodyear, Continental, Michelin and tonnes more safe and economical snow or all season tires are all sold here!

If by some chance someone else has a lower price, bring in a their current advertisement on the same tire… and our Parts and Service team will match or beat the price. — Among the list of 10 Reasons to Service at your Ford Store.

Talk about Price Guarantee on all brand of Tires!!! Plus free storage for your Winter and Summer tires during the Nanaimo seasons.

Snow Tires

Snow tires provide ultra grip in those icy conditions. Including that “corner” bridge on the Parkway by College Drive that ices all the time.

How do Snow tires Grip?

To start with they are engineneered differently. Good snow tires look almost like a performance tire, with small close together tread squares and wedge shaped gaps between tread blocks, helping to keep the snow out of the tire grooves. Snow tires are made of a softer rubber compound, softer rubber allows it to cling to ice in the winter when the rubber is cold. Lastly snow tires are deisgned with “siping”. Siping are thousands of tiny cuts made in several direction on the tire that provide thousands of tiny bits (ironic?) of grip going straight and around corners.

How does the regular Joe know they’re looking at a TRUE Snow Tire?

The Rubber Association of Canada has developed a set of performance standards for Severe winter tires and an Icon of either a Snowflake or a Mountain will identify an approved Snow Tire.

All Season Tires

All season tires are cost effective and could provide you with great versatility year round. Including the hot sticky and cold rainy seasons.

They’ll provide you with tires all year long.

What do they mean by All Season?

All Season is just how it sounds. These tires will provide adequate traction on wet and dry road conditions. They will work best during the average condition of all seasons!

They are not engineered specifically for any season or speed. But will work great in minimal rain, even less snow, and maybe a bit of cold. I wouldn’t recommend driving in a snowstorm or when the roads are flooding.

Mainly picture a cozy fall day with the Maple tree leaves still dry enough to rake and jump in…and that sweater grandma knitted you is enough to keep warm. This is the time that all season will provide value.

Here on Vancouver Island, where we don’t normally get to frolic in dry leaves, All Season tires will provide a safe ride at a value you can’t beat for 10 months of the year. Three and a half Seasons for All Season Tires in Nanaimo!!

• You’re looking for signs of uneven wear, both on the tread as well as the sidewall.
• You should complete visual inspections at least once a month to insure safety and drivability of tires.
• You should have your tread depth checked & tires that are under 3/32 should be replaced.

When should I rotate my tires?

• Recommended rotations should be every 8000km (4900miles)

Why should I rotate my tires?

• Its critical to be done in order to insure the extended life of your tires and comply with manufacturer warranty

In Nanaimo, Tires are important not only for traction on the wet Nanaimo roads, proper tires are vital when it snows on Vancouver Island. You want your vehicle to be able to have traction in the rain, slush and ice!

The engine and brakes of a vehicle work directly through the tires. Even the most advanced traction and stability control systems are limited by the tire’s ability to hold the road. If a consumer has tires that are worn, under inflated, or not suited to the environment, they put themselves, their vehicle, and others at risk.

We sell tires for all makes and models, not just Ford and Lincolns any vehicle in Nanaimo can be outfitted with Tires in our shop. Call Kevin, Mitch or Ken 250-758-7742 today to get your tires.

Tires purchases include National Warranty Coverage and a free Multipoint inspection while installed in our shop. Installation costs are $20 Mount & Balance per tire plus, of course, the taxes and enviro fees.

• Recommended tire pressure is clearly marked on the serial plate on the car or truck door; however, each vehicle is different.(i.e. 40psi)

Why is proper tire inflation crucial?

• It provides efficiency and safety while driving
• Insures that there is no overheating of the tires
• On average the life of your tires will be greater
• You will get optimal fuel mileage as well as the handling of your vehicle will be at its highest
• Accurate tire pressure is important to insure the ability of minimum payloads and tow capacities.

38% of all vehicles have at least one Tire under inflated

Consumers should remember that fuel economy is dependant on proper air pressure. Monitoring air pressure regularly, and using proper inflation pressures as directed by the vehicle owner’s manual, is the best route to ensure maximum fuel economy and maximum tire life.

Regardless of Vancouver Island temperature, tires lose between 1-2 psi per month. In addition, for every 7 degrees Celsius drop in temperature, a tire will lose another pound of pressure. So a tire left unchecked from the time it was filled in warm June to 35 psi, is down 12psi in cooler November. That under inflation is going to hurt fuel economy, traction, and increase tire wear.

In Nanaimo, Tires are important not only for traction on the wet Nanaimo roads, proper tires are vital when it snows on Vancouver Island. You want your vehicle to be able to have traction in the rain, slush and ice!

The engine and brakes of a vehicle work directly through the tires. Even the most advanced traction and stability control systems are limited by the tire’s ability to hold the road. If a consumer has tires that are worn, under inflated, or not suited to the environment, they put themselves, their vehicle, and others at risk.

We sell tires for all makes and models, not just Ford and Lincolns any vehicle in Nanaimo can be outfitted with Tires in our shop. Call Kevin, Mitch or Ken 250-758-7742 today to get your tires.

Tires purchases include National Warranty Coverage and a free Multipoint inspection while installed in our shop. Installation costs are $20 Mount & Balance per tire plus, of course, the taxes and enviro fees.

The engine and brakes of a vehicle work directly through the tires. Even the most advanced traction and stability control systems are limited by the tire’s ability to hold the road. If a consumer has tires that are worn, under inflated, or not suited to the environment, they put themselves, their vehicle, and others at risk.

Learn about the differences between All Season and Snow tires here.

Tire Safety

Tires are more important than you thought. Drivers rarely give tires a second thought, but choosing the right tire can be the difference between and a near miss and an accident. Getting the right tire for a vehicle starts with finding a knowledgeable new or used car dealer. One who can help you select the tire best for the intended use. Steve Marshall Ford’s Parts Department is knowledgeable and can find the perfect tire for your driving habits and vehicle, and also point out the pros and cons of each tire brand. There is a right tire for everyone, and it is our job to find the right tire for you.

For some consumers, the choice between tires comes down to price and availability or a decision based on appearance and reputation. When depending upon our Parts Department Staff you can learn how to purchase tires based on safety, quietness, road holding ability, and wear. Regardless of tire choice, it is necessary to understand why tires are so important.

Tires are a vehicle’s only contact with the road. Even the brawniest engine, strongest brakes, or most advanced antiskid system, is at the mercy of the tire’s grip on the road. Every move a driver makes with the steering wheel or brake or gas pedal is transmitted to the road through the four post-it note-sized contact patches of the tires. Selecting the right tires for your driving needs is as important as selecting the right vehicle. Tires that are worn won’t be able to displace enough water to prevent hydroplaning. Performance tires won’t be able to get much grip in snow. All-season tires can’t manage the heat creased in high-speed driving. Passenger-car tires might not be able to carry the heavy load found in a contractor’s pickup.

Think about it.

Four tires would take up a space of over 2 feet by 3 feet. That’s a lot of area.

You can do it.

If you’d like to store your own winter tires start with a dry dark  area, avoid a cold garage or shed where moisture can be an issue. Environmental emissions are a large enemy so avoid storing your seasonal tires near electric motors such as a furnace, welders or pumps.

Clean your tires and make sure any moisture is removed. Place each in a tire storage bag. Even oxegyn is detrimental to tires, be sure the bags are air tight!

While we are trying to get as much drive time with our tires we do not want to sacrifice safety. Once a tire passes the age of six years even if there are no visual signs of deterioration, the problem may be where you cannot see it.

If you have any questions about tires, seasonal, winter or summer tires be sure to give our tire specialists in the Parts Department a call at 250-758-7742.

This means that you can visit our service department directly to have your glass or windshield repaired or replaced without ever having to do the Windshield Dial a Claim with ICBC.

It’s so easy! If you have Comprehensive coverage, you can just visit us directly to get your windshield or other auto glass replaced or repaired. ICBC Glass Express shops meet industry-leading standards for quality work and customer service. You can count on them to safely repair or replace your auto glass.

Click here to book an appointment with our service department online.

ICBC Glass or Windshield Claim website

So what happens? Gasoline is what happens!

Gasoline is a hydrocarbon fuel and when a hydrocarbon fuel is burned, one of the by products is carbon. Carbon deposits form on the combustion chamber walls, the back of the exhaust valves and on top of the piston crown. The throttle body and plenum are also effected. All this is not good for the vehicle or it’s owner.

The deposits rob a vehicle of its performance, but more importantly of its fuel economy. By removing these deposits, your vehicle will perform and run like new. Fuel economy will be restored.

(Left to Right) Before and after of both the Piston Crown and the Intake Valve.

The human body and the engine in your car have a lot in common. Both need air to operate properly.

When the Throttle Body (nostrils) of the vehicle, the Plenum (sinus) or the Combustion Chamber (lungs) are congested from fuel related deposits, the engine does not operate properly. Performance is compromised. Fuel efficiency decreases and exhaust emissions increase.

Our Fuel System Cleaning Service cleans the respiratory system of your vehicle. Restores the performance, reduces exhaust emissions, but more importantly, helps maintain the fuel economy your vehicle was designed to get. Book an appointment online or call our service appointment desk at 250-758-7388.

“I’m so glad I did ACE-IT instead of just regular grade 12 – I’m doing something I love,” she says. “I wanted to come to school every day.” In grade 10, Victoria participated in a trades co-op program, earning credits by completing a three-week work placement at Steve Marshall Ford, changing oil and learning what she could from the veteran mechanics in the shop.

Ann Marie Ebdrup has put together a team of leaders that have taken on both a sense of ownership and sense of family at one of the most reputable dealerships in the country. From the technicians in the garage to the sales representatives on the floor, her crew has made a name for themselves in an industry that has struggled during the world’s greatest recession in decades.

Ford Motor Company of Canada was the only company to see positive sales in the past few years, while GM and Chrysler were forced into bankruptcy protection. Ford Motor Company continued its climb this year and has fared better than most with its best September
sales since 1978, jumping a whopping 63.7%. August was similar with sales reaching highs not seeen since 1990, keeping the company in the leading sales spot in the country. Analysts speculate that Ford could overtake General Motors in the Canadian sales race for the first time in 2010.

Ford’s financial stability stems from the financial foresight and the steps taken by senior management, under the direction of chairman Alan Mulally, more than four years ago. But the reputation of the company as one of the leading automotive dealers in the country, comes largely from the faces at the door.

“All you need is good people. The car industry has had such a bad reputation in recent years, but with a team like ours, the customers can’t go wrong by walking in here,” said Ebdrup.

Steve Marshall Ford in Nanaimo has gone through some changes in the past few months and those improvements have created a family environment that cannot be beat by any of the competitors.

There’s a simple philosophy behind many of the changes. Instead of managers running their departments from a topdown approach, Ebdrup has created leadership positions.

The concept came from Dale Griffis, or “Doogie” as he is more affectionately known around the shop. He introduced the idea of having leaders set examples for all staff. Ebdrup embraced the idea and so, rather than becoming the sales manager, Griffis now has
an elaborate business card that identifies him as a sales leader.

“I just loved the idea right away, so we ran with it,” Ebdrup said. “It makes so much sense because we want to continue our reputation as leaders in the industry and I want our team to lead our crew. Instead of managers telling people what to do, I have
mentors for people to look up to.”

The changes made in the past few months have fostered a family atmosphere at Steve Marshall Ford. This sense of ownership becomes clear as soon as people walk in the door.

Customers don’t feel like they are talking to a sales person at Steve Marshall Ford. It feels like you’re talking to a friend or a family member, who are looking to get you in the best vehicle for your needs and for the best price, Ebdrup explained.

Every month, her leaders, who consider themselves family, get together for an evening of food and celebration. The tight crew has truly bonded in the past few months in ways never seen before.

But the family concept has been around the shop for years. Some of the team leaders started out in the garage cleaning cars. They
have grown into new positions and their experience and familiarity with Ebdrup’s philosophies make them the perfect mentors for any of the newcomers.

The family approach to her business comes from her personal experience. Ebdrup has been in the industry her entire life. She was
practically raised in her father’s dealership in Campbell River. At age nine, she was working the switchboard and regularly graduating
to new responsibilities.

Eventually, in 2000, she had the offer to take over the Nanaimo dealership, which her father bought in 1997. It was the best option for her. Growing up in Campbell River, she wasn’t comfortable running a dealership where everyone knew her connection to the owner.
She may be daddy’s girl at home, but she is far from the boss’ daughter around the dealership.

“Hello Mr. Marshall,” she said answering the telephone. This professional salutation was an idea her father came up with when she first joined the family business. It was agreed, from the start, she would never refer to him as Dad at work.

Depending on what they are talking about, Ebdrup switches from “Mr. Marshall” to “Dad,” depending on the topic of conversation and whether it’s personal or business related.

This family/business dynamic shines through in her approach to running her own dealership. Her staff are an extended family. They collectively critique each other, making suggestions about how to improve the overall service in the shop.

With a sales team eager to help, backed by some of the best overall quality vehicles on the market, it’s no wonder why more buyers are turning to Steve Marshall for their cars, trucks and SUVs. In Nanaimo, Ebdrup is confident she has the best team on the ground. It’s a team she can trust.

Order yours today! Tire Order Form Link

Once my rear tire was pulled off, my rear brakes were checked. The cover comes off first, you can see it below my truck on the hoist. Then the technician starts to shine lights and check these little boot things (where he’s pointing is a rubberish boot) for leaks! Free of leaks, he moves on.

He wiggled, jostled and shone more lights and all around made me feel like my rear brakes were thoroughly tested and very safe before giving them the “All Good”.

Then my front tires were moved to where the rear tires were, almost done this tire rotation and repair, and my front brakes were accessible for their check up.

Uh oh!

I tried taking a picture of how little pad I had left, but I’m not sure if you can see it. See that little 2mm indent between the holding cage? That’s bad. On the inspection sheet I got a “Yellow-Red” and a recommendation to get them repaired, as soon as possible.

I can only imagine the bad things that could happen if I couldn’t stop.

The tire rotation continued including balancing of the tires that needed repairs and all my tires had new spots on my truck!

Want to check out more about my tire repairs?

Are you ready to book your service? Is there anything else you’d like to see done in our shop?

We were in for an excellent surprise, the best and safest way to repair a puncture is with a patch plug.

We used 3 tire specific machines: one that deflated my tire while breaking the rim seal, one that removed my tire from the rim and one that balanced my tire with lasers!

LASERS!

The first step was to get my truck on the hoist and put the tire block on so the tires can spin freely, so we can find the hole. To make it easy to find the puncture we grabbed this solution and sprayed the tires. Starting with the valve stem and then the side walls and then finally the tread. I was lucky with where my tire puncture was, very repairable. If it is on the corner between sidewall and tread, not so repairable. See where the bubbles are, if it had been a little bit more to the left, NO repair!!

I then got a mini lesson in independent suspension and the reason for tire rotation. My front tires were “cupping” you couldn’t see it but when you rubbed your hand on the tire you could feel that the tread was tall then short on each tread…caused by not rotating the tires, and not rotating tires causes them to wear much faster.

Once we located the tires that needed repairs, and our lesson on rotation was over, we started to remove and rotate! My rear tires both had punctures so they both came off, then we started the brake checks and completing of the rotation!

See my brake’s being checked over here!

Now we start the fun part of the tire repair, the machines!! Did I mention the lasers?

The machine we first used was this amazing beast that broke the seal of rim to tire with a loud POP! and let out all the air, FAST! The second machine removed the tire from the rim using that little arm thing (see the first picture above) ran it’s way around the edge of the tire until the top was off the rim, then onto the bottom lip. Quick and easy.

(That third picture is just a gratuitous tool shot.)

Now we get to take the rimless tire to it’s “holder” and fix it. First the technician works at getting that nasty giant staple (click the picture to see it up close) out, then he drills a perfect hole for the plug to go in, then grinds the tire to make sure there are no burrs that could make the patch not stick.

Here is the “plug patch”. It gets covered in some glue and put into the hole, pulled out the other side and then burnished from inside of the tire so it sticks. Then we paint the inside of the tire and the patch with some serious tar looking goop.

Almost done with the repair, we trim the length of the plug and we are ready to put the tire back on the rim and back on the truck.

To make it easy to put the tire back on the rim Warren painted it with this slimy stuff from a bucket, it looked like salted lard. Started up the machine that rolled around the rim of the tire before, it now put the tire back on the rim! The valve stem got replaced, just a tiny little piece that got screwed in before we filled the tire up with air!

To the LASER MACHINE!

I was told that it’s a balancing machine (laser’s only got mentioned once). The balancer, with it’s lasers, spins the tire and calculates how thick each area of the tire is, finds any abnormalities and then tells you how much additional weight is needed on the tire to give you a super smooth ride. Once the weights are on the machine spins the tire a little bit and gives you to green arrows indicating each side is balanced! It was truly amazing, I wouldn’t mind seeing it again.

Then my tires were all put back on my truck after the technician finished up my repair, tire rotation and brake inspection plus a Multi Point Inspection… Turns out my oil was low!!

Is there anything else you’d like to see our shop do?

No other competitor can equal this offer!

• 100 months, unlimited mileage, warranty
• Free Replacement for the first 36 months

The BEST Automotive Batteries Available

• State of the art technology enhances battery longevity and reduces charging time!
• Original equipment premium quality replacement!
• In addition, should the battery fail:
  You will receive FREE towing and labor for the FULL 100 months!

This truly is an amazing industry leading warranty!
Why are we so confident?

• WE have the absolute best service department and,
• We are about to prove it with this offer.
• Put our installation team to the test for 100 months, unlimited mileage!
• Start your order online!

This offer is only good for the first 100 installations or an anticipated 15 days! That’s it……no fine print, no fancy this or that…just a great offer for those …….who get it!

Starts June 15….ends June 30! Start your order online!

Plus, the very first person to take advantage of this great battery deal will receive 50% off a Complete Detail from Autosmile!

Implementing small changes, drivers could save up to $538 a year or $6,610 in the lifetime of their vehicle. In any economy, every penny counts. That’s why it’s important to get the facts.

Debunking a few of the most popular maintenance myths, including the following:

• MYTH: Cars need oil changes every three months or 5,000 kilometers.
  False: That used to be true, but not with newer cars. Because of synthetic oils that don’t break down as quickly, consumers actually don’t need oil changes as often – more like every 7,000 to 10,000 kilometers. (There may be two recommendations for oil-change intervals: one for normal driving and one for hard use. Check your maintenance guide to be sure.)

  SAVE: Either way, there’s a considerable savings here: Let’s say you’re an average consumer who drives 20,000 kilometers a year, which means you would need about four oil changes a year under the old formula. With the new extended mileage, consumers need only about two oil changes a year, cutting their bill for oil changes in half – you could pocket upward of $50 a year or $650 in the lifetime of your car and do something to help the environment by saving oil.

Whatever your towing need is, there is a Ford vehicle to fill it. With many years of RV and towing experience, Ford has earned a reputation for providing quality and reliable RV products.

The Towing Guides are designed to provide helpful information about towing with Ford. For additional towing information pertaining to your Ford vehicle, refer to the vehicle’s Owner Manual.

The Owner’s Manuals are also available online!

Now you can get all the information you need from the very important Manual right at your computer, including setting your clock (it’s almost fall), programming your radio stations, towing and hauling capacities, and your service maintenance schedule!

“I’m really proud to be a Ford dealer. Under the guidance of Chairman Alan Mulally, the company has not only secured financial stability, it has continued to maintain and improve overall quality and bring forward great new models. We have perhaps the best model lineup of any company right now with award winning passenger cars, SUVs and trucks that meet customer needs. At Steve Marshall Ford, we did notice a slowdown earlier in the year but we have such a loyal owner base that we weathered the worst of it. We are seeing many more positives now. In fact I have to hire more sales staff, technicians and parts people.”

The Ford Motor Company led June sales in North America, pulling ahead of Honda, Toyota, General Motors and Chrysler. While the competition is still looking for a rebound, Ford is gathering momentum month by month and increasing market share in the process. While current models like the Fusion, Flex and the F-150 pickup are driving the surge in sales, there is a quiet confidence building in expectation of some exciting new models in the wings. The European designed Ford Fiesta, a stylish compact with exceptional fuel efficiency, is the first of Ford’s global family of small cars. It will be joined next year, by the slightly larger “next generation” Focus – also designed in Europe – to meet the needs of a market that is increasingly concerned about the cost of fuel and emissions levels.

Ann Marie is the third generation of Marshalls in the car business. She grew up in her father Steve’s dealership, in Campbell River washing cars when she was very young, helping in the office on school holidays and generally getting her hands dirty learning every aspect of the business. It was vital experience that prepared her for her success as a business owner in her own right.

In what is essentially a man’s business, Ann Marie is the exception to the rule and as the only woman Dealer Principal in Nanaimo, she brings a unique perspective to the business. “Quite early on I realized the car business isn’t really about cars, it’s about people…and I love people. I don’t pretend to know all the details of every Ford vehicle – I have great guys and gals who do know that – but I love the interaction with our customers.”

“Buying a car, having it serviced or repaired are stressful moments in a person’s life. But they don’t have to be. The whole team here is committed to making people feel comfortable whatever their needs are. It’s all about fairness and respect. It’s about treating every customer the way you would want to be treated. After all we don’t want to sell you a car. We want to sell you one today, but then we want to sell your sons and daughters, your friends and your neighbours. And if we treat you well, what goes around comes around.”

The philosophy works. Steve Marshall Ford is one of the top performing dealerships in Canada with a reputation for integrity and fairness second to none. The people who work at Steve Marshall Ford feel they are part of a family and every customer who comes through the doors automatically becomes a part of that family too. As Ann Marie says: “We only have one life to live and it should be fun. If we can do something a little different to make customers feel at home and bring a little fun into the process, then we have done our job.”