While we all think we can drive better in the snow than the next guy, it may be time to pop in to the dealership and get prepared for the snow that’s on the way!

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!

Filed under: Brakes, Ford, ICBC, Interesting, Nanaimo, Parts, Service, Specials, Tires, Video, Windshield on January 17th, 2012
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BUT 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.

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.

Filed under: Interesting, Service, Tires on November 22nd, 2011
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We’ve found a use for that jar of pennies in your kitchen! Just joking… but a penny is a great consistent way to “just check” your tires for 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!!

Filed under: Interesting, Maintenance, Safety, Tires on October 29th, 2011
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Tires are a vehicle’s most important safety feature

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!!

Filed under: Ford, Good News, Nanaimo, Parts, Service, Tires on October 20th, 2011
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What should you be looking for when inspecting tires?

• 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.

Filed under: Events, Ford, Parts, Service, Tires on October 15th, 2011
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