#WashUpWednesday: The Real Cost of Procrastination

 

 

DON'T wait for a coat of grime to build up before you decide to wash your car.  We're not saying the layer of dead bugs, bird droppings, and other random dirt from the air looks bad, but... actually, wait.  Yes.  Yes, that is precisely what we’re saying. 

 

DO clean up your act.  Aesthetics aside, the film of nastiness that accumulates on your vehicle can mess up your paint.  Since it’s full of random chemicals and other toxins, preventative maintenance is key.  Leaving it to settle on your car’s exterior for too long is basically waving goodbye to the paint job.   You'll need sanding and repainting to correct the damage—kind of an expensive mistake to make, don’t you think?

 

If reading this didn’t change your mind about keeping your car clean and you still just don’t feel like it, give us a call!  We’d be happy to take care of it for you.

Annoying driving habits: Are you your own worst enemy?

Think of the worst driver you know.  What is it exactly that makes them “bad” at driving?  This recent survey shows that sometimes what’s annoying actually IS unsafe!  Are you guilty of any of these?

The most annoying driving habits are:

1. Following others too closely: 14 percent
2. Driving too fast: 13 percent
3. Driving too slowly: 10 percent
4. Cutting off other drivers: 8 percent
5. Talking on cellphone while driving: 7 percent
6. Merging too slowly onto the highway: 6 percent
7. Getting lost: 6 percent
8. Taking inconvenient and/or long routes: 6 percent
9. Fiddling with radio/CD player: 6 percent
10. Failing to stay in their lane: 6 percent
11. Not signaling: 5 percent
12. Taking turns sharply: 5 percent
13. Looking at passengers while talking: 4 percent
14. Braking at green lights: 4 percent

Don't let squirrels drive you nuts this spring-- 3 easy tips!

The puffy cheeks and goofy chompers make squirrels cute when it comes to cartoons and movies, but we know you better than that!  You’re too clever to fall for their attempts at schmoozing!  If you live in this area, you know that squirrels can pose a serious threat to your car!  Here are a few tricks to have in your arsenal in the event of a bright-eyed bushy-tailed attack.

-If it is safe to do so, leave the hood of your car open during the day.  This makes your car less of an ideal place to nest.  You can close it again at night—like us, squirrels are not active during the nighttime.

-You park in a garage, so you’re covered… right?  Not quite--keep in mind that squirrels can squeeze into spaces as small as two inches wide.  Make sure to block any openings proactively, throughout the season, so you don’t create a larger problem for yourself later.

-Squirrels want to be in your car for more than just nesting purposes—they want to get their teeth on some wires!  Put a bad taste in their mouth with bitter apple spray or another similar spray (found at pet supply stores). 

Remember, if in doubt about how to prevent or deal with car damage due to squirrels, give us a call!  We’d be happy to help you.

DOs & DONTs of Spring Break travel: Keeping your home safe while you’re away

If you’re anything like us, you have had it with this brutal winter.  You probably can’t wait to load up the car and head for a warmer destination, right?  Whether you’re lucky enough to have a spring break or you’re just planning a little getaway to a sunny spot, remember that safety is key.  If you want to return to a house that looks exactly the way you left it, follow these tips:

DO:

Put automatic timer on lights.  You might even want to leave a radio on (preferably a talk radio show) so it sounds like there is someone in your house.

Make a record of the serial numbers for your valuable items and take the list with you, store it in your safe deposit box or send the information to your personal email account.

Make sure your friends and relatives know where you will be vacationing. Call friends or family members to let them know that you have arrived and returned safely.

DO NOT:

Hide your house keys in a mailbox, under a doormat or planter or anywhere outside.

If you are leaving a vehicle at home, do not leave your garage door opener in your vehicle.

Advertise your plans to strangers or on social media outlets.

Why the Encore makes it easer to brave the bitter cold

So, you survived the winter!   If you were driving a 2014 Buick Encore, we can't say we're surprised.  If you were lucky enough to be behind the wheel of an elegant Encore this winter, you  had the upper hand among other drivers for a variety of reasons.  Here are some of the main advantages you experienced:

-Big things come in small packages.   The 2014 Encore's smaller size means it takes less time to get warmed up inside--so it's ready to go when you are.

-At the push of a button. Remote start also assists with warming things up!  You stay inside and sip your coffee; let Buick worry about the rest.

-Wave goodbye to that ice, ice, baby.  If things are sizzlin' inside, your windshield is much easier to clear of ice and snow. 

-Size really does matter.  The 2014 Encore's size also makes it compact and easier to park so you can get out and get on with your day quickly.

-Eyes on the road.  Don't forget about the Encore's excellent handling and convenient blind-spot monitoring system to keep you AND those around you safe.


How did YOU survive winter?  We want you to share with us!  Be sure to join the conversation on our Twitter page.

Who can guess what year these gas prices are from?

Check out these gas prices!

Who can take a guess what year this photo was taken?

Scroll down to find out the answer!




















This photo was taken....









In...

1998!

Visit us at Addison on Erin Mills to see our inventory and to set up a test drive!

The History of the Christmas Stocking

Back in the day, children in the United States and England, would hang stockings near a fireplace or on their bedpost on Christmas Eve, hoping that it will be filled with toys when they wake up. In Scandinavia, children leave their shoes on the hearth instead of hanging stockings on Christmas Eve. These traditions can be traced back to one story about St. Nicholas, who in order to save three poor sisters from being sold into slaver by their father, paid their dowry. St. Nick left each of the sisters cold coins. The legend goes, that one coin went down the chimney and landed in a pair of shoes left on the hearth. One went through a window into a pair of stockings left hanging to dry by the fire.